11 Historic Houses in Arizona

"A man's home is his castle" as the old saying goes. A home can also be a local landmark or an icon of a neighborhood in which it is located. 

Here is a list I have compiled of 11 historic houses in the great state of Arizona.

11. Douglas Mansion

The Douglas Mansion is located in Jerome, Arizona. Built in 1916 by James S. Douglas, this 8700 square-foot house features amenities such as electric lighting, polished concrete floors, and a central vacuum system. Today, this house is the headquarters for Jerome State Historic Park. Tours are available.

Year Built: 1916
Address: 100 Douglas Road, Jerome, AZ 86331
Style: Mission Revival

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6 Historic Courthouses in Arizona

While looking through my photo archives, I noticed that I have several pictures of historic courthouse buildings in Arizona. I haven't been to every county courthouse in Arizona, but I thought I would share with you the ones I have so far.

Built in 1928, the Maricopa County Courthouse is located at 125 W. Washington St. in downtown Phoenix. This Spanish Colonial Revival building was built to house both the county court and the city hall. It is still in use today by Maricopa County Superior Court.

Architect: Edward Neild (courthouse and exterior)
Contractor: Edwards, Wildey, and Dixon

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Maricopa Trail to Be Completed in 2015

Maricopa County has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast. There are 10 different parks that offer everything from hiking and walking to bicycling and horseback riding. Soon, these parks will all be connected by a network of trails known as the Maricopa Trail.

When it is completed in 2015, the Maricopa Trail will comprise 242 miles and connect 9 different parks and recreational areas together. These include:

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Sky Harbor to Demolish Terminal 2 by 2019

Earlier this year, I wrote about the Phoenix Sky Train Grand Opening. As I mentioned in the article, the Sky Train will be extended to Terminal 3 and in service by 2015. The Sky Train will not have a station built at Terminal 2, and here's why: it is scheduled to be closed in 2019.

The Sky Train is just one part of a massive plan to overhaul Sky Harbor Airport and modernize it for the 21st century. The Sky Harbor website has all the details about its Terminal Modernization Program.

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ADOT Studies PHX to Tucson Passenger Rail

Building on the success of the Valley Metro Light Rail system, the Arizona Department of Transportation is looking to lay more tracks in more places. The latest idea proposes an intercity passenger rail system between Phoenix and Tucson.

I think the idea of a passenger train between Phoenix and Tucson is a FANTASTIC idea. Have you ever made the drive between these two cities along Interstate 10? It is remarkably boring. I would love to just buy a ticket, close my eyes and take a rest, and wake up at my destination.

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