Historic Tucson: Armory Park

The Armory Park Historic Preservation Zone

Armory Park has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) since 1976 as the Armory Park Historic Residential District, the first such district in Tucson. It is also a City of Tucson Historic Preservation Zone (HPZ).

The HPZ boundaries are as shown on the map. Confusion about Armory Park boundaries is common because the National Register district (Armory Park Historic Residential District) was expanded to the south but the HPZ was not. The Armory Park Neighborhood Association boundaries extend to Broadway Blvd. on the north and all along Stone Avenue to the west. The HPZ has irregular coverage on the west because not all properties along Stone were included in the zone. The historic review process addressed in this website and blog apply only to the APHPZ as outlined on the map.

Armory Park is a historic neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona, with several notable features:

Park: The neighborhood is home to Armory Park, a 4-acre public park located directly across the street from Children's Museum Tucson. The park serves as a central community space.
Historical Significance: Armory Park is a historic neighborhood, with many homes and buildings dating back to Tucson's early days.
Architecture: The area features a variety of architectural styles, reflecting its long history. Many historic homes can be found in the neighborhood.

Camp Lowell: The Tucson Parks and Recreation web page on Armory Park says this: Camp Lowell was established at this location in 1866 by the U.S. Army in recognition of the strategic military importance of Tucson. The camp provided military protection as well as bringing financial benefits to the residents of Tucson. The two principal purposes of this military installation were to supply other army outposts south of the Gila River and to protect the citizens of the southern Arizona territory. Camp Lowell consisted primarily of tents. A poorly built adobe structure functioned as a kitchen, and a rented building in town served as a hospital. In 1873 the camp was moved out of town and reestablished at its current location at the confluence of the Pantano and Tanque Verde washes. In 1879, Camp Lowell was renamed Fort Lowell. The Armory: In 1913, a portion of the federal Camp Lowell site, between 5th and 6th Avenues and 12th and 13th Streets, was deeded to the state for the construction of an armory. The first armory in the state of Arizona was constructed within the confines of what was originally called Military Plaza, and is now called Armory Park, and opened in 1914. The masonry structure, with its castle-like towers, featured a basement rifle range, a main floor with hardwood floors for military drills as well as practice by University of Arizona basketball players, and an upper floor with offices. In the 4930s, the Boy Scouts camped in the park for their annual "camporee," and during World War II soldiers used the facilities for dances before going oversees. A new armory was later built elsewhere in Tucson and the building in Armory Park was demolished in 1975.

Armory Park neighborhood in Tucson has undergone several changes over the years:

Historical Development: Originally called Military Plaza Park, Armory Park dates back to the Presidio days when it served as a station for military personnel guarding the Tucson Presidio.
Residential Growth: The eastern section of the Armory Park Historic Residential District was initially developed as company housing for Southern Pacific Railroad employees. When the railroad moved out and merged with Union Pacific, these houses were auctioned off and relocated.
Architectural Evolution: The neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles reflecting different periods, including Classical Revival, Queen Anne, Mission/Spanish Revival, Late Victorian, and Sonoran styles. This diversity showcases the area's development over time.
Historic Preservation: In 1976, Armory Park was designated as Tucson's first Historic District. This designation helped preserve the neighborhood's historic character and property values.
Modern Developments: In 2000, a solar-powered housing development called Armory Park del Sol was built in the area, integrating modern sustainable living with the neighborhood's historic character.
Community Focus: Over time, the neighborhood has developed a strong sense of community. Front porches, landscaping, and street layouts contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages interaction among residents.
Cultural Integration: The neighborhood's location near downtown Tucson and South Tucson has led to a blend of cultures and classes, visible in the ornamentation, colors, and textures throughout the area.
These changes reflect Armory Park's evolution from a military-focused area to a diverse, historically significant residential neighborhood that balances preservation with modern development.