Historic Walking Tour Fact Sheet

2025 Preserve AZ Conference, Phoenix

 

Welcome to the Preserve AZ Conference! We're excited to have you join our historic walking tours showcasing Phoenix's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Please review the following to make the most of your experience:

 

What to Bring:

• Comfortable Shoes: Some tours cover up to 1.5 miles or traverse uneven natural desert terrain.

• Water Bottle: Phoenix in May can be warm. Hydrate before, during, and after the tours.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the desert sun.

• Hat & Sunglasses: Essential for morning and afternoon outdoor tours.

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Lightweight and breathable layers recommended.

• Camera or Smartphone: For capturing great architectural and natural landscapes. Add hashtags to your social media posts: #PreserveAZ #HistoricPHX

• Notebook & Pen (Optional): For jotting down insights from our expert guides.

 

Tour Etiquette & Safety:

• Arrive Early: Tours begin promptly. Arrive 5-10 minutes in advance.

• Stay with the Group: Especially important for natural or urban environments.

• Be Respectful: Many sites are active cultural, spiritual, or residential spaces.

• Use Crosswalks: For your safety when navigating downtown areas.

• Listen & Engage: Our guides are here to educate and inspire—ask questions!

 

Accessibility & Additional Notes:

• Tour distances range from short indoor visits to 1.5-mile loops.

• Some tours may include stairs, uneven sidewalks, or natural terrain.

• Accessible routes available upon request; please notify organizers in advance.

• Restroom availability varies by location; plan ahead.

• Parking validation is available at select venues.

 

Tour Schedule Highlights:

 

Thursday, May 15, 2025

• 6:30–7:30 AM – Park of Four Waters Tour, S'edav Va'aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St. Natural desert walk through prehistoric Hohokam canal ruins.

• 7:00–8:00 AM – Masonic Temple Tour, 345 W. Monroe St. Guided by Vic Olson through a 1925 Neo-Classical landmark.

• 8:00–9:00 PM – Historic Downtown Phoenix Walking Tour, Meet at 1 E. Washington St. Join Patrick McDaniel on this 3/4-mile guided loop exploring historic commercial buildings.

 

Friday, May 16, 2025

• 9:00–10:00 AM – Westward Ho Tour, 522 N. Central Ave. Tour the iconic 1929 hotel and its adaptive reuse with Patrick McDaniel.

• 3:30–5:30 PM – Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center Tour, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Explore the Indian Boarding School history. Donations appreciated.

 

Saturday, May 17, 2025

• 7:30–9:30 AM – Roosevelt Historic District Tour, 1242 N. Central Ave. Join Kevin Weight and Maura Jackson on a 1.5-mile loop highlighting the district with an interior tour of the Ellis-Shackelford House.

• 8:30–9:30 AM – The Square PHX (formerly Heritage Square) Tour, 113 N. 6th St. Tour Phoenix’s oldest residential block with historian Sarah Machette.

• 8:30–9:30 AM – Grand Avenue Commercial Historic District Tour, 1117 Grand Ave. Explore one of Phoenix’s most unique and eclectic historic corridors with advocates from Preserve Phoenix and Arizona Preservation Foundation.

• 10:00–11:00 AM – Highrises: The Luhrs Legacy & Southwestern Art Deco Lecture and Gallery, 45 W. Jefferson St., 2nd Floor. A deep dive into Phoenix’s Art Deco era with historian Mark Houser and artist Chris Hytha.

 

Thank you for being part of the 2025 Preserve AZ Conference. Enjoy exploring and discovering Phoenix’s historic treasures!