Learn the rich history of Terra Del Sol.
One of Tucson’s first master planned communities.
Terra Del Sol was one of the first master planned communities for medium priced homes in Tucson in the 1950’s. Architect Ralph Haver was commissioned to design these now iconic, mid-century style homes with red brick construction and low-slung rooflines. Chesin Construction was one of the main builders that helped bring them to life.
Intentionally designed with safety in mind.
Terra Del Sol sits within one square mile between the thoroughfares of 22nd and Golf Links and Wilmot and Kolb. The development location was chosen to be ideally located close to industrial jobs as well as Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. However, the internal street system was intentionally designed to discourage through traffic, making travel within the community safer.
Safety and access was also taken into consideration when Wheeler Elementary School was strategically placed at the heart of the subdivision. The idea was that children would not have to cross busy streets or go through business and shopping centers to get to school.
Fostering community.
The design behind the Terra Del Sol community was to help foster a sense of community with parks, schools, churches, and shopping right within our neighborhood boundaries. Though much has changed over the years, the sense of pride and friendliness within the community has remained the same.
Did you notice that the street names in Terra Del Sol tend to reference the night sky? The developer Marvin Volk hired engineer and surveyor Bill Armstrong and Jack Lamb to come up with the names. Jack was an Air Force navigator which may have been the influence for the celestial theme.
Leighton, David (2019, June 2 UPDATED 2020, July 3). Street Smarts: Terra Del Sol’s names honor the night skies. Arizona Daily Star. Tucson.com
Winnie Wheeler Elementary
Winnie Wheeler Elementary was named after an influential educator in the Tucson Unified School District who served as a teacher and principal for 31 years before retiring in 1953. Wheeler Elementary officially opened in 1959.
Palo Verde High School
Palo Verde High School opened to students in the fall of 1962. Below are two early pictures of the school. In the top aerial picture, you can just make out the oval outline of where the track and football field would eventually be located.
Parade of Homes
Avenida Sirio is one of the main entrances into Terra Del Sol. When the neighborhood was first being constructed, Avenida Sirio housed the parade of homes. This allowed the community a chance to walk through and see all the different models available for sale.
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