Post Traders Store Tour

Admission is $35 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This tour lasts an hour and half.   The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation is delighted to offer a limited series of in-depth, docent-led tours of the iconic 1873 Post Traders Store.  This exclusive tour explores the history and historic context that led to the construction and evolution of one of Tucson’s most remarkable and iconic properties while examining the individuals who shaped and fostered not only this abode property but the style of Tucson.   History. The Post Traders Store was first building constructed on the site of Fort Lowell in 1873. Converted into a Tuberculosis sanatorium after the abandonment of the fort, the property fell into ruins by 1930.  In the throws of the depression, the adobe shell was rediscovered by a trio of artists. The rounded crumbling corners of the adobe ruins naturally lent itself to the Pueblo Revival style. This stylistic transformation was the regional mode Charles, Pete and Nan Bolsius would adopt in their architectural reconstruction of the building in the 1930s. Using a spontaneous and instinctive approach inspired by a deep interest in historical vocabulary, time in New Mexico and limited only by budget the result was a hybrid of two regional genres that have become classics of Tucson style.  The house was purchased by historic preservationists Ben and Peggy Sackheim in the 1970s and today houses their extensive collection of art and antiques.   This private home and collection is not open to the public and only through these special limited tours is it possible to visit this important landmark. These tours are conducted by docents with years of experience and a great deal of passion. This tour allows time to appreciate the ambience of this iconic local treasure. Check-in and Parking. Check in at Fort Lowell Park: 2900 North Craycroft Road (Fort Lowell Road and Craycroft Road).  North-east corner of the main parking area by cottonwood lane and the ruins of the Fort Lowell Hospital. The tour leaves promptly at the designated start time, please arrive 5 min before the tour is scheduled to start, there are no late admissions. From the parking area the tour guide will lead the group to the Post Traders Store, stopping to look at a few other historic sites on the way this is about a 15 min walk we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Accessibility.  Because this is a private home and over over 145 years old, there are irregular surfaces, steps and narrow doorways.  As a result, access for the disabled is limited. Our docents will be as accommodating as possible and offer assistance, but most parts of the tour are not wheelchair accessible. Tours are limited to 20 people. No refunds, no interior photography, No food or drink inside the house.