Last Updated on August 27, 2023 by Kim Labriola
About Blenman-Elm Neighborhood
Popular neighborhood Blenman-Elm in midtown Tucson offers diverse architectural styles and history in a conveniently central area. Located in Tucson, just east of the University Medical Center, the “L” shaped neighborhood covers approximately three-quarters of a square mile and is bordered by Grant Road on the north, Speedway on the south, Country Club on the east and Campbell on the west. The neighborhood wraps around the Catalina Vista neighborhood, which is also a historic district.
Homes for sale in Blenman-Elm Historic District
Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com
Historic District
Blenman-Elm neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. This can lead to a significant savings on property taxes for contributing properties.
Historical Landmarks in the neighborhood include Arizona Inn (1930), Peter and Paul Catholic Church (1931) and Blenman Elementary School (1942).
Great Central Location
Blenman-Elm is popular because of it’s great location within the center of Tucson. It’s just across the corner from University of Arizona. It’s only about 2.5 miles to downtown. It’s about a 1/2 mile from all the great local shops and restaurants on Campbell Avenue. The Historic Arizona Inn is a charming spot for a nice dinner and drinks.
University Medical Center is located just to the west of the neighborhood, and the eastern terminus of the streetcar is by UMC.
Bikeable neighborhood
Blenman Elm neighborhood is very bikeable, especially along Treat Avenue Bike Boulevard which leads to Himmel Park and the University of Arizona and beyond.
Public Schools
Blenman-Elm is serviced by these TUSD schools: Blenman Elementary, Doolen Middle, and Catalina High.
Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com
A Brief History of Blenman-Elm
Development dates back to 1900 when developer Andrew Olsen built a home at the NE corner of Helen St. and Plumer Avenue. Growth was slow until a boom occurred in 1936. Peak growth was in 1955. By 1960 the area was mostly built out.
Who is the Blenman neighborhood named for?
Charles Blenman was an Oxford-educated lawyer who came to Tucson and became a well-respected judge, as well as a land speculator.
Blenman was born in the seaside town of Torquay, England in 1859. Prior to coming to Tucson, Blenman’s first stop in the US was San Francisco before eventually going to Tombstone, Arizona. He practiced law in Arizona, defending the notorious outlaw Bill Downing.
Blenman made his way to Tucson, moving to the area in 1891. He became a judge in Tucson, then went into land speculation. In 1903, he homesteaded a portion of the land that later became the Blenman-Elm neighborhood.
Blenman owned a home, which was also his law office, in the Armory Park neighborhood that is currently occupied by a bed and breakfast.
Blenman is credited with bringing affordable homes to Tucson. When it was initially developed it was in considered a suburb. Many of the smaller homes sold for only $4000 at the time. Now this neighborhood is popular due to its close proximity to the University of Arizona and University Medical Center.
Twenty-one of the homes in the neighborhood were designed by Swiss born architect Josias Joesler.
What We Love About Blenman-Elm
- Fantastic central location
- Walkable/Bikeable
- Close the the Tucson Streetcar and Arizona Inn
- Every home is unique
- Tons of charm!
Looking to buy or sell a home in Blenman-Elm neighborhood? Let’s craft a plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today: 520-975-8956 or fill out form below.
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