Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden

Master Plan

Summary Report

June 2003

The City of Phoenix E landscape architecture/environmental design, inc.

Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden – Master Plan Summary Report

Tovrea Castle and Beginnings

Carraro Cactus Garden The vision for the future of Tovera Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden is drawn largely from an appreciation of Park of Imagination the site’s rich cultural history. The story begins in 1928 Master Plan for a Landscape Heritage Preserve when Italian immigrant Alessio Carraro and his family sold their San Francisco sheet metal business and arrived in searching for their American dream. Carraro found that dream in 277 acres of harsh desert landscape that stretched from Van Buren Street to the middle of the Salt River bed. While others saw a barren setting, Alessio envisioned a resort castle surrounded by dense desert vegetation and scenery.

From 1928 to 1930 Alessio, his son Leo and a crew of about 20 workmen shaped this barren desert landscape into a spectacular desert paradise. Crowning this landscape was a magnificent wedding cake “castle” reminiscent of his Italian homeland. During the summers of 1928 and 1929, “Mokta”, a talented Russian gardener developed the gardens, while Carraro focused on the construction of the Castle and surrounding outbuildings.

Tovrea Castle & Carraro Cactus Garden: Circa 1930 While Alessio completed his fantasy castle in 1930, his The City of Phoenix is pleased to provide this summary dream for the property was quickly shattered when report on the Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden adjoining property owners began constructing sheep and Master Plan. The planning process has been a patient cattle pens to supply the Tovrea family’s nearby meat search, exploring ways to preserve the historic resources packing plant. Discouraged by these new developments, of the site and create a public facility. This Master Plan Carraro sold the castle and surrounding land to Della sets a strategy for future development. It is a long-term Tovrea in 1931, ending his dream for a “castle” hotel vision to restore the historic castle and cactus gardens, and resort subdivision in a remote desert environment. creating a cultural place that provides public facilities, While E.A. Tovrea, Della’s husband, passed away shortly interpretation and amenities for residents and tourists. thereafter in 1932, Della retained the Castle as her Phoenix residence for the remainder of her life. In 1936 The Master Plan has evolved through coordinated efforts Della married William Stuart, the publisher of the Prescott of various City departments, including the Historic Courier and collector of Internal Revenue for Arizona. Preservation Office, and Parks and Recreation They spent most of the year in Prescott, but lived in the Department. The City has worked closely with individual Castle every winter. Mr. Stewart died in 1960, and Della citizens, public groups, such as Friends of Tovrea Castle, relocated to the Castle permanently until her own death a variety of stakeholders, and consultants for several in 1969. years. Since the late 1960’s the property has remained largely This plan envisions a mosaic of cultural landscapes, unused. Without regular upkeep and maintenance, the respecting the historical integrity of past eras, while fragile cactus gardens declined rapidly and the historic creating a planning and design framework for new public castle fell into a state of disrepair. facilities in the future. Our dream is to help create a special place of imagination that will transform this historic private residence into a public facility for the Valley and the State. This report provides an overall framework the vision at the Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden. Future projects and site development will be developed to conform to this vision plan.

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Tovrea Castle & Carraro Cactus Garden on west hillside

Several layers of history will be preserved and interpreted, and new facilities are planned. Careful site development will need to weave the various historical eras together with future development. The landscape is a continuum through history. The site values include cultural, historic, park and eco-tourism opportunities.

The following section summarizes the City’s acquisition history of the site, completed projects to date, and the overall site context. The Master Plan section of this report describes the vision framework for the park’s future use Construction of the Castle building. Circa: 1930 and development. The report concludes with the timeline and next steps to complete the park. Introduction

The site and castle create an iconic image, emblem and symbol. The unusual desert hill surrounded with Saguaro cactus and the tiered castle building attract attention and create this unique icon. Today development adjacent to the site is separated only by the historic stone wall around the property.

The site is located near the southwest corner of Van Buren Street and 52nd Street. The site is roughly defined by an existing stone wall between Van Buren Street on the north, Washington Street on the south, Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) along the east and the U.S. Post Office along the west boundary. The site included the Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden and surrounding land within the existing historic wall.

Historically the site was a private residence, through the Carraro and Tovrea eras. Our challenge today is to open the historic gardens and castle to the public. Future challenges will be to develop complementary uses and support facilities on the site, while still preserving and protecting the historic landscape and castle.

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Opportunities also exist to link the Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden Park to via a Site Context planned trail system. Future regional trail connection opportunities for the park are shown with dots on the aerial photo.

Entrance Gateway and Stone Wall

Aerial photo showing the Tovrea site area. Recent Developments

The overall site area, about 44 acres, is largely bound by Since the City’s initial purchase in 1993, the City has historic stone walls, with the exception of two lots on Van completed a number of studies and projects related to Buren Street. While development has continued outside stabilization, maintenance, planning, restoration and the stone walls for many years, the wall has protected the interpretation of the Castle’s history. These include: historic site from intrusions and protected its visual • Site surveys integrity and quality. • Building security • National Register Nomination Modern highway developments have also afforded the • Cactus garden maintenance park a strategic location in the city. The park is situated • Site clean-up (entire 44 acre site) immediately adjacent to Loop 202, approximately one • Historical & Archival Research mile southeast of SR 143 (Hohokam Expressway) and • Acquisition of historic photographs & maps Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The castle’s hilltop • Stone wall restoration and reconstruction site makes it highly visible from Loop 202 and from other • Seismic investigations nearby roadways. Located approximately two (2) miles Waterline & fire-line design & construction northeast of the Sky Harbor International Airport, the site • Review by Mayors Commission on Disabilities is also advantageous for out-of-town tourists. • Design & construction of Phase One garden restoration Other cultural sites and tourist destinations lie within close • Temporary roof repairs proximity to the Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus • Historic Structure Report Garden Park. These include: • Saguaro cactus inventory & workshop • Pueblo Grande Historic Park • Video documentation & production • Cross Cut Canal • Oral history research & documentation • Papago Park • Archaeological surveys • Salt River Project’s Papago Center • Management Plan • Rio Salado Park and Lake • Restoration of entry gates • • Irrigation system design & construction • Desert Botanical Gardens • Asbestos & lead abatement survey • Arizona Historical Society Museum • Master Planning

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Historic Garden Restoration

The original Carraro Cactus Gardens included a lush collection of Sonoran Desert cactus, planted in 1928. Cacti included a curious variation, collected and planted by Alessio Carraro, his son Leo and his Russian gardener friend Moktatchev, nicknamed “Mokta”.

Carraro Garden Restoration. Phase One 2001.

The recently completed garden restoration planted over 400 new saguaros and over 1000 new cacti. This restoration has started to bring back the original landscape character, with a dense ground cover and lush combination of cacti, within the historic garden area.

Historic Photo, Carraro Cactus Garden. Circa: 1930 Selected areas along main paths were restored with a

historic fence. Lighting was added along the outer edge The saguaro cactus grew into a unique collection of of the path and on both sides of the north path along the specimens today, creating a visual icon surrounding the main entrance path. Castle. Today the Carraro cactus gardens survive with saguaro specimens that provide a unique visual icon on the hillsides surrounding the Castle. However, most smaller cacti on the grounds around the castle were damaged over time.

Historic Photo, Carraro Cactus Garden. Circa: 1930

Saguaro Icon – initial small plants around the Castle hillsides

Saguaro Icon- growing around the Castle hillsides Historic Photo, Carraro Cactus Garden. Circa: 1930

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Master Plan

The April 2001 Master Plan highlights proposes uses and site development elements in the park:

A. Visitor/Tourist Center; B. Interpretative Theme Wall/Walkway; C. Tovrea Castle; D. Tovrea Gardens; E. Carraro Gardens; F. North Special Events Area; G. South Special Events Area; H. West Special Events Area; I. Machine Shop; J. Historic Buildings; K. Interpretive Trail; L. Landscape Buffer; M. Historic Perimeter Wall; N. Art Features (various locations).

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solid panels the wall will accommodate specially Tovrea Castle Park Master Plan and designed copper plate interpretative signage. The upper Garden Restoration plaza provides orientation with special paving and art inserts to illustrate directions to site features. The master plan envisions a multi-use historic park providing a wide range of recreational, cultural and C. Tovrea Castle social activities 15 minutes from . The Once restored and developed City park would accommodate a wide furnished, the main floor spectrum of public experiences ranging from hikes along of the historic Castle interpretative trails, walks through historic gardens, would be open for guided guided tours through the castle, site information at the public tours. These tours Visitor/Tourism Center, and social functions at various could occur in conjunction venues in the park. This plan encourages a multi-faceted with small receptions and and integrated park experience whereby visitors can flow events (similar to the way easily between areas and activities. the Rosson House is used at Heritage Square). The basement, with its unusual tunnels leading in and out of The first priority for implementation is the restoration of the gardens, would feature interpretive historical displays fragile historic features in the park, such as the Castle, and be available for small social functions. Access to the landscape features, and outbuildings. Another priority is building’s upper stories would be restricted due to to provide interim public access while work is underway. structural, building code, and ADA issues. Subsequent work would develop new facilities, such as special events areas, theme walkways and visitor services, D. Tovrea Gardens to enhance the public experience. The area below and east of the Castle will be a A. Visitor/Tourism Center restoration of the historic As part of the overall garden used by Della programming plan a small Tovrea. Restoration will Visitor Center and include replacement of parking/orientation area historic planting at the will be located along East gateways of Van Buren Van Buren Street. The and Washington Streets, as well as re-vegetation of the building would include a bare garden ground with specimen cactus and ground park office, reception area cover plants. The historic reflecting pond and water pump with tourist information, meeting rooms, kitchen, small system will be restored. The lower terrace and light auditorium and outdoor courtyard. This building would fixtures at the northeast tunnel entry will be repaired and reduce the use of the fragile historic Castle yet allow for a a sloped access walk will be added to provide access to wide variety of activities to take place at the site. the terrace from the garden.

B. Interpretative Theme Wall/Walkway E. Carraro Gardens A critical pedestrian The area below, west, linkage from the Visitor/ south and north of the Tourism Center to the Castle contains the Castle will connect the historic cactus gardens lower orientation plaza completed in 1929. and the upper plaza. The While the City of route is designed to Phoenix started sensuously curve restoration of these horizontally and vertically gardens in 2000, additional plantings and restoration through the natural desert landscape. This tree linked work is needed. shaded walkway and theme wall with interpretative signs and demonstration garden areas will tell visitors historical stories and provide an outdoor museum experience. Designed as an art feature using natural river rock and

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F. North Special Events Area I. Machine Shop The north hill is a large This historic metal platform area that machine shop barn would be used for building, adjacent to the special events and West Special Events functions, including art Area, would be exhibits, antique car reconstructed as a shows and outdoor meeting, gathering receptions. This area is place and service center. ideal for large tents with The new building would electricity and water, and offers memorable views south contain seminar meeting rooms, restrooms, a catering to the Castle building as well as views to Papago kitchen, and storage space. Mountain and the surrounding landscape. J. Historic Buildings G. South Special Events Area The site contains several The south hill is a historic outbuildings and smaller platform area, structures, including a similar to the North gas station, a well Special Events Area. This house, two wood frame area links with the houses, a bird aviary historic trails around the and a dovecote. The Castle building and will well house and be used for special outbuildings will be events and functions. restored to further historic interpretation. The restoration Water and electricity will be available as well as a view of these buildings will add interest to the site, as park north to the Castle building and the surrounding users walk the established historic trails throughout the landscape. property.

H. West Special Events Area K. Interpretative Trails This dynamic area is The site has a system of snuggled into the historic trails that will be natural desert improved and upgraded landscape, and provides to provide primary a venue for outdoor access to the historic functions, including BBQ Castle and gardens. A grills and picnic area for new Interpretative large groups and Theme wall and catered events. The area walkway will provide is located away from traffic and provides an area for live visitors with access from the Visitor Center to the Castle. bands and music programs adjacent to the historic Themed trail loops will link Carraro Garden trails, Tovrea outbuildings and the Machine Shop. The site offers a Garden trails and a Desert Botanical trail. A perimeter relaxing desert setting, as an extension of the Carraro trail loop will provide visitors the opportunity to cactus gardens, with a view up to the Castle building. experience the site. Trail links will be provided to connect with the regional and Papago trail system.

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L. Landscape Buffer Next Steps A natural desert buffer of plants is needed for In 2003, the City closed on the purchase of the last major sound and visual parcel of land inside the castle walls still in private mitigation to protect, ownership. The current plans call for developing a 44- screen and separate the acre park which restores the Castle and Gardens, site from Van Buren, rehabilitates other historic features and outbuildings on Washington Street, Red the site and creates sensitive trails, interpretative paths, Mountain Freeway and and other opportunities for public visitation. the US Post Office. Progress has been made in acquiring the historic Tovrea M. Historic Perimeter Site Wall lands and stabilizing historic landscape features since the The historic rock City first became involved in 1993. Still, much remains to perimeter wall, integral be done. Completion of the Master Plan will require to and surrounding the multiple phases of work, critical partnerships, and site, is a landmark. The substantial funding. Some of the critical outstanding work stone wall was restored items include: along Van Buren Street and Washington Street. Castle stabilization and restoration The dry stack wall along Complete restoration of the Castle is needed, which is to the east and west sides include new mechanical systems, structural of the site needs to be repaired as part of a restoration improvements, asbestos abatement, and major interior project. and exterior rehabilitation work.

N. Art Features Accessibility The conceptual master Accessible paths will be provided to allow citizens access plan of 1999 provided to the publicly-open floors of the Castle as well as the ideas for a variety of art park site. Reasonable public accommodation to the site features to integrate the will be provided. landscape with unique and functional design Interim public access elements. Designs and The City plans to provide groups and citizens with the models were produced opportunity to experience the site as it evolves and is by artist Kevin Berry. developed. Ideas included Ocotillo sculptures and sign at the pedestrian trailhead and an interpretative theme wall to Additional fundraising guide visitors to the Castle and tell the site’s historical Additional private fundraising efforts are planned, as well stories. Other features include special paving at the as future bond funding, to fully achieve the Master Plan. Upper Plaza and garden armadas. While detailed cost estimates will be developed in the near future, preliminary estimates suggest that at least $12 million dollars will be required to fully open the park to the public.

Detailed site plan and architectural drawings Detailed plans are needed to move forward on individual improvement projects as funding becomes available. These projects include restoration of historic buildings on the site, such as the Well House, Gas Station, Aviary and Dovecote, as well as restoration/expansion of the historic gardens and reconstruction of the Machine Shop. New developments, such as interpretative trails, special events areas, and visitor center facilities could also be constructed as funding becomes available.

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Timeline

Phase One – April – December 2003

• Initiate fundraising campaign • Complete structural analysis of Castle • Develop Phase I Restoration Plans for Castle • Develop Cost Estimates for Completing Castle Restoration

Phase Two – January – June 2004

• Complete Phase I Restoration/ Stabilization Work on Castle • Initiate Interim Public Access to Site

Phase Three – June 2004 – 2006

• Develop Site Plan/ Architectural Drawings for Site • Initiate Individual Park Restoration and Development Projects as Funding Becomes Available

Phase Four – 2007 – 2009

• Achieve Full Funding for Tovrea Castle through A Phoenix Point of Pride New City Bond Issue • Finish Phase II, Castle Restoration • Complete all Unfinished Restoration/ New Development Projects • Fully Open Park to the Public

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