The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation has successfully preserved the iconic Bondante House in Midtown, showcasing one of Arizona's finest examples of mid-century modern architecture. Built in 1956, this remarkable home stands as a testament to the post-World War II architectural boom that transformed Tucson into a hub of modernist design.
While Palm Springs may be widely recognized as the mecca for mid-century modern architecture, Tucson boasts hundreds of exceptional examples of this distinctive style. The Old Pueblo experienced tremendous growth during the 1940s and 1950s, attracting architects, designers, and artists who left an indelible mark on the city's built environment. "It was a tremendous period of growth," explained Demion Clinco, CEO of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, describing the era following World War II. "People were looking for opportunity in the American West. Tucson was one of the places that people found and the city just exploded in size and in character."
As Tucson expanded eastward, hundreds of mid-century modern homes were constructed across a dozen different neighborhoods. These innovative designs emphasized indoor-outdoor living, featuring extensive use of glass and taking full advantage of views of the surrounding Tucson mountains. The architectural style represented a departure from traditional building methods, embracing the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the post-war era.
The Bondante House, located just south of Tucson Medical Center off Rosemont Boulevard, exemplifies the best of Tucson's mid-century modern movement. "This house really reflects a lot of that optimism of the post-World War II period," Clinco noted. "It has these incredible glass window walls that look out to the mountains and to the yard, that create this blending of the indoor and the outdoor." The home was designed by renowned Tucson artist Charles Clement for his sister Mary, her husband Aldo Bondante, and their two children.
Family photographs document the construction process, revealing that when the house was completed in 1956, East Citrus Street was still just a dirt road. The home's design incorporated Clement's artistic vision throughout, featuring murals, mosaics embedded into various parts of the house, painted tile murals, and numerous sculptures in the yard. The restoration project even included reproducing Clement's original wallpaper design that he had developed in the 1950s for CW Stockwell, having it re-silkscreened to maintain historical accuracy.
Thanks to a collaborative partnership between the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation and the Bondante family, the house has been meticulously restored to its original 1956 appearance. The preservation effort not only saves an outstanding example of Tucson modernism but also serves as a showcase for Charles Clement's extensive body of work. Visitors can still see numerous examples of Clement's artwork and modernist sculptures throughout Tucson, though some pieces have been lost over time, including his "Noah's Ark" sculpture created in 1966 for the Catalina Foothills School Administration Building, which went missing from Reid Park Zoo storage several years ago.
The preservation foundation's efforts extend far beyond the Bondante House, protecting numerous other examples of mid-century modern architecture throughout the city. "We have iconic buildings like the Valley National Bank, now Chase, on Broadway; or buildings along the Sunshine Mile or places as modest, and so dynamic as the Wilmot Library," Clinco emphasized. "Across the city are some incredible mid-century modern resources as well as amazing homes."
The Bondante House was featured prominently during this month's Modernism Week celebrations, highlighting its significance to Tucson's architectural heritage. Clinco and the Preservation Foundation are exploring innovative approaches to maintain the property, including plans to use it as a short-term rental to generate revenue for ongoing maintenance. They have already implemented this successful model with the Ball-Paylore house near the Arizona Inn, another exceptional example of Tucson's mid-century modern architecture.
The enduring appeal of these 75-year-old architectural treasures speaks to the timeless quality of mid-century modern design. "We look at this period with such fondness because of this beautiful design work that made it so dynamic and so rich," Clinco reflected. "How we look back on it is really powerful." The foundation's work ensures that future generations will be able to experience and appreciate these remarkable examples of American modernist architecture.
The public will have the opportunity to explore the Bondante House during special open house events on November 22-23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free tours will allow visitors to experience firsthand the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the extensive use of glass, and Charles Clement's artistic contributions that make this home a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. The Bondante House is located at 5111 E. Citrus Street in Tucson.
