Tucson’s history can be felt throughout the city. Foundations like Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation (THPF) aim to save the most endangered historic buildings from deterioration or development uncertainty.

Established in 1985 and restructured in 2008, THPF’s passion evolved through years of frustration as many current members watched the destruction of significant historic buildings due to lack of preservation organizations.

Partnering with local and federal governments, as well as stakeholder groups, neighborhoods, and business and nonprofit sector partners, THPF has been successful in initiatives like the Neon Sign Project, which sought to protect many motel and restaurant neon signs along Miracle Mile in North Tucson and along Drachman Avenue. The foundation also preserved Valley of the Moon, a fairy-tale-inspired property designed and constructed by George Phar Legler in the 1920s that now provides tours and events.

The foundation added The Sunshine Mile to their list of historic places in 2012. The area is part of the historic Sam Hughes neighborhood, located on Broadway Boulevard between Campbell and Country Club. The Sunshine Mile was built as a “modern metropolis” and the future vision of Tucson. Over time, the modernist buildings faced certain demolition as continued disinvestment led to the demise of the area until, at the behest of THPF, the area became a focal point for preservation.

Recognizing Broadway as an integral part of Downtown, connecting major sections of the city together as well as historic neighborhoods, THPF has been working to create a National Register of Historic Places Nomination to spur economic investment in the area, so the boulevard can once again be what it was in the 1950s and 60s: a thriving shopping corridor.