Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Kim Labriola
About El Encanto Estates
The word encanto translates to enchanted or charming, which is quite suitable for this beautiful midtown neighborhood.
When El Encanto Estates was established in 1928, the area of Country Club Road between Broadway Boulevard and 5th Street was on the far east side of Tucson, just outside city limits. El Encanto took advantage of the close proximity to the El Conquistador Hotel, a newly-built upscale resort. Unfortunately, the hotel was torn down in the 1960s to make way for the El Con Mall. As the Tucson population grew through the years, the El Encanto area is now in the heart of Tucson, making it a convenient location to the University of Arizona, downtown Tucson, shopping, and restaurants.
Homes for sale in El Encanto Estates Historic District
Thinking about buying or selling a home in El Encanto? Contact us to go over your options: Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956
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A Brief History of El Encanto
The land that El Encanto Estates occupies was first homesteaded in 1907 by Henry J. Blaise. Blaise was a cattle rancher and miner, born in Ohio in 1861. In 1910 the land was seized from Blaise due to $466.30 of debt owed to Albert Steinfeld. The land was sold a few more times before development started on El Encanto Estates in 1928. The developers were lawyer William Guerin Jr., Leroy James, and land speculator William Powhatan.
Street Names
The street names were chosen in a contest which requested Spanish names and their English translations. 600 entries were submitted and the winners were awarded $5 per winning entry. Some of the winning names were: Calle Resplandor (Splendor Street), Calle Belleza (Beauty Street), Calle de Amistad (Friendship Street), Calle Portal (Entrance Street), and Calle Mirasol (Sunny View Street).
Many homes in El Encanto Estates were designed by prominent architects
Deed restrictions that were in effect until the early 1960s required architectural review of all building plans by Tucson architect Merritt Starkweather. Starkweather continued to review all plans until the 1970s. These initial deed restrictions specified that all homes had to be upscale versions of Southwestern Revival style including “Moroccan, Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Indian, or Early Californian Architecture”, but as those styles went out of vogue, Starkweather also accepted ranch style and more modern styles as well. Starkweather is best known for his work designing the Arizona Inn, commissioned by Isabella Greenway.
Most of the homes in El Encanto were built between 1929 and 1961. Many prominent Tucson architects designed these homes, including: Josias Joesler, Anne Rysdale, Arthur Brown, Henry O. Jaastad, Bernard Friedman, Friedman & Jobusch, Frederick Eastman, and Merritt Starkweather. And due to the strict deed restrictions, nearly every home built in El Encanto, prior to the 1970s, was designed by an architect. The styles of homes range from Spanish Colonial, Ranch, Mission Revival, and other revival styles popular in the period.
Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com
Neighborhood characteristics
Some of the most unique things about the neighborhood is the symmetry of the spoke-shaped streets, the palm tree lined paved roads, the impeccable landscaping, and the 200′ diameter round park in the center of the neighborhood. The neighborhood has an upscale, attractive appearance that’s partly due to the Baroque Revival subdivision plan.
Homes in El Encanto Estates tend to be large, most are between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet. Guest houses or casitas are fairly common. Lot sizes vary from 1/4 acre up to 1 acre.
The neighborhood was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. For owner-occupied, contributing properties this can mean a significant savings on property taxes.
Convenient Central Location
El Encanto Estates is centrally located within Tucson. It’s only 1 mile east of University of Arizona and about 2.5 miles east of Downtown Tucson.
El Con shopping center is nearby with several big box stores, chain restaurants, and a movie theater.
Joesler designed Broadway Village shopping center is just southwest of the neighborhood and has several local restaurants and shops, including award winning Barrio Bread.
The Sunshine Mile, which is currently being revitalized with local shops and restaurants, is just west of the neighborhood.
It’s also close to Reid Park, Randolph Del Urich Golf Course, and Himmel Park in Sam Hughes neighborhood.
Public Schools
El Encanto Estates is serviced by these TUSD schools: Sam Hughes Elementary, Mansfeld Middle, and Tucson High.
Our favorite things about El Encanto Estates:
- Each home is unique and charming
- The fantastic landscaping
- Curb appeal galore!
- The layout of the round streets
- The location that is close to everything in Tucson
Are you interested in buying or selling a home in El Encanto Estates? Are you interested in historic homes in Tucson? Contact us to discuss your needs. Fill out the form below or contact us at Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956
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