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Neon Sign Project

Tucson's is leading the way in Neon Sign Preservation. Get a closer look at what THPF is doing to preserve these nocturnal icons.

Throughout the middle of the 20th century, Miracle Mile, Oracle Road, and Drachman Street were together known as Tucson’s “Miracle Mile Strip.” This was the northern segment of Tucson’s primary automotive corridor: the vehicular route into the city from the North, a crossroads for those traversing the nation on Routes 80 and 89, and an economic arterial that fostered development in several regionally popular architectural styles. For many, this defined their Tucson experience; for others, it shaped their first impression of the Old Pueblo. Swimming pools, flickering neon and lush grassy courtyards welcomed visitors to motels with names like La Siesta, El Rey, Frontier, and El Rancho. Restaurants served steak and music for under $2.00.

Today, these iconic buildings and glowing signs have emerged from history to provide a persistent reminder of the continuing American fascination with the Automobile, and to enhance our society’s understanding of the mythic 20th century West. Classic neon still signs evoke an era of fast cars and a slower pace of life. These wonderful examples of mid-20th century commercial art are an evocative night experience.

In March 2012 working in partnership with Pima Community College, THPF restored and reinstalled a series of historic neon signs along Drachman (between Stone Avenue and Oracle Road) along the alignment of Tucson’s Mid-Century Modern highway: Historic Route 80 & 89 and State Route 84.

  • Arizona Motel Neon Sign Fotovitamina, 2012
  • Pat's Chili Dogs Sign Fotovitamina, 2012
  • Fronter Motel Neon Sign Fotovitamina, 2012
  • Sunland Motel Neon Sign Fotovitamina, 2012
  • Hotel Congress Neon Sign Fotovitamina, 2012

If you know of a Historic Tucson Sign that is in storage or in a backyard please contact the foundation at info@preservetucson.org

The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, with support from the Arizona Humanities Council, produced the Award Winning booklet: The Neon Pueblo: A Guide to Tucson’s Midcentury Vintage Advertising. Printed copies are available through the Sunshine Shop in Tucson.

Downloadable Resources

The Neon Pueblo: A Guide to Tucson's Midcentury Vintage Advertising
download
pdf
Vintage Neon Walk Plan
download
pdf
Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation
Skip navigation
  • Who We Are
  • Preserving Tucson
    • Our Projects
    • Architects & Designers
    • Stories
    • Shop
    • Stay
  • What’s Happening
    • Tucson Modernism Week
  • Contact Us
  • Membership
  • Cart
  • Donate
info@preservetucson.org
P.O. Box 40008
Tucson, AZ 85717
© Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation 2025
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