with historic designation, renovation and re-adaptive building projects may be coming to tucson's sunshine mile

The decision to add Tucson’s famous Sunshine Mile to the National Register of Historic Places may have the effect of spurring renovation projects in the area.

That designation was announced by the National Park Service, and it means that any renovation work within the district could be eligible for a tax credit of up to 20 percent.

The Sunshine Mile is regarded by architects and preservationists as a vibrant example of mid-20th century modern architecture with dozens of mostly one-story structures built in the immediate years following World War II.

Officially called East Broadway Boulevard, the Sunshine Mile runs from North Euclid Avenue to North County Club Road serving as Tucson’s main east-west corridor.

The author Tim Hull in his 2016 book Moon Arizona & The Grand Canyon describes the Sunshine Mile as a place of “20th century car-culture and the clean lines and optimistic space-age details of classic American architecture.”

Because a number of the structures running along the Sunshine Mile are thought to be in need of restoration, city leaders are hoping that the availability of Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives will increase the likelihood of such projects.
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In a statement, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero hailed the National Register of Historic Places designation and said her offices were committed to ensuring that “these architecturally significant buildings and their facades are protected and adaptively reused.”

By Garry Boulard

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