Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Kim Labriola
About San Rafael Estates Neighborhood
San Rafael Estates is a small mid-century neighborhood consisting of only 69 homes on the northeast corner of Broadway and Wilmot. The neighborhood was developed by the Lusk Corporation in 1954 and due to rapid demand the neighborhood was sold-out in 1956.
San Rafael, winner of prestigious award
The design of the neighborhood earned the coveted Award of Merit from the National Association of Home Builders. Lusk Corporation was the only company to win this award for 5 consecutive years, 4 of these awards were for Tucson based projects.
Homes for sale in San Raphael Estates
Interested in buying or selling a home in San Rafael Estates? Contact us to go over your needs: Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956
Gained National Historic District status in 2013
In 2013 the neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Districts. This allows a significant property tax savings for eligible properties in the neighborhood.
History of San Rafael Estates neighborhood
The 40 acres of land was purchased by Lusk Corporation from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The neighborhood and the streets were named for Catholic Saints, with San Rafael being known for his healing powers.
Design
San Rafael was made up of 3 floor plan models called the Lanai, Monterrey, and Home For All America. Lusk’s designer Arthur H. Rader designed the Lanai and Monterrey models. The Home For All America plan was adapted by Rader from Robert A. Little’s prototype design featured in Better Homes & Gardens. Each of these Modern Ranch style homes were offered with several different elevations along with different material and color choices to guarantee that no two homes looked identical.
The inward-facing San Rafael neighborhood is unique because of the low profile, horizontal front elevations, asymmetrical façade, ribbon windows and/or walls of windows, and burnt adobe construction. Each of the homes was originally 1600-1900 SF with 3-4 bedrooms and a single or double carport. Many of the homes were oriented to take advantage of views of the Catalina Mountains and to limit sun exposure in the windows. The neighborhood is centered around a community pool.
Public Schools
San Rafael Estates is is serviced by these TUSD schools: Sewell Elementary, Utterback Middle, and Rincon High.
Are you interested in learning more about Lusk Corporation?
Take a look at a blog we wrote about this Tucson based company that became the 5th largest home builder in America in the 1950s.
Video features San Rafael Estates and other neighborhoods developed by Lusk Homes
Do you own a San Rafael Estates home that you would like to sell? Are you interested in homes for sale in San Rafael Estates? Contact us at Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956
Related Articles
Winterhaven: Tucson’s most festive neighborhood!
About Winterhaven neighborhood Winterhaven is easy to identify with wide streets lined with large evergreen…
Windsor Park – Mid Century Modern in Northeast Tucson
About Windsor Park Neighborhood Windsor Park is a small community of roughly 125 mid-century modern…
Wilshire Heights – Classic Midcentury Homes
About Wilshire Heights Wilshire Heights neighborhood was developed by Chesin Construction Company just southeast of…
Villa Catalina: Tucson’s first condo community
Villa Catalina: Mid-Century Modern Condos Villa Catalina Apartments are one of the most recognizable communities…
Tucson, Arizona: A Haven for Mid-Century Homes
Tucson Mid Century Homes: a guide for buying or selling Tucson grew leaps and bounds…
Tom Gist – Builder of Tucson Mid-century Burnt Adobe Homes
Do you love the warmth of burnt adobe? Do you prefer the natural character of…