About Feldman's Historic District

A Place in National History

Feldman’s Historic District was nominated in 1989 for the National Register of Historic Places, and it was known as Speedway-Drachman. In 2005, the boundaries of the district were expanded and the name was changed to Feldman’s Historic District.

The historic district is primarily situated within the bounds of the historic Feldman’s Addition subdivision, but also includes bits of Steinfeld, Tucson Heights, Schumacher, and University Home Addition subdivisions.

The oldest house in our neighborhood, built in 1902, is also thought to be the oldest house still standing anywhere along Speedway Boulevard. Building boomed in our neighborhood in the 1920s. Tuberculosis patients were attracted to our neighborhood because the homes were affordable, and the Southwest was considered to have a perfect climate for treating the condition. Four tuberculosis sanatoriums were in the Feldman's Historic District, and the area was derisively referred to as "Lung Hill." Two of the three buildings that once housed tuberculosis sanitaria are still standing: St. Luke’s Home, at Lee and 1st Avenue and the Whitwell Sanatorium, 721 E. Adams, currently the Castle Apartments. Other surviving sanatoriums now used for other purposes include La Lomita, 1214 N. 2nd Avenue and Idle Rest Home, 1124 N. Euclid.

Another factor stimulating development in our neighborhood was the affordable automobile. Many of the homes in our neighborhood were built with a single-car garage or carport. Part of Feldman’s Neighborhood was nominated as a national historic district in 1989. In 2004, our historic district was expanded to include homes built during our second building boom in the post-World War II era. As a result of becoming a National Register Historic District, many of our homes qualify for a 50% reduction in the primary property tax rate. Our Historian and other officers can help you determine whether your home qualifies.