Mary Lou Focht
On March 23, 2005, Mayor Bob Walkup presented the “Heart of Downtown”
Award to Mary Lou Focht, in recognition of her longtime dedication to
Downtown Tucson. Focht and her husband, Charles, are owners of Old
Town Artisans, located at 201 N. Court Avenue in Downtown’s El Presidio
Historic District.

The Mayor’s “Heart of Downtown” Award is presented quarterly and was
established to honor an individual, group, organization or business that
provides exceptional contributions to the improvement of Downtown
Tucson. The award is an element of the Río Nuevo project that is
revitalizing our Downtown – the “Heart of the City.”

An artist by background, Focht worked in the pottery business for twenty years before opening Old Town Pot Shop
at Old Town Artisans in 1992. She and her husband purchased the entire business, a collection of eight distinctive
shops and galleries, in 1995. In addition to being a Downtown business owner, Focht has served on the City of
Tucson’s TEAM/ParkWise Commission since 1998, and last year was elected Chairperson of the Tucson Downtown
Alliance’s Board of Directors.

“Mary Lou and her business both contribute immeasurably to Downtown Tucson,” said Mayor Walkup. “She has
played an important role in many key issues over the years, which is why I’m honored to present her with the
“Heart of Downtown” award to recognize her dedication and thank her for her longtime support of Downtown and
the Río Nuevo revitalization efforts,” he said.

<- Back to Downtown Personalities