Respected Historic and Cultural Resources

Definition: Includes the preservation and celebration of local landmarks, buildings, neighborhoods, archeological treasures, open spaces, cultures, and traditions that make Tucson unique.

• "Develop more cultural things that are here in Tucson, that make us different from other cities."
• "Revitalize older city neighborhoods; help bring historic houses up to code and preserve them."
• "We need to respect and build on Tucson's history, culture and environment."
• "Think about the mid-city environment and maintaining Tucson's character."
• "Preserve our multi-ethnic culture. Promote and celebrate our diversity; stop dispersing it."

• Historic Preservation - serving as the point of contact for the public for historic preservation issues and providing policy direction for the city
• Planning - supporting historic preservation through the Historic Preservation Review process
• Community Services - rehabilitating and building homes in a historically-sensitive manner
• Tucson Convention Center - implementing a community-based multi-cultural project to highlight Tucson's diverse culture
• Library - maintaining two collections of significant relevance to our local history and culture: the Steinheimer Collection of Southwest Children's Books and the Arizona Collection

1. Number of historical sites The number of historical sites in Tucson indicates the respect of the community for preserving its past. The Arizona Historical Society and other sources can tally registered sites in the area.

There are 16 historic districts in Tucson. These districts contain 5059 historic properties. In addition, a total of 50 other sites are registered such as the Arizona Inn, the El Con Water Tower, and Southern Pacific Railroad Locomotive 1673.

Source: National Register of Historic Sites, Planning Department records.

2. Dollars invested to restore older or abandoned buildings Efforts to preserve the historical sites of the community build pride in the city. City permits would reflect the number of renovation projects.

The number and valuation of remodeling permits in historic zones reflects the efforts of individual property owners to preserve historically and culturally important resources. This indicator is under development.

Source: Development Services Department, Automated Permit System.

3. Number of people visiting historic and cultural sites The use of community sites for personal enjoyment, educational advancement or cultural enrichment demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of such resources. The number of patrons to historic buildings, art galleries, museums, churches, and other historic places can be collected.
Tucson Museum of Art Total Attendance by Fiscal Year


1993-94	1994-95	1995-96	1996-97	1997-98
140,546	163,867	163,011	167,986	175,391

Source: Agency records.

Arizona Historic Society Attendance by Calendar Year


1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
79,006	80,615	83,149	89,966	87,881

Source: Agency records

Tucson Childrens Museum


1993-94	1994-95	1995-96	1996-97	1997-98
61,647	77,835	64,004	55,870	44,780

Source: Agency records.

In addition to total public participation which includes out of town visitors as well as local residents, one indicator of local resident involvement is the number of people using the facilities at Tucson Botanical Gardens (i.e., for weddings, local events, meetings, etc.).

Tucson Botanical Gardens Attendance


	FY 1995-96	FY 1996-97	FY 1997-98
Total Attendance	94,208	96,958	94,931
Facility Attendance	16,932	17,840	18,795

Source: Agency records.

4. Tourism rates Strong historical and cultural resources attract tourists to Tucson. Tourism dollars can be channeled into community improvements which then attract more tourists. Sales tax receipts of tourism related businesses indicate the strength and growth of tourism.

Staff is researching the best way to collect and report the data for this Indicator.

What YOU Can Do

• Read about Tucson and Arizona history
• Visit local and regional historical sites
• Participate in cultural traditions and activities