Block by Block in Blenman Elm

Bloomin' Blenman

2009-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

With spring well on its way, and the onset of summer leading us into triple-digit temperatures, the blooming season for many of our neighborhood plants is almost over. Although, there are a few native species, particularly cactus, that bloom throughout summer. Most notably, the saguaro cactus have just begun to bloom, synchronized with the appearance of the white-winged dove, which migrate north from Mexico to mate and reproduce in the Sonoran Desert. The saguaro fruit arrives just in time for the newly born doves to feast on the juicy, red delight.

Image from Wikimedia.org (J. Folmer)

Over the past few weeks, I have been wandering through the neighborhood collecting some photographs of a few of our neighborhood's brilliant blooms.

As the palo verdes (Parkinsonia spp.) gear down from their impressive yellow display, the blossoms begin to create a yellow carpet below.

Different prickly pear species (Opuntia spp.) will continue to flower at different times throughout the summer, after which they will produce their bright pink fruit.

The chollas (Cylindropuntia spp.) found throughout the neighborhood bloom in many different shades of oranges, reds, and yellows.

This house had a stunning display of wildlife flowers.

Lantana (Lantana spp.), although not native to this region, is used quite frequently throughout the neighbohood. This variety is almost blinding in it's brightness.

The desert willows (Chilopsis linearis) are also blooming in abundance right now. Their sweet scent mathces their purple beauty.

What's you favorite spring-time bloom?

Great Horned Owl

2009-04-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Let's start this new process off with something fun. We have Great Horned Owls in our neighborhood! And rumor has it, there were also some owlets, or baby owls, in our midst as well. The young owls and parents were seen near Saint Peter and Paul Church on Adams last week.

I went on a walk in search of the owls. As luck would have it, a balloon in a tree caught my attention and as I looked up, I saw this beautiful adult.

Unfortunately I don't have the best camera for these types of shots and it was getting dark, so the pictures aren't very good. (If anyone does have better pictures they would like me to post, feel free to e-mail them to me).

Bill Mannan, at the U of A, has done quite a bit of research on urban raptors. He has some interesting things to say about raptors, much of which makes me think we are lucky to have their presence in our neighborhood.

Typically, Great Horned Owls will nest in areas that are moderately developed, as opposed to a more urban area like downtown. They depend partially on other raptors like hawks by occupying their nest sites. (From what I was told, these owls took over the nest of a hawk and the church had mixed-feeling because the hawk had been eating the pigeons which were becoming a nuisance). The owls will also nest at the cup-like form that is created at the base of some palm trees or at man-made structures with the right conditions. The presence of large Aleppo pines and eucalyptus trees helps raptors, who use them to hunt from and nest in...and indeed this owl was seen in an Aleppo Pine.

Here are a few other interesting facts about the Great Horned Owl:

They occur all over the U.S. and parts of Canada, making them one of the most wide-spread species of owls.
They weigh from 3 to 4 pounds, are 18-25" tall, and have a wingspan of between 3 to 5 feet. The females are typically bigger than the males.
They use their ear tufts as a form of communication, moving them in certain ways to convey different messages. If they are irritated, the tufts lay flat, if they are inquisitive they stay upright.
Their call sounds like they are saying "Whose Awake, Me too" in a series of deep hoots.
They are one of the earliest spring nesting birds.
They eat a variety of prey including cottontail rabbits, squirrels, mice, snakes, scorpions, other birds, and even cats and small dogs. (Keep an eye on your animals).
They can rotate their head 270 degrees. Amazing!

These facts were found at DesertUSA and where you can find more interesting facts if you click here.

Something New

2009-04-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm finding that my previous notion of creating a block by block account of our neighborhood was perhaps a bit too ambitious for myself at this point in time. The effort that it takes to locate each item of interest on the aerial photo is a fun way to document where interesting things occur in our neighborhood, but it also takes a considerable amount of time.

So, I think I'd like to try something new. Instead of discussing topics in a particular order based on each block, I think I will try posting general topics that are relevant to the neighborhood. I'll still take pictures from around the neighborhood, but I might not always locate them with a map. I think this will offer more freedom to talk about neighborhood topics and still be interesting and fun. What do you think? :)

Block #8

2009-03-07T11:41:00.001-08:00

Making up block 8 is Saint Peter and Paul's Catholic Church which is now over 77 years old. At the time it was built in the 1930's the only other parishes existing in Tucson were Mission San Xavier del Bac, the Cathedral (Saint Augustine), All Saints, Holy Family, and Santa Cruz.
Beautiful stained glass windows like this one over the entryway were installed under Monsignor Gramer's direction sometime after the church was built.

The steeple is prominent in the landscape from many points in our neighborhood as well as while driving down Campbell Avenue.

It's easy to get overheated and dehydrated in the hot Tucson weather, and having water available at more places seems like a good idea. The church placed a drinking fountain outside of their entry, and I have to say it was nice to be able to take a drink on my walk. I was rather thirsty at that point.

Blocks 8 to 11

2009-02-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

Blocks 8 through 11 are bounded by Campbell Avenue and Olsen Avenue, Adams Street and Elm Street. Special features of these blocks include Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, occupying block 8, and La Posada Del Valle Bed and Breakfast in block 10. Blocks 9, 10 and 11 are primarily residential.

Block #7

2009-02-02T20:57:00.001-08:00

This is a large block that is home to Saint Peter and Paul's Catholic School. It has been a presence in this neighborhood since 1931 when it opened its doors and has been run by the Sisters of Charity of Section Hill since 1933. This K-8 Catholic school has a mission of "nurturing spiritual growth, strengthening moral values, and developing academic excellence."

Many of the old buildings in Tucson have beautiful architectural details, like this brick wall with a narrow opening that lets the light spill out from the courtyard.

During school hours, Adams maintains a 15 mile per hour speed limit. Luckily, the road is narrow, helping to reduce the tendency to speed. When school lets out, you will often see many children in their uniforms either walking home or being picked up by parents. It brings a liveliness to our neighborhood in which other times of the day you will see few if any children.

The majority of the school is fenced off to the public, a practice that is common these days, especially for private schools. I often think it is unfortunate that our litigious society prevents schools such as this from opening their grounds to the other children in the neighborhood. We have a great resource here, but unfortunately it can only be used during school hours and by children and parents that attend the school. Even still, it is nice to be able to walk by and see (through the fence) children playing and parents supporting their activities.

ref: http://sspptucson.org/

Blocks #5 and #6

2009-01-16T15:46:00.001-08:00

Because these next two blocks seem to have a common theme, I am going to talk about both in the same post.

Our neighborhood is lucky to have an eclectic mix of residents who personalize their homes in different ways. This variety in styles, colors, decorations, landscape and architectural features is part of the uniqueness that differentiates Blenman-Elm from some of the newer Tucson subdivisions. Walking through the neighborhood, you will not come across the same house twice. This lends visual interest that is much more stimulating than if most of the houses were the same. There is something new to discover around every corner.

For example, residents here take great pride in personalizing their entryways...

...with unique gates or doors...

...or interesting landscape features...

Color is also a great characteristic of Blenman Elm. People here use bright colors as accents to their homes or to paint the entire home....

Periwinkle...

...and deep red-umber are just a few of the vibrant shades that make up our neighborhood.
On a side note, I've dreamt of living in a neighborhood where everyone plants fruit trees in their front yard and we all share in the harvests. This house's orange tree is one step in that direction.

And, on the northeast corner of block 6, this estate has often been a bit mysterious to me, with it's deep setback and grand appearance. It looks as if it has been here from the start of the neighborhood, as it sits on a much larger parcel than most of the other homes. What's more, their yard is an amazing wildlife habitat, with dense, thorny cover and many native species.

It would be great to hear from the residents...what is your favorite thing about living in the Blenman Elm neighborhood?

Blocks 5 to 7

2009-01-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

Blocks 5 to 7 are a combination of two residential blocks and Saint Peter and Paul Catholic school. It is bordered on the west by Campbell Avenue across from the University Medical Center.

**It's been a long time since I have posted to the Block by Block project and I appologize. My work load is really picking up with my thesis, so I suspect that it will be a bit harder to find time to post. I am going to try to post at least once a week from now on...more if I can fit it in.

Hope that you still come around and leave comments!

A Short Break

2008-12-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello neighbors and blog readers,
I just wanted to write a quick note to let you know that I'll be away for a few weeks during Christmas. If you don't see any blog posts to this site, it's not because I have forgotten about it. I will try to resume posts as soon as I return. Thanks for understanding and have a happy holiday season!
Kim

Block #4

2008-12-01T10:02:00.001-08:00

Block 4 is a very diverse block made up of a variety of historic residences and interesting features.

This nicely planted sidewalk off of Norris Avenue is flanked by a row of Sweet Acacias. The trees are well placed to offer shade to pedestrians and reduce the amount of harsh western sunlight that hits the house. It is a good strategy to save money on electricity bills.

If you are interested in planting trees to reduce your energy bills, the Trees for Tucson Organization offers inexpensive, native trees for your yard. Homes built before 1979 may receive up to 4 trees, while those built after that date may receive 2.

This Indian Fig Prickly Pear fence works well to provide privacy in your yard and is a good alternative to building a wall. The transparency allows for better views to the street, giving the opportunity to greet neighbors. It is also easier for wildlife to maneuver and provides them with food. Historically, these vegetative fences were common.

If you are interested in plants, like me, or would like to grow food year-round, this is great example of a nice-looking greenhouse. The steel gate is also appealing, with the transparent wire mesh that affords privacy, yet visibility.

Mixing the old with the new can be a difficult challenge, but this home on Mabel pulled it off well. The modern steel door is a nice complement to the old brick.

Mature street trees can undoubtedly add to the character of a neighborhood, and this stretch along Mabel does just that. Both sides of the street are lined with beautiful Palo Verde trees that shade practically the entire street. This greatly helps to reduce the effects of urban heat island and is amazing when the trees bloom bright yellow in the spring.

On Placemaking

2008-11-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T20:04:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T19:25:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

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