National Community Planning month is October and each year the American Planning Association (APA) honors “Great Places in America.” Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the APA recognizes places with unique streets, neighborhoods, and public places. Out of the 15 chosen for 2017, Builder Online is reporting that Downtown Tucson’s Congress Street made the list.

 What makes a great place? According to Cynthia Bowen, president of APA, they are neighborhoods, streets and public spaces that “illustrate how a community coming together creates lasting value.”

Ultimately chosen in the “Best Street” category, which encompasses traits like personality, composition, and sustainable practices, Congress Street is distinct for its forward-thinking social and economic planning. Per the APA’s website, the city made headway in the 2000’s to reinvigorate the local community after traffic overtook the streets and the area became unfriendly to pedestrians. With renovations centered around commercial luster and people-friendliness, a modern streetcar, and restoration of multiple historic storefronts, the city capitalized on urban functionality with historic characteristics.

The APA noted several highlights for Congress Street, including annual events like Meet Me at Maynards, the refurbished Hotel Congress and Fox Tucson Theatres, 25 successful restaurants along the street, 67 new businesses since 2008, and eight murals by local artists.

The street is also a major hub connecting multiple parts of the city. Serving as a gateway to downtown, it extends from Toole Avenue on the east, and to Silverbell Road on the west — home to historic neighborhoods Menlo Park and the Mercado District. The commercial district of Congress Street also runs through North Church Street and East Toole Avenue.