Historic 4th Avenue has been at the heart of Downtown Tucson’s retail and cultural scene. For over 100 years, 4th Ave has been this community’s eclectic arts and entertainment focus. Recently, Western American Investments, LLC and a related entity, WTF Land Holdings, LLC acquired fully occupied retail properties at 545–561 N. 4th Avenue (for $805,000) and 400–404 N. 4th Avenue (for $1,050,000). Both buildings sit in the center of Historic 4th Avenue, known for its walkability, exciting tenant mix, and year-round events.
Fourth Avenue is a district that has always leaned into Tucson’s artsy culture. The avenue’s mix of long-standing tenants and new concepts is a big part of what keeps the area relevant for both locals and visitors. At 545–561 N. 4th, you’ll find:
- Luna Ink & Oddities: A tattoo and oddity shop offering high-quality custom tattoos alongside a collection of curiosities and plants.
- Martin’s: A staple for Mexican food that draws a loyal following from both locals and tourists. Martin’s has been a 4th Avenue fixture for years, serving up a menu that keeps regulars coming back.
- 4th Ave Barbers: Owned and operated by Andy Zuniga, this barbershop has been a tenant since 2017 and is known for its consistently strong reviews and reputation as a go-to spot for haircuts on 4th Avenue.
- Prickly Posies: A flower shop offering an eclectic mix of dried flower arrangements, gift boxes, wreaths, clothing, and creative workshops. Prickly Posies brings color and creativity to 4th Ave.
- La Iguana Art Gallery: Specializing in handmade and imported art, with a focus on Mexican folk pieces, La Iguana Art Gallery features custom-made art, home accessories, and one-of-a-kind items.
The tenant mix at 400–404 N. 4th Ave is equally representative of the avenue’s eccentric character. Here you will find:
- Bawker Bawker Cider House: Tucson’s first and only cidery, Bawker Bawker opened in 2020 and quickly became a local favorite. With a spacious, pet-friendly patio and a rotating menu of traditionally crafted ciders, their drinks can also be found at a variety of Tucson restaurants, breweries, and liquor stores.
- Forever Tipsy: This collaboration between Forever Vibe (permanent jewelry) and Tipsy Picassos (art classes) brings together art, fashion, and hands-on experiences in one creative space. Forever Tipsy offers a unique mix of jewelry, art classes, and special events—true experience retail that brings people in for more than just shopping.
- Generation Cool: Operated by Robert Hall—better known as Slobby Robby from Netflix’s “Slobby’s World”—Generation Cool is a destination for vintage 80s and 90s pop culture and sports collectibles. With another location in Las Vegas, this shop draws collectors and fans from across the region, offering a rare inventory of memorabilia.
Fourth Avenue is a big part of Tucson’s economy, thanks in large part to its year-round events. The biannual Fourth Avenue Street Fair remains a major draw, attracting over 540,000 visitors in 2024 and generating $110–120 million total annual economic impact. The fair, now a 50-year tradition, transforms the corridor into a showcase for artists, makers, musicians, and food vendors from across the country. Beyond the Street Fair, the district hosts art walks, live music, and seasonal events, all of which contribute to steady foot traffic and strong retail performance year-round.
Within a five-mile radius, retail expenditure is $5.02 billion, and the daytime population exceeds 150,000, mainly supported by the University of Arizona. The Sun Link streetcar continues to connect Fourth Avenue to downtown, the university, and Mercado San Agustín, supporting both local business and tourism.
545–561 N. 4th was designed by Josias Joesler, whose work helped define Tucson’s early and mid-century design aesthetic. While these buildings add to 4th Avenue’s charm, it’s the people and businesses that keep the district thriving. These two transactions reflect sustained demand for well-located, fully leased retail in Tucson’s urban core, and a vote of confidence in the Avenue’s future as a destination for shopping, dining, and community events.
The sellers were represented by Rob Tomlinson, Principal and Retail Specialist at Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, along with Fred Howard of Progressive Property Management, LLC. The buyers were represented by Paul Hooker, SIOR, Principal and Industrial Specialist, also with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR.
If you are interested in learning more about retail opportunities in Historic 4th Ave or Downtown Tucson, please contact Rob Tomlinson at rtomlinson@picor.com or (520) 546-2757.
