Rincon Heights Historic District

Listed February, 2013

In 1891, the newly established University of Arizona became a magnet for growth as new development filled in vacant land between the campus and the downtown business district. One of these new developments was the Rincon Heights neighborhood just south of the University of Arizona. Rincon Heights was a modest middle-class neighborhood catering to those affiliated with the university and railroad. Interestingly, the lack of deed restrictions within Rincon Heights created a neighborhood with a high degree of racial, religious, and ethnic diversity. Today, the neighborhood exhibits an eclectic mix of architectural styles ranging from American Territorial to mid-century Ranch homes. 

San Rafael Estates Historic District

Listed February, 2013 

San Rafael Estates is an example of a mid-20th century planned residential community and is representative of the fast-paced, ongoing eastward expansion of Tucson following WWII. Like other post-war developments during this time, the neighborhood was planned, platted, constructed, and sold by a single developer, Robert F. Lusk of the award-winning Lusk Corporation and designed by architects Robert A. Little and Arthur H. Rader . The subdivision was ground-breaking in its integration of modern design, the Ranch style, and regional influences-including designs utilizing regional materials and with an attention to climate and setting. 

Map (609 KB)

Complete National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (333 KB): This is the nomination form for the district and includes a full history of the district, pictures, maps and other supporting information.

Owen Homesite National Register Nomination

Listed January, 2013

During the turn of the century, Arizona’s genial climate, and in particular Tucson’s climate, became a haven for individuals suffering from respiratory ailments. Tucson’s low population density, coupled with its availability of inexpensive land was appealing for consumptives in search of a cure. Moreover, these features meant that consumptives could recuperate in—as prescribed by their doctor—an isolated setting. For many, the U.S. Homestead Act was the answer, for others, smaller homesites were equally suitable. This was especially evident following World War I, when many veterans suffering from tuberculosis (or had been mustard gassed) came to Tucson to recover in the dry, warm air. Many veterans homesteaded, often subdividing and selling off portions of their homesteads to other consumptives. Homesteading propaganda often targeted consumptives, and during Arizona’s second homesteading boom during the Great Depression, homesteading offered an avenue towards advancement. David W Owen was one of these individuals who sought advancement through land ownership and a path towards better health by settling near the banks of Tucson’s Rillito River. Remarkably, the Owen Homesite remains to the present day, appearing very much as it did when David Owen and his family resided there.

Complete National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (1.42 MB): This is the nomination form for the district and includes a full history of the district, pictures, maps and other supporting information.