[Source: Lois McFarland, Arizona Republic] -- A job description for mayor doesn't usually include kicking off your shoes and climbing up ladders to install street signs. Nevertheless, that's what Mayor Mary Manross (pictured left) did to help recognize the city's first two historic neighborhoods, Village Grove and Town & Country subdivisions, both built in the late 1950s. "This is a wonderful beginning to Scottsdale's neighborhood historic preservation," the mayor said after descending a ladder. "I look forward to putting up many more signs during the next few years."The 255-home Village Grove 1-6 is on 72 acres north of McDowell Road, bounded by the Crosscut Canal at 66th Street on the west, 69th Street to the east, with Oak Street and Almeria Road marking the northern and southern boundaries, respectively. Many residents have lived in their homes 40 to 50 years and are pleased their California ranch-style houses have been singled out as historically significant. Homes that sold in 1957-58 for $12,750 to $13,500 now sell for $275,000 to $300,000.
[Note: To read the full article, click here. To read a related East Valley Tribune op-ed column on Scottsdale's designation, click here. Photo source: Jennifer Hibbard and Christine Kinchen.]
