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 A typical Mexican home |
175 North Meyer Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 2333 |
Mexican-American families have continuously inhabited this house until it was incorporated into the downtown Museum of Art Historic Block in the 1970s. Named after its last resident, Maria Navarette Cordova, it has now become a Mexican heritage museum. Its rooms have been restored to the original style with a replica of the old Spanish garrison at this location on display. A good time to visit is during Christmas when folk art nacimientos, or nativity scenes, are shown inside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shara |
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Architectural preservation |
252 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
This beautiful Mission Revival style house in the El Presidio neighborhood downtown had been marked for demolition, as it was deemed too costly to repair. Built in 1905 for Annie Cheyney, widow of the postmaster, the building had been the object of much controversy between council members, city planners, and urban activists. Two El Presidio neighbors then quietly purchased the house until two out-of-town retirees and architectural preservationists stepped in and started restoring the structure to its turn-of-the-century style, at their own expense. Soon, the 4,000-square foot mansion will be restored to its old glory. The building is not accessible to the public; just drive by and see. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Some typical old Tucson architecture |
120 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 2333 |
This house is a fine example of 19th century Tucson architecture. The Fish House, named after a prominent Tucson businessman, is made from adobe, which is essentially dried mud and bricks, materials that have for centuries provided excellent insulation in the either cold or extremely hot climates of the Southwest. As is common in this style of architecture, the ceiling is laced with saguaro cactus ribs. The building presently houses the Tucson Museum of Art's Western Art collection. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Arts, crafts and a beautiful courtyard |
186 North Meyer Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 623 6024 / +1 800 782 8072 http://www.oldtownartisans.com |
This is a place not to be missed when sightseeing in downtown Tucson. The old adobe structure in the historic Presidio district invites visitors to explore its shops, galleries and restaurants, or to just sit and relax in the wonderful courtyard shaded by palm trees. It's a kind of art shopping center catering to tourists eagerly looking for souvenirs from the Southwest; in fact, it offers everything from Navajo rugs to dried prickly pear jam. There is no admission fee. All stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J Gregory Barnes |
 Photo: sillowet |
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The pink building that sticks out |
378 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
This building in downtown Tucson always catches the attention of tourists due to its pink exterior and eclectic architecture. It was actually built in 1902 according to the design of Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, with geometrical friezes, Sonoran-style drainpipes sticking out underneath the roof, and a facade that imitates the Spanish missions of the Southwest. Formerly the home of the Fraternal Order of Owls (as signified by the sculpted owl looking down on the street from the top level), the building is now a private residence. Your appreciation of the architecture will have to be limited to the outside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: IntangibleArts |
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Evoking Tucson's Spanish heritage |
115 North Church Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 882 0044 |
This courthouse, designed in 1928 in Spanish Colonial style, is a nice architectural homage to Tucson's Spanish-Mexican past. If you are downtown, take your time to stroll around and view the building from all sides. Explore the courtyard and its arcade, created by arches and columns, or sit by the cool water of the fountain. The best part of the complex is actually its glittering tiled dome in vaguely Moorish style. Finally, walk upstairs (security check required) to see the only remaining piece of the original Presidio walls displayed there. Access is free during office hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frank Tellez  |
 Photo: Jonathan Allan |
 Photo: Anna McElheny |
 Photo: southwest girl |
 Photo: indiHJ |
 Photo: Maynard |
 Photo: myshineyredcar |
 Photo: blindbanjodjim |
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Location of the old fortress |
255 West Alameda Street (West of Pima County Courthouse) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
In 1775, the Spanish army staked its claim to this land (now the state of Arizona) by building the fortress, or presidio, which would soon become the center of Tucson. Both the Spanish and the fortress are long gone now, and all that's left of the presidio is a plaque reminding visitors of the events hundreds of years ago. It's a park now, used for fiestas and other celebrations, surrounded by tall 1970s style office buildings. There's not much history left here aside from the Pima County Courthouse, but it's still a nice place to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert Hadel |
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A most noble mansion |
300 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
Built in 1900 and bought by Tucson department store owner Abert Steinfeld in an upscale downtown district formerly known as Snob Hollow, this amazing mansion is a fine example of architect Henry Trosts's passion for the Mission Revival style. Note the arched portico and tiled roof, features reminiscent of the Spanish missions of Northern Mexico and the American Southwest, and take a minute to rest in the cool, shaded courtyard. Access is free. Today, the building houses several private offices, which limits your visit to the outside view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Seat of cattle baron's empire |
150 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 2333 (Tucson Museum of Art) |
This house was one of the centers of Tucson's upper-class social scene in the 19th century. It was formerly the home of cattle baron Hiram Sanford Stevens, and it was here where he shot his wife and killed himself after his cattle business went awry. (His wife survived, though, since the bullet ricocheted off a comb in her hair). After those unfortunate incidents, happier times came to the house with the arrival of the upscale Janos restaurant from 1970 until recently, when Janos was evicted to make room for the Tucson Museum of Art next door to expand, an act which has caused much controversy among Tucsonans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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More than a museum |
140 North Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 2333 http://www.tucsonarts.com |
The Tucson Museum has moved from exhibiting mostly traditional Western art to contemporary and experimental, with a large section devoted to pre-Columbian artistry of the American Southwest and Mexico. The museum shop features works by some of Arizona's most talented artists. Docent tours may be scheduled by calling +1 520 696 7450. Children under 12 and members are admitted free of charge and it's free for all on the first Sunday of the month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jessica Michallet |
 Photo: Gwyneth Fatemi |
 Photo: tikkitoes |
 Photo: Fun with Dot & Ken |
 Photo: Grant Wiggins |