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.

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