Introduced in 1957 by the Del Webb Corporation, Phoenix Towers was the first co-operative living apartment building in Phoenix. The iconic 14-story pink high-rise, just south of the Heard Museum, will be one of the stops on the Midtown Urban Living Tour (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).
It’s an annual event that began in 2013. The goal: allowing residents a behind-the-scenes view of the unique mix of history and contemporary design that makes Midtown Phoenix special. The Midtown Urban Living Tour will return on Sunday, Nov. 9.
Past meets present on this self-guided tour that will offer exclusive access to high-rise condos and distinctive homes, letting visitors experience Midtown’s mix of urban vibrancy and neighborhood charm. Over the years, the tour has opened the doors to some of the more striking residences and buildings that make up Midtown.
Featured locations on this year’s tour include the Executive Towers, Regency on Central, Tapestry on Central, Phoenix Towers (the iconic pink high-rise by the Heard Museum), Villa del Coronado (a prime example of the garden community movement), Palm Lane Manor (built in 1926 and showcasing vintage charm), and a single-family vintage home organizers say is sure to captivate.
The Midtown Neighborhood Association (MNA), whose boundaries run from 3rd Street to 3rd Avenue and roughly Margaret T. Hance Park to Steele Indian School Park, hosts this annual event. The MNA members are proud of their unique neighborhoods and dedicated to not only preservation, but to sustaining the businesses that help create an enviable walkable lifestyle.
Heather Fahey, MNA board president, grew up in Phoenix, not too far from Midtown, and fell in love with the lifestyle that the area offers. She has been a Midtown resident since 2003, and even opened her own home during the 2016 tour.
Fahey says she works in the downtown area, and the ability to find a condo in Midtown was a boon.
“In the 20-plus years that I’ve lived here, I’ve gotten to know a number of people in the neighborhood, not just my direct community that I live in, but in other parts of Midtown. And I’m a lot more involved and active, especially with the Midtown Neighborhood Association – it just allows me to meet so many more people in the area.”
A lot has changed in those 20 years. While approved, work on the light rail had not even started when Fahey moved into the area. The upheaval of the construction period was a challenge, but the quick connection between Uptown and Downtown – and beyond – has been a positive for the neighborhood. And while transit can move people beyond the area, a walkable community attracts many to Midtown.
“We definitely have more restaurants than we had when I first moved here, which is really nice,” Fahey said. “And it’s just lovely having the Phoenix Theatre and the Herd Museum and Phoenix Art Museum just right down the street from me. That makes it so much easier to go out and not have to get in a car. I can just walk places.”
Attracting and supporting area businesses is also a goal of MNA, and they host their regular events and activities at locations across the area. Neighbors who would like to get involved with the group are always welcome, too – whether by serving on the board or joining one of the committees.
“It’s a really great way to get to know your neighbors and find out about what is going on in the neighborhood,” Fahey said.
After the Urban Living Tour, MNA will be gearing up for their biggest event of the year, Sunday Off Central, taking place in March 2026, and volunteers will be needed to create another successful event.
In the meantime, whether you’re into architecture, history or just love discovering new spots in our diverse communities; whether you live in Midtown or elsewhere, the 2025 Urban Living Tour offers the perfect chance to connect with neighbors and experience Midtown in a whole new way.
The tour kicks off at Regency on Central, at Vernon and Central avenues, and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9. Most of the stops on the tour are close together and walking is encouraged; however, a trolley will be running during the event to take participants to the stops.
And definitely check out one of the local restaurants while you are in Midtown, Fahey added.
“We really want people to see what it is like to actually live in Midtown – it is more than just a tour; it is a lifestyle exploration.”
Learn more about MNA and purchase tour tickets ($28.52) online at www.midtownphx.org.
