On Placemaking

University Avenue Farmers Market

The current newsletter from People for Public Places has some interesting articles on placemaking. In their articles, they emphasize the importance of historic neighborhoods to the overall identity and livability of a place. The first states:

"Communities and regions abound with local wonders that too often are hidden away or taken for granted. While cities lavish money on big-ticket projects like sports arenas, concert halls, and shopping complexes, true gems like historic buildings, scenic landscapes or neighborhoods that actually define communities receive little investment or protection.

Instead of being prized and supported, these places are often strip-mined for a quick economic return with no regard for what happens to the environment or community as a whole. Citizens who oppose misguided development, such as strip malls ripping up historic neighborhoods or beloved countrysides, are criticized as anti-growth. But what these groups are really trying to do is protect the value of their region’s unique and irreplaceable resources, which sets these areas apart as places where people love to live. In truth, citizens protecting their community are pursuing their own economic development strategy—one that is far more likely to make a city or town competitive in the New Economy of the 21st Century.

These community efforts are central to the vision of Placemaking, and make up an important part of Project for Public Spaces’ work around the world."

If you would like to read more click here for the article above and here for a second article about thriving communities in tough economic times.

Block #3

Whether or not you attend this church or attend church in general, there is something about having a gathering place such as this in the neighborhood that adds to the sense of community and identity. Perhaps it is the notion of people coming together to worship, the activity it adds to the street, or the reminder of days gone by when churches, mosques, temples, etc. were often the centerpiece of a neighborhood or town. First Savior's Church was founded in 1945 when Rev. Albert Alsop, and 21 community members came together for worship. Shortly after, they bought the lot where the church stands today for $3500. You can see a more detailed church history and some historic photos by going to their website here.

While walking around the backside of the church, I noticed this volleyball court, basketball court, and playground. It's too bad that it's fenced off because it could be a nice place for neighborhood children to share with members of the church. But, with the current atmosphere of excessive litigation in this country, I suppose I can't blame them.
The Norris House contains the Young Adults Ministry of Our Savior's. They spent two years renovating the house, and did a wonderful job of preserving the historic character. Below is a picture of the hand-painted tiles that flank the house and are a compelling part of Tucson's historical identity.

And as an added touch for this block, I thought I would point out the small patch of rosemary and prickly pear that is providing some wildlife a bit of cover. The bees also enjoy rosemary a great deal, and with all of the trouble they have been in lately, every little food source helps.

Block #2

One unique characteristic of our neighborhood that hearkens back to the earlier days of Tucson are the alleys. While the utilitarian aspect of these alleys offers a functional purpose and the possibilities of quirky discoveries, I often wonder, what if they became even more?

And this vacant space...can we dream of the possibilities it may hold?

A lone prickly pear...even by itself it can offer a much appreciated refuge to birds and lizards. With a few more shrubs around it, a mini-habitat could be created.

There are 44 vacant lots (as of 2003) in the Blenman Elm neighborhood. I would like to hear some ideas or dreams, however far fetched, of what those spaces could become. Any thoughts?

Block #1

This block is comprised of a large parking lot, commercial buildings, the Lutheran Ministry, and a couple of homes.

At the entry to the parking lot is some dense, ground hugging vegetation made up of mostly native or near-native plants. It's a good example of making every space count, and I noticed several lizards and a few birds making use of it.
On the edge of the alley between the commercial buildings and the parking lot, a natural succession is beginning where some pioneer plants like Desert Broom and Mexican Palo Verde are taking root. It's part of the cycle of reestablishing the desert, and I suppose a reminder that natural cycles are working all around us. This house is a good example of the beautiful mortar washed red brick that makes up many of the homes in the neighborhood. Notice the nice details around the door and window and the depth to the textures on this home.

Blocks 1 to 4

The edges of the Blenman Elm neighborhood are flanked by commercial and community buildings. The four blocks on the northeast corner of Speedway and Campbell are no exception. This is something I have come to appreciate as it buffers residences from noise and traffic and also gives us destinations within walking distance. These blocks are the beginning of the exploration.

Urban Wildlife

Although the Blenman Elm neighborhood lies in central Tucson, it is fortunate to have quite a bit of urban wildlife. While walking through the neighborhood it is fairly common to see Gambel's quail, northern cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, cottontail rabbits, ornate tree lizards, hummingbirds, butterflies and much more.
We know the diversity of wildlife in our neighborhood can't be compared to that found in the natural desert, but it does do fairly well when equated to surrounding neighborhoods. This we should be proud of. It gives us a sense of belonging to the Sonoran Desert in which we make our home. It's also exciting to watch the wildlife...the quail with their little top-not that bobs as they scatter...the hummingbirds and their high pitched chirp fluttering from flower to flower...the stately Northern cardinal calling to its mate...

There are some good reasons the wildlife likes our neighborhood. We have many mature trees, both tall exotics and the natives of shorter stature. Both are extremely important for nesting and cover.
There are quite a few yards that maintain a native landscape; lawn is sparse.

Lower growing shrubs are extremely useful to ground loving wildlife like the quail, rabbits, and lizards. They use it to escape predators and even nest.
Thanks to places like the Arizona Inn and other neighborhood stewards, we have some remnant patches of the old creosote flats that once occupied this area. I believe these are one of the main reasons that so much wildlife exists here.
We are fortunate to share our neighborhood with this wildlife, but it should not be taken for granted. As our old trees begin to die and other vegetation reaches the end of its lifespan, it is important that we replace these, especially with natives.
And while we are doing good, there is always room for improvement. Many bare patches exist. There are swaths of gravel where there could be cover for lizards...there are non-native African Sumac where native mesquites could thrive. We have the ability to make this neighborhood even better...for us and wildlife.

I'd like to hear about your experience with urban wildlife. What's your favorite or the most interesting wildlife you have seen in our neighborhood?

A Bit of History- A Vanguard Neighborhood

The Blenman Elm Neighborhood was designated a National Historic District in the fall of 2003 with the diligent efforts of many neighborhood residents, Tucson's former Historic Preservation Officer Marty McCune, and Brooks Jeffery of the University of Arizona and Arizona Historical Society. The historic district covers the entire neighborhood except for some of the properties along Speedway Boulevard. Together that includes 1318 properties, 977 which are considered "contributing" and 297 which are "non-contributing." There are also 44 vacant lots.

"Tucson's vanguard neighborhood for ranch style houses," as the tag line implies, gains it's character from the small homes built in a wide array of styles--National Folk, Victorian, Spanish Colonial Revival, Southwest, Vernacular, and Tudor Revival to name a few. The most significant period of time for the Blenman Elm neighborhood began with the Olsen Addition in 1903 and lasted until about 1960 when most of the residential lots were occupied.

The unique charm of our neighborhood can be attributed to several characteristics that are not readily found in the newer neighborhoods of today:

• A small palette of materials was used in numerous ways to build our homes. This gives the neighborhood a sense of unity, yet allows for the diversity which makes it so interesting.
• Mortar washed red brick and burnt adobe are defining materials used throughout our neighborhood and are characteristic of much of Historic Tucson. Fortunately, much of this brick remains intact in our neighborhood, enhancing our sense of identity.

• Other contributing features include subtle stucco textures, parapet sillouettes, cornice profiles, arched openings, stepped site walls, and bonding patterns.
• The streets of Blenman Elm are comparatively narrower than many of those in Tucson. The grid layout and small block sizes make this neighborhood walkable and easy to navigate.
• Houses are set back a short distance from the road and historically walls were few. Most of the walls that did exist historically are low walls of 48 inches or less. These characteristics are paramount to the friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood.
• The neighborhood is fortunate to have many homes that are landscaped with native plants that add to the overall sense of place and are essential for native wildlife like Quail, Cardinals, White Winged Doves, Gila Woodpeckers, Cactus Wren, Curve Billed Thrashers, and Cottontail Rabbits.
• The mature neighborhood trees add to the distinction of our neighborhood in addition to offering shade and wildlife habitat.

If we continue to preserve and enhance these wonderful characteristics that make our neighborhood so unique, we can maintain the appeal of Blenman Elm and strengthen community spirit.

Do you live in an historic home? Let's hear about it. Please leave a comment if you would like.

Sources:
Spring 2008 Blenman Elm Newsletter
http://www.tucsonnewcomer.com/features/historic.html
Arizona State Historic Preservation Office