Published on Friday, February 24, 1995
© 1995 The Arizona Republic

Byline: By Alfredo Azula, Staff writer

Gerry McCue wants people to know that his neighborhood near downtown Phoenix is a great place to live.

''You could buy one of those brand-new homes up north that if you don't know the number, you could get lost in the neighborhood -- I call them cookie-cutter houses,'' McCue said, who lives in the Fairview Place Historic District.

''Or you could come down here and for the same price get something unique. And you don't have to commute.''

McCue and other homeowners in the district bounded by Encanto Boulevard, McDowell Road and 15th and 17th avenues, are planning a home and garden tour to show off the results of a neighborhood effort to beautify their community.

The Fairview Place Home and Garden Tour is set for March 12, from 1:30 p.m to 5:30 p.m.

Fourteen homes featured on the tour reflect a diverse variety of architectural styles, including examples of Southwestern, English Tudor, Cape Cod and Transitional Ranch homes.

According to a history of the neighborhood, Fairview Place was subdivided in 1916. Construction began in 1928, but came to a halt when the Great Depression hit.

The area experienced a brief construction resurgence when Federal Housing Administration-backed mortgage loans became available in the mid-1930s. After World War II, the neighborhood attracted many returning veterans who bought homes with GI Bill loan guarantees.

A highlight of the tour include a 1928-vintage adobe house that was one of the first built in the area.

The house has a number of unique features, including a barrel ceiling in the living room, an exposed redwood log ceiling in a bedroom, a Dutch door that invites visitors into the back yard and a cove ceiling in the dining room.

Also on the tour is a collection of antique-style Christmas ornaments designed by artist Christopher Radko. In addition, a section of Palm Lane between Laurel and 16th streets is being closed for a street cafe that will offer food, information booths and entertainment.

McCue's wife, Marge, organized the tour. ''People were more than generous,'' she said. ''I didn't have to beg.'' She said her neighbors' enthusiasm reflects a growing sense of community.

Photo by Alfredo Azula / Staff writer
Color photo (Central Phoenix Community) by Alfredo Azula / Staff writer
Color photo (Central Phoenix Community) by Community
Chart

A sun room complete with skylight, Dutch door and cove ceiling is one of the unusual features found in a 1928-vintage adobe home on tour.
Richard Fox's elaborate garden, above, is one of the highlights on the Fairview Place Home and Garden Tour. At left, a sun room complete with skylight, Dutch door and cove ceiling is one of the unusual features found in a 1928-vintage adobe home on tour.
IF YOU GO
FAIRVIEW HISTORIC HOME AND GARDEN TOUR
When: March 12, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Fairview Historic District, 15th Avenue to 17th Avenue between McDowell Road and Encanto Street.
Parking: Open Door Fellowship Church, 1526 W. McDowell Road. Parking and tram service are free.
Cost: $5, available in advance by calling 253-5579 or on the day of the tour at the church.
Information: 253-5579.