Mid-century architecture enthusiasts and history buffs in Mesa are gearing up for the annual Historic Home Tour, set for January 17. The tour, a benefit for the Mesa Historical Museum, is turning heads this year with a special showcase – the Ponderosa II. This full-scale replica of the Bonanza ranch house, built by Lorne Greene of the NBC TV series fame in 1963, will open its doors to the public for the first time during this event.
The featured Golden Hills neighborhood epitomizes the blend of mid-century design tailored to the Arizona heat, sporting features like low-slung rooflines, broad windows, and shaded patios to make living in the desert more bearable. It’s an area ripe for the recognition. Aiming to ostensibly transport visitors back in time, the event organizers promise a day soaking in the charm of the 1950s and 1960s.
According to MesaNow.org, the Golden Hills neighborhood, while not yet a designated historic district, is surrounded by Mesa’s eight local historic districts, seven of which enjoy placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, tickets to step into history are going fast, with limited slots available for 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. tours…