THE LIGHTS ARE ON IN THE MIRACLE MILE HISTORIC DISTRICT
As part of the “Miracle Mile Branding Signage” Action Activity for the Thrive in the 05 zone, new neon Miracle Mile Historic District signs have been installed to highlight the identity of Tucson’s Miracle Mile.
The City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) collaborated with the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation to place four neon signs along North Oracle Road, West Miracle Mile and North Stone Avenue. The lights were created by Jude Cook of Cook Signs, LLC using the original design from Dirk Arnold’s famed Gateway Saguaro, at North Oracle Road and West Drachman Street.
“The neon signs and motor courts along the historic Miracle Mile tell a unique story about the development of Tucson and represent an important sense of place for the Thrive in the 05 community,” said HCD Planning Administrator Alison Miller, who has overseen the Thrive in the 05 initiative since its inception. “This project honors that history.”
In addition to the neon signs, 27 sign toppers and 35 banners on light poles have been installed as part of the Action Activity. The Miracle Mile Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
The new neon art complements an earlier sign project, the restoration of the Tucson Inn neon sign, a Thrive in the 05 partnership with Pima Community College.
Thrive in the 05 is a collaborative community reinvestment initiative that focuses on a 2.3-square-mile area in the 85705 zip code in Tucson. It is bounded by Miracle Mile to the north, Speedway Boulevard to the south, Stone Avenue to the east, and Interstate-10 to the west, with Oracle Road running north-south.
Thrive in the 05 Action Activities are a critical component in the implementation of the Thrive in the 05 Transformation Plan, thanks to a combined public investment of $1.5 million from Choice Neighborhoods, Community Development Block Grant and City General Funds. The Action Activities have reinvigorated the transformation of the 05 area and have re-engaged residents and partners.
The other Thrive in the 05 Action Activities and its partners are:
- The City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives implemented a façade improvement program called the Visual Improvement Program.
- Tucson Clean and Beautiful planned and organized tree planting events in 05.
- Living Streets Alliance created several traffic calming mini projects.
- The Arts Foundation of Southern Arizona created six public art installations.
- Tucson Parks and Recreation has planned improvements to Esquer Park next to Tucson House, the City’s largest public housing building.
- HCD contributed CDBG funds to make improvements to the playground facilities at the Richey Resource Center in Old Pascua.
- Community Gardens of Tucson made improvements to the Blue Moon Community Garden.
The Thrive in the 05 Transformation Plan was adopted by the City of Tucson Mayor and Council on March 9, 2022.
Find more information on Thrive in the 05 Action Activities and Transformation Plan at thriveinthe05.tucsonaz.gov
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