Monterey Court Studio Galleries & Cafe

Venue Phone: (520) 207-2429
Address:
505 W Miracle Mile
Tucson, AZ 85705
Monterey Court was originally begun in 1938 and owned by Mike & Marge Opel. During one of it's many alterations, Monterey Court became Monterey Motel. Early photographs show the motel without any neighbors so it may have been the first motel in Tucson on Casa Grande Highway, now known as Miracle Mile. In it's heyday it was, as most motels on the strip, a lush oasis for the weary traveler. Photographs in the 1950's show numerous tall palms lining the property and lush vegetation inside the perimeter and a pool at the rear of the lot. With the introduction of the Interstate Highway System, Miracle Mile began the long slow decline which ultimately tarnished the area for many years. The Opels owned the motel until the early 1980's when it was sold, and then resold 9 times over the next 30 years. In January 2011, Kelly McLear & Greg Haver bought the property and began the redevelopment into an artisan enclave. During the restoration process many unique and historic touches were discovered, which had been covered over by previous owners. This included some of the original wood ceilings and the original facade with the name of Monterey Court still visible. Beginning with the renovation of each of the original casitas into studio gallery spaces, most of the original spaces have remained largely intact with numerous upgrades in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, finishes, and security. Some have been combined to make larger spaces for the merchants. All of the original covered areas between the casitas have been restored, new porches added, and a new pavillion and covered performance stage were built to serve as the centerpiece of the courtyard. The final phase, and the most difficult, was the renovation of the original office & manager quarters and two of the forward casitas. These now house the new cafe, bar & kitchen. With this new chapter in the Monterey timeline, we believe we have done our part in the revitalization of this unique treasure in the Old Pueblo. We welcome you to come experience historic Miracle Mile.

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