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 A historic skyscraper downtown |
2 East Congress Street Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
Built in 1929, this building has the distinction of being Tucson's first skyscraper, towering high over the one-level houses that gave Tucson its distinct Western town character. From 1935 well into the 1990s, it was known as the Valley National Bank Building until another, bigger corporation took over. Today, higher structures dominate the Tucson skyline, but this particular building, apart from its historic impact, still derives some charm from the tree-shaded brick patio on its south side, which is always welcome in the brutal Tucson summer. Visitors may enjoy free access to the lobby during business hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeffrey Clark |
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The heart of Mexican Tucson |
Near 100 South Stone Avenue (Between Interstate 10 and Stone Ave, Cushing and 17th Street) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
This district was once considered the Mexican-American side of Tucson. It has been called Barrio Viejo or Barrio Libre since its Mexican inhabitants were more or less free to follow their own laws in the old days. That has changed, but the area has preserved its distinctly Mexican flavor with flat-roofed adobe (mud-brick) houses and roofs made from saguaro ribs and packed dirt (providing great insulation in the extreme Tucson climate). Some of Tucson's oldest structures can be found here and many of them nicely restored. Since most have been converted into private homes or offices, your visit will have to be confined to the exteriors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Peeples |
 Photo: David Scherer |
 Photo: Cheryl Cato |
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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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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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History hidden in dirt |
471 South Stone Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States |
Dirt dug up during construction might always turn up some historic relics, and that's why earth underneath downtown structures is always carefully sifted and scrutinized. When this old adobe building was reconstructed in the 1970s, old handset type was found under the floor. More digging revealed that this was the office of a Spanish-language newspaper founded in 1878 by Carlos Velasco. It is now a National Register site. Access is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Early 20th century Tucson |
180 North Main Street (Tucson Museum of Art) Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 624 2333 |
This period house is operated and maintained by the Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block as a model for the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century. It was once the home of Johnston Knox Corbett, Tucson's postmaster from 1914 to 1917, and has now been incorporated into the museum's Historic Block. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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 |
 A retreat in the hills |
14200 Fish Canyon Road Tucson, AZ 85637 United States http://www.santaritabbey.org/i... |
This monastery of the Trappist order occasionally serves as a place of spiritual retreat for visitors. Located in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains near the town of Sonoita, it offers a place for both quiet solitary meditation and attendance of the church services. Accommodation and light food is provided. Spiritual books are available at the gift store. To get to the abbey, take I-10 east to exit 281 (Sonoita/Patagonia); after 21 miles, turn into Garden Canyon Road, then turn right at the fork about one mile down that road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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19th-century Tucson lifestyle |
151 South Granada Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 0956 |
This is one of Tucson's oldest adobe houses, built around 1880 and home of the Carrillo family for over 90 years. Located on the grounds of the Tucson Convention Center downtown, the house has been restored using period furniture of the 1880s, featuring exhibits of Tucson lifestyles in the 19th century. Admission is free, but reservations are required for walking tours, which are only offered on Saturdays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church |
4440 North Campbell Avenue Tucson, AZ 85718 United States +1 520 299 6421 / +1 520 249 2702 www.stphilipstucson.org |
This beautiful old mission-style Episcopal Church is a place of quiet contemplation for visitors who seek shade for their spirits. Wrought-iron gates fashioned with simple crosses open to corridors leading pedestrians to a Meditation Room, a small gift shop, a series of classrooms and enclosed vegetated courtyards, one with a brick lily pond at its heart. The church and scenic grounds are open to the public weekdays until sunset. Services are observed on Saturdays and Sundays. With doors that are often open, and a series of community programs, this picturesque sanctuary shares its message with those who seek a brief reprieve from the busy world outside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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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Tucson home of the Muses |
330 South Scott Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 884 4875 |
Patrons of the arts, demanding a proper environment for classical concerts in Tucson, helped raise most of the money necessary to build this imposing concert hall in 1927. The main building is home to a 600-seat theater, mainly used by the Arizona Theatre Company. There is a small Temple Gallery on the second floor; the south wing contains a nice cafe, with a cabaret theater right above it, while the north wing holds a gift shop offering theatrical and musical souvenirs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Call of the Wildcats |
Cherry Avenue and University Boulevard (Visitor Center) Tucson, AZ 85721 United States +1 520 621 5130 / +1 520 621 2211 |
You've heard that wild cats roam the Sonoran Desert. Visit the historically significant U of A campus and discover that Wildcats rule the playing field as well. Tour the grounds, first broken for construction in 1887 and experience the sites, sounds and action that helped make this campus one of the top-rated schools in the nation today. Take in a light and laser show at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium or a stage show at Centennial Hall. Wildcat souvenirs are available for sports enthusiasts of all ages. Contact the Visitor Center in advance for a guided walking tour, hosted by a U of A student. Visitor parking and public transportation are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Prabjit Virdee |
 Photo: Bill Walsh |
 Photo: Tim Stahmer |
 Photo: Lisa Johanna Hyde |
 Photo: William Liow |
 Photo: Juliana Diaz |
 Photo: Robert Garcia |
 Photo: Andrew Wyss |
 Photo: MaHusain |
 Photo: Aliyah Vinikoor |
 Photo: Matt Holzmann |
 Photo: Ralph Toyama |
 Photo: Romantchou |
 Photo: Jesse Gill |
 Photo: Randy Graham |
 Photo: Project Vote Smart |
 Photo: Matthew Contreras |
 Photo: Katherine Kershaw |
 Photo: Eric Fortin |