THE HISTORIC RANCHES OF TUCSON’S HIGH DESERT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR ONE DAY ONLY — SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation presents its highly anticipated Annual Historic Home Tour, “The Historic Ranches of Tucson’s High Desert.” This year’s event offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore some of the most storied and architecturally significant ranches and historic sites in Oro Valley and Oracle—a region long cherished for its beauty, climate, and enduring connection to the spirit of the Southwest.

Triangle L Ranch GM Vargas - Jude Ignacio and Gerardine Vargas

This one-day self-guided tour with docents at each location will showcase a curated collection of properties that trace the evolution of Arizona’s ranching and resort legacy—homes and landscapes that reveal a rich narrative of architecture, community, and cultural transformation from the 1880s through the 20th century.

“This year’s tour takes visitors deep into the high desert, where architecture and landscape intertwine to tell a powerful story of health, heritage, and reinvention,” said Demion Clinco, CEO of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation. “Each of these places—whether an adobe homestead, an artist’s retreat, or a mission-style chapel—embodies a unique facet of Arizona’s past. We’re honored to open these rarely accessible spaces to the public for a day of design, discovery, and preservation.”

Among the featured properties is the Triangle L Ranch, once a rugged homestead and now a nationally recognized cultural destination. Established by Boston architect Westray Ladd and later revitalized by artist Sharon Holnback, the ranch blends historic adobe structures with immersive art installations and continues to host exhibitions and performances through the Triangle L Art Ranch nonprofit.

Also included on the tour is Rancho Linda Vista, a sprawling 80-acre property with a fascinating dual identity—first as one of Arizona’s earliest dude ranches and later as a visionary artist colony. “Walking through Rancho Linda Vista is like stepping into a living history,” said Mel Lavery, Co-Chair of the 2025 Home Tour. “Its adobe cottages and sweeping views speak to both its rugged frontier roots and its long legacy as a space for creativity and community.”

The tour also includes two of Oracle’s most beloved spiritual landmarks: the 1928 St. Helen’s Catholic Church, a mission-style chapel designed by Henry O. Jaastad, and the Oracle Union Church, built in 1901 of hand-cut stone as the town’s first dedicated place of worship.

“These are places filled with memory and meaning,” said Marina Yoakum, Home Tour Co-Chair. “Each one tells a different story—from early settlers seeking healing and new beginnings, to families building a future in the desert, to artists shaping contemporary culture from historic ground. This is what makes the tour and our region so special.”

Cocktail Party on Friday May 9, 2025

On the evening of Friday, May 9, the weekend begins with an VIP Cocktail Fundraiser Reception held at one of Tucson's Iconic Spanish Revival Historic Landmark Homes, a private residence in the heart of central Tucson. This architecturally significant home (rarely accessible to the public), offers a stunning backdrop of carved wood beams, original tilework, and lush desert gardens.

“This is more than a party—it’s an experience of Tucson’s architectural legacy at its most refined,” said Michael Fassett, President of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation Board. “Guests will be immersed in the elegance of early 20th-century design while supporting the critical work of historic preservation in our community.”

The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music in an unforgettable setting. VIP tickets include early access to the Home Tour on Saturday and are extremely limited.

The Home Tour will take place on Saturday May 10th from 9am - 4pmTickets: $60 per person | Advance purchase requiredTickets and information available at: www.preservetucson.org

Tickets to the Cocktail Party reception is $165 per person | Advance purchase required

Tickets and information available at: www.preservetucson.org

**Tickets are limited and the event is known to sell out. All proceeds benefit the preservation efforts of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation.