Phoenix Historic Homes

Tudor Revival Historic Homes in Phoenix AZ

We are beginning a series of of posts on several of the period revival home styles. Today’s post looks at what is arguably the most popular historic style, Tudor revival. When showing people homes in the various historic districts in Phoenix, AZ, clients are drawn to the often whimsical Tudor Revivals. In Phoenix, we are fortunate to have several historic districts and subdivisions with good examples of Tudor Revivals. At the end of this post we’ve included a slide-show tour featuring over thirty properties from several historic districts in the downtown and midtown Phoenix region.

TUDOR REVIVALS: A bit of history and information.

Tudor revival became especially popular with 1920s suburban homes, loosely based on their medieval for-bearers. Most believe the surge in Tudor Revivals, as well as other revival styles, was was a byproduct of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair where interpretations of European style homes was demonstrated. We believe the overall energy of the Roaring Twenties was equally responsible as architects and homeowners were living out the passion and glee of the times.

Tudor Revival homes are identified by their elevations with ornamental half-timbering, a medieval English building tradition, often with stucco or masonry veneered walls, steeply pitched multi-gabled roof lines, massive chimneys, distinctive entryways and muti-paned casement windows.

As noted above, we mention decorative half timbering, sometimes referred to as false timbering. In European Tudors, as well as other English style homes, it was common to have exposed timbers on the home’s facings. However, in the United States the extremes in weather caused leakage problems. Thus, the timbers we commonly see are ornamental in nature and are not integral with the home’s structure.

Below is a slide show tour of several Tudor Revival Style homes in the downtown and midtown Phoenix area. Most of the photos were taken in Encanto-Palmcroft, Cherry Lynn and Willow with a few coming from other Phoenix historic districts. In general, you’ll be more apt to find Tudor revivals in areas where home building occurred prior to 1934. This is largely due to the influence FHA had on the home building industry in the mid-1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. Hope you enjoy the photos.

If you have an interest in historic homes and would like to know more about them, the preservation efforts going on and periodic tours of these homes, join our Meetup.com group at http://www.meetup.com/Downtown-Phoenix-Historic-Properties/ .

THE TOUR:

Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777

connecting people to the perfect space

Rob Melikian and Vanishing Phoenix on AZCentral

The mission of historic preservation in downtown and Greater Phoenix got a boost today. Robert Melikian and his new book Vanishing Phoenix were featured on AZCentral.com today.

Urban Connection readers know how much we love this book and the fine work the Hotel San Carlos owner has done to bring historic preservation to the attention of Phoenix residents. Today we thank AZ Central for bringing the story to a much wider audience. Perhaps this will be the straw that breaks the preverbal back of developers and short sighted thinkers who do not value our city’s historical heritage told through architecture, buildings and homes.

Emily Garsena, the author of the article, interviewed Rob with a bit of Q & A. Here is an excerpt and link to the entire piece.

Q: Was there a certain building that inspired you to write?

A: The Fox West Coast Theatre on First and Washington (streets) built by S. Charles Lee (in 1930). He built an inferior one in Los Angeles that’s considered by people there a marvelous theater. We had a better one. In 1975, the city bought it. The chandeliers bought for $8,000 in the 1930s sold for $250. They (city officials) wanted to replace the theater with a bus station.

Q: Some historic buildings continue to be torn down. Some members of the community believe the Ramada Inn at Second and Fillmore streets should be protected although the city plans to raze it and build there so Arizona State University can use it to house one of its academic programs. What do you think?

A: In 1956, Marilyn Monroe opened that building. But I don’t advocate saving every historic building. If the use of that building is going to be that useful to society, then so be it.

Q: What message do you want people to take from this book?

A: History sells. People want history. Don’t look at the short-term liability (of preservation). Look at the long-term benefits.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/07/21/20100721phoenix-vanishing-author-architecture.html#ixzz0uNZFvwYm

Congrats to Rob Melikian… you deserve all the kudos possible for your good work and passion.

Gene Urban
The Urban Connection Real Estate Team
602-234-5777

connecting people to the perfect space

Sweet Home Deals in FQ Story Historic Phoenix

I can’t really explain it but there are a lot of homes for sale in FQ Story these days. When I searched for homes in FQ Story today for a client I found 14 homes on the market.That compares with only 4 homes for sale in Encanto Palmcroft. Pretty strange but good news if you’ve been thinking about buying in FQ Story.

For those who don’t know too much about FQ Stroy, we have an article posted on our original Urban Team site that has a bit of history.  Here is a link to the article:

Information and History About The FQ Story Historic District In Downtown Phoenix, AZ

If you would like to see what is currently for sale in FQ Story, our famous downtown home search tool is here for you. We created a niche search that show just the historic homes for sale in FQ Story. If you want to see what other homes, condos, lofts are for sale in the downtown Phoenix area, go to our hone search page… there is a link in the navigation bar on top.

Home Currently for Sale in FQ Story… ckick the link

If you would like to take a look at one of these FQ Story homes, let us know. We’d love to connect you to the perfect space. Its our mission in life.

Gene Urban and Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777

connecting people to the perfect space

Short Sales and Bank Owned Homes Offer Sweet Downtown Historic Deals

Have you thought about buying a historic home in downtown Phoenix. In years past the prices made this impossible for many. Now, however, short sales and bank owned historic homes have made ownership possible for many more people.

I just ran a search of homes in the downtown region built prior to 1945 and a number of short sale or bank owned homes were among the offerings. FQ Story has a couple homes in the $150,000 range and there was one in Palmcroft for $295,000 or about the same price it sold for in 2003.

There are positives and negatives to buying short sales and bank owned homes. Probably the most significant is these homes are generally sold in AS-IS condition. As Is, in most cases, means the owner of the home will not be making any repairs to the home prior to the buyer taking possession. This is not the case when buying from a traditional home seller who often expects to make some repairs. We have a page on this site that takes a more in depth look at what AS IS means and you may want to take a look at the post and accompanying YouTube video on buying a home in as is condition.

Lender owned homes, most of the time, do not have many other complications outside of the AS IS issue. That can not be said for short sales though. Short sales can be so complex we actually created a web site devoted to the subject of short sales. For information about buying a short sale in downtown Phoenix please visit www.short-sale-phoenix.com.

That’s probably enough for this post. If you want to search for historic homes currently on the market in the downtown Phoenix area, we have a killer home search tool on the site. Here is a link to the search for downtown homes page.

Best to you,

Gene Urban and Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Realty Team
602-234-5777

connecting people to the perfect space

307 E. Verde, A Blend of Historical and Contemporary

I was out showing homes this weekend and revisited a place worth of note. As Realtors, we appreciate a good remodel as we are saddened by some of the remodeling mistakes we often see… luckily 307 E. Verde in the Hacienda Historic District is not one.

The home recently received a fine updating with exceptional kitchen and bath redos. In fact, I doubt there were any surfaces left untouched including the landscaping and new garage.

Upon entering you will find well done stained concrete floors, a larger than average living room and a kitchen that will aspire you to entertain. The kitchen is well designed with sleek dark wood cabinets (a lot of them) and amenities missing in most homes. The attention to detail here is eye-catching. We’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Note the 1” tile backsplash, stunning vent hood, stacked microwave and oven and attached table for casual dining. Recessed lighting keeps the space open, yet bright… especially with the windows that open to the freshly landscaped back yard and patio.

The balance of the home has been tastefully updated as well. It looks like a few walls were moved to create a more spacious feel and add amenities such as an indoor washer/dryer nook. Both the guest and master baths have been fully modernized with tasteful accents, custom tile and vessel sinks.

The master bath features a jetted tub, dual sinks and a spacious shower. Note the narrow windows offering light and privacy as well as a mid-century feel. A nice touch many would not have added.

The only real downside to the home is its proximity to Thomas and 3rd Street. The rear of the property looks on to the McDonald Florist building. However, the owner included a stand of Oleanders in his landscaping design that will provide a nice visual block in just a year or two. Again, fine details most people miss when considering a remodel project.

Of note too is the garage. This is a new structure, yet done as to feel it belongs. It is an over-sized two car garage with plenty of room for storage, a work bench and more.

All in all, I believe they did a fine job on this project that someone is going to be happy to call home, entertain friends and enjoy the urban life.

If you’d like to take a look at this place use the contact form below or call us. We’d be delighted to take you on a tour.

Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-224-5777
connecting people to the perfect space

listing courtesy of HomeSmart

Tax Relief for Many Phoenix Historic Homeowners

Have you heard the good news? Ten Phoenix historic districts have been added to the National Registry of Historic Places. With their addition, homeowners can apply for a reduction in property taxes. YEAH… we like lower taxes especially when it can be as much as 45% less.

The new additions to the National Registry are… a drum roll please:

Campus Vista

East Evergreen

Encanto Manor

Encanto Vista

Garfield

Los Olivos

North Garfield

Villa Verde

Woodlea

Yaple Park

If you move really fast, you may be in time to get the tax break for the coming year. By fast I mean June 30th. You’ll need to fill out an application, supply photos and swear a blood oath that you’ll maintain or improve the property according to standards outlined under the State Historic Historic Property Tax Program (SPT). Below is an excerpt from their site and a link to the page. BTW… the blood oath thing may be an exaggeration…  more like a cross my heart and hope to die ritual in government triplicate.

Owner Requirements

The SPT program reduces property taxes as much as 45%. (The exact figure is dependent on special assessments which are specific to your area. Questions regarding the amount of the reduction should be directed to the county assessor’s office.) As a condition of the reduced tax rate, the owner enters into a 15-year agreement with the state, consenting to maintain their property and to preserve the integrity of its historic features, materials, appearance, workmanship, and environment. If an owner plans to do any work on the property that will impact its public appearance, the SHPO must be contacted for review and comment or approval prior to project implementation. All such projects are reviewed for appropriateness according to a set of national guidelines called the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation ( 112 KB PDF).

Property owners are required to submit a notarized form (furnished by the SHPO) every three years verifying that the property has been maintained according to program guidelines. This report also requires submittal of two photographs demonstrating the current condition of the property. Furthermore, the owner is required to notify the SHPO when the property ownership or property use changes.  Here is a link to the SPT web site.

The SPT site has the application requirements, a way to download the application (PDF) and lots more info. So huury and save big on your next years taxes by getting your application in before June 30th.

Finally, we simply want to congratulate the homeowners, preservationists and all those who worked so hard, jumped way too many hoops, and persevered to make this happen. You’ve won this battle and we thank you!

Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777

connecting people to the perfect space

Yaple Park Historic District Information

A BIT OF YAPLE PARK’S HISTORY:

Yaple Park Historic district is a history lesson of 20th century Phoenix told through houses and buildings. 

Yaple Park roots date back to 1899 when James & Sue Yaple purchased about 30 acres of land below the Grand Canal between what is now 7th and 3rd Avenue. The Yaple’s were grain and citrus growers who utilized the canal system for irrigation.

Mr. Yaple passed on in 1911 leaving the operation to his wife. Sue carried on the farm until 1929 when she swung a deal with the Coggins Title Company to subdivide and develop the property. Today, we know 1929 was a very bad time to start a new project. Despite great effort, only 10 homes were built and the project laid dormant while the nation recovered from the Great Depression.

Floyd Medlock (of Medlock Historic District fame) took over the reigns in the late 30’s and was the driving force behind much of the development with 60 homes built between 1937 and 1941. The Federal Housing Authority had strong influence over the development, mandating homes that were “safe, sturdy and efficient.” It is no wonder we see so many transitional ranch style homes in the area (68%) as these conformed to the FHA lending standards many new homeowners used to finance their purchase. It is humorous today to hear that Mr. Medlock enticed buyers with promises of low taxes (Yaple Park with outside the city limits) and country living.

THE YAPLE PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT:

Today, Yaple Park is considered an excellent example of FHA influenced housing. Only one home, located at 615 W. Miinezona, stands from the days of the original Yaple farm. The 107 single family homes are generally modest in nature with gracious front yards and lush vegetation made possible by flood irrigation used in the area. 

In addition to the dozens of transitional ranch homes, visitors to Yaple park are treated to many other styles including: Spanish Colonial Revival, French Provincial Revival, English Cottage, Monterrey Revival, Cape Cod, Pueblo Revival and fun Art Moderne.

The streets in Yaple Park are fairly wide. Large trees and rich vegetation give the neighborhood a cozy well lived feeling. It’s location, adjacent to the Grand Canal, make canal jaunts by foot or  bike a popular neighborhood activity. Proximity to the light rail gives resident’s easy access to the downtown region with its art, shopping, sporting events, restaurants and more.

We give Yaple a high thumbs up for location, upkeep of the neighborhood, maturity of vegetation, historical significance and general affordability.  Naturally, you won’t find the glorious revival style homes of the 20’s here, yet you will be treated to a feeling of neighborhood and history.

Below you’ll find a virtual slide-show tour of Yaple Park as well as up-to-date information about homes for sale in the area. If you want to view one of the available properties, just let us know and we’ll arrange an appointment.

 

Click to See What Homes Are Currently For Sale
In Yaple Park Historic District

Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Real Estate Team
602-234-5777

connecting people to the perfect space

Endangered Historic Homes and Places Listed

The Phoenix Historic Coalition has named 12 properties to their new Endangered Places list. The LIST was developed to bring focus and attention to historic properties that need community help. As Steve Procaccini, Coalition board president says:

Despite significant progress in the recent past, Phoenicians, native-born and new-to-town, need to understand our heritage is still threatened by collapse, demolition, or destruction. By highlighting landmarks in danger, we can show people and work to save what we might never see again except in photographs. After all, once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

Among the properties listed is the former home of Senator Carl Hayden located in Country Club Place. The Hayden House is an adobe home built in 1921. Adobe was a common building material in Country Club Place due to the clay soils in the area. Bricks were formed on-site for many of the area homes. The Hayden House was purchased on May 24, 2010 by Stuart Adair who I am told is planning a renovation of this fine historic property.

If you would like to see the entire list, please visit the Historic Coalition site with the link provided.

Best to you…

Gene Urban & Ron Urban
The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space

Fairview Place Affordable Historic Living

Fairview Place is one of the more affordable historic home districts in the downtown Phoenix areas in the downtown Phoenix area. There are trade offs in that it resides to the west of Encanto/Palmcroft and not easy walking distance to light rail and many downtown venues. Grand Ave is close by, as is Encanto Park and many 7th Ave businesses. Below is an overview of Fairview Place with a some history and our current take on the area.

Fairview Place… a brief history

Fariview Place is a historic neighborhood with roots back to the early 1900’s. Like most of the housing in the downtown Phoenix area, growth was sustained by the 1911 completion of the Roosevelt dam and subsequent stable water supply to the area.

Fairview Place was platted in 1916, an aggressive move considering how “rural” the public considered the area back then. Today it is hard to imagine the district, bounded by McDowell, Encanto, 15th Ave and 17th Ave as rural. However, in the early 1900’s anything west of 7th Ave was out of the city limits, trolley car lines and decent roads. In addition, the Cave Creek wash was uncontrolled and often flooded the area. The result was that original project developer, Star Realty, built nary a home.

The roaring twenties brought people and success to Fairview Place. The Cave Creek dam was built, cars were more prevalent lessening the need for mass transit and the growing cotton and citrus industries created jobs and housing demands.  The construction in the 20’s was dominated by revival style architecture termed Americanized Dutch by Fairview’s new developer, FW Mathiesen. Today we’d call these styles Southwest, Tudor and Spanish Colonial revival.

A second growth spurt began in the late 1930’s and demonstrated the huge influence the newly created FHA had on home building and architectural styles. FHA brought buyers through new and innovative mortgage options. In addition, they encouraged a more “mass-production” approach to home building with smaller homes and simpler designs. It is no wonder we see so many bungalows, and transitional ranch homes in the area as well as the use of locally manufactured red brick from the Phoenix Brickyard Company.

If you are planning to live in Fairview Place you will join the ranks of many notables including:

• Wesley Bolin – Former Governor of Arizona
• Tom Chauncey – Media Magnet and Arabian Horse legend
• Gladys Bagley – Rare woman editor at the Arizona Republic

FAIRVIEW PLACE IN OUR TIME

Fairview Place offers good value for those seeking the historic home lifestyle in downtown Phoenix. Its inclusion into the National Historic Registry in 1994, relatively large size (342 homes) and variety of architectural styles (14 noted in the historic records) makes it important and valuable. Its location in the western downtown region and smaller house/lot sizes has, most likely, kept the homes more affordable than nearby Willo and Encanto/Palmcroft.

Those seeking historic living and have had trouble finding an affordable place, Fairview Place may be your ticket.

A FEW THOUGHTS FROM THE URBAN TEAM:

We feel Fairview Place offers more reasonably priced historic homes than many of the other downtown historic districts. The district has many fine homes and its proximity to downtown’s offerings is an obvious plus. What it seems to lack is competitive marketing of the neighborhood. It needs an identifying quality and, for lack of a better word, brand. Willo is noted for the annual historic tour,  Encanto/Palmcroft has its elegance, Coronado has 1st Friday and a lot of community businesses. It is hard to put an identifier on Fairview.

We’d encourage the neighborhood to consider rezoning the homes facing 15th Avenue for light commercial development while keeping the homes intact. Road activity and noise diminish the residential value of the homes whereas boutique businesses like a small professional practice, neighborhood eateries and such would add value, excitement and more work-near-living opportunities. (We’d love to read some comments on this.)

Below you will find a virtual tour of the Fairview Place neighborhood as well as a complete listing of homes currently on the market in Fairview Place. If you would like more information on a specific home or the area, we are happy to help.

The Urban Connection Team
602-234-5777

WHAT IS CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN FAIRVIEW PLACE?  HERE IS A LOOK:

Phoenix Historic Preservation Office Update

It appears a lot of people have made their opinion on the future of the Historic Preservation Office in Phoenix heard. In a past post we asked people to take action and let Deputy City Manager David Krietor know how important the Historic Preservation Office is and will be to the future of Phoenix. I too sent a letter (see below) and received the following response.

Gene ,

Thank you. Like the other Functions reporting to  the City Managers Office Historic Preservation is extremely important.  In order to set a good example for the rest of the City we have significantly reduced the staffing in the Managers Office. We don’t have the capacity to provide the support that HP needs.  In looking at consolidation options we have focused on keeping the HP Office intact as a separate operating unit reporting directly to a Department Head.  Perhaps as critical from my perspective is to maintain the energy and enthusiasm of the HP Commission and the many Phoenix residents who care about having a viable central city.

This is great news for the City and its residence. As we have discussed, historic preservation is important and vital to the well being of our city.

Her is a copy of the letter sent by the Urban Connection Team:

Dear David,

I just wanted to express my concerns about the future of Historic Preservation. As a Realtor I have witnessed the value, both here and in California, of strong historic preservation. The downtown and central regions offer splendid examples of how preservation of our historical homes and buildings has added incredible value to the neighborhoods and city.

I STRONGLY urge you to do every thing possible to ensure the historic preservation office has the power and authority to continue and expand their fine work. Expanding their influence is an economically wise decision as historic preservation adds to the value of our neighborhoods and community.

We need HP to have an unimpeded oversight role in the future development of our city. Please do not enact any policy changes that will water-down their effectiveness. If possible, do all you can do to give them greater authority to protect our historical heritage. The stories of our history are often told by the homes and buildings in the community and stories are what give a city its long term value and importance.

Thank you for your help in preserving our past, present and future.

Thanks to everyone who got behind this issue and helped voice the importance of historic preservation. together we can make a difference.

Gene & Ron Urban
Your Urban Connection Real Estate Team
602-234-5777
connecting people to the perfect space

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