Project Report, Survey of Joesler/Murphey Structures in Tucson and Environs

Thurber, Marlys

Introduction: "In spring 1991, an important historic preservation project was initiated that involved the cooperation of the City of Tucson, Pima County and the University of Arizona College of Architecture, along with numerous property owners who allowed their homes and businesses to be recorded and photographed. The significant contributions made by Josias T. Joesler and Helen and John Murphey, who together shaped the development of the Catalina Foothills and defined a unique architectural style for Tucson, have long been acknowledged. But despite the high regard accorded to their architectural achievements, development pressures are taking their toll on the Joesler/Murphey legacy: a significant number of buildings have been demolished, some have been so modified that their architectural integrity has been lost, and still others are facing the wrecking ball due to neglect as well as redevelopment. Although in past years periodic efforts had been made to study individual properties, a comprehensive inventory of the work of Joesler and the Murpheys did not exist; nor had the collection of their plans and job files in the College of Architecture been fully catalogued. Realizing this need, with the active support of the college, Pima County, and the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission, the City of Tucson applied to the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office for grant funding. In January 1991, a Survey and Planning Grant was awarded to identify and evaluate all Joesler/Murphey structures remaining in the Tucson metropolitan area and to complete the catalogue of the Joesler/Murphey collection in the university's Arizona Architectural Archives. To initiate the survey, owners of Joesler/Murphey buildings in the city and county were invited to a workshop held at St. Philip's In The Hills Church in February 1991. From this and various other sources, lists of known and possible Joesler/Murphey buildings were compiled. Actual field survey work was carried out between June and December 1991, with the surveyors completing a standard Historic Property Inventory Form and photographing the exterior of each building. While the survey was underway, the collection of Joesler/Murphey drawings and job files was catalogued and organized. To date, several hundred buildings have been attributed to the Joesler/Murphey collaboration. These include well-known commercial projects like Broadway Village, public buildings like St. Philip's Church and Hacienda del Sol, and many private residences. Not surprisingly, "mystery" buildings were encountered, with origins yet to be uncovered. Over time, it is hoped that plans not found in the archives will reappear and that information on unbuilt projects will surface. More importantly, it is hoped that with greater public awareness of their significance and their role in Tucson's history, the Joesler and Murphey buildings that remain will continue not only to survive but also to receive the care and treatment they so clearly merit." Funding was provided in part by a 1991 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Tucson administered by the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (04-91-60000) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Project Report, Survey of Joesler/Murphey Structures in Tucson and Environs

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