TOVREA CASTLE MASTER PLAN

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Downtown Phoenix skyline looking west at dusk


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The purchase, planning and restoration of this historical park began in earnest in 1989 when Phoenix voters approved bond funds for this purpose. Through six land purchases, assisted by two city bond issues and multiple state and federal grants, the city now has assembled almost all of the site’s original 44 acres. This unusual historical park represents the vision of Alessio Carraro for a resort castle in the desert, complete with castle, basement tunnels, dense cactus gardens, putting green, concrete walls, dovecote, well house, gas station, machine shop and much more.

In 2000, the City drafted a Master Plan that was then adopted by the City Council in 2003. Hikes, historic garden walks, guided Castle tours, social functions - all are proposed uses that would transform the Castle and surrounding gardens into a world-class park and historical attraction. To see a graphic layout of proposed park amenities, review the master plan map.

Full Master Plan Report (PDF 1.3MB)
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Tovrea Castle
Once restored and furnished, the public could join a guided tour of the main floor of the historic Castle. The basement, with its unusual tunnels leading to the gardens, would feature interpretive historical displays and be available for small social functions. Access to the building's upper stories would be restricted due to structural, building code, and accessibility issues.

On guided tours, visitors would be able to enjoy the architectural
details of the castle's main floor including this ornamental fireplace.

Carraro Gardens
The area surrounding the Castle contains the historic cactus gardens, completed in 1929. While the city of Phoenix started restoration of these gardens in 2000, workers need to expand these efforts and plant more cactuses.

Workers kicked off the garden restoration by planting over 400 saguaros and 1,000 other cactuses. Workers also restored historic fencing along sections of trail through the garden and added some lighting.

Visitor/Tourism Center

A small visitor center and orientation area along East Van Buren Street would greet visitors. The building would include a park office, a reception area with tourist information, a small auditorium and an outdoor courtyard. The visitor center would allow for a wide variety of activities at the site while reducing the impact on the fragile Castle.

Interpretative Theme Wall/Walkway

A critical pedestrian linkage from the visitor center to the Castle would curve through the natural desert landscape. Along the way, visitors could learn about the site's history from a theme wall with interpretative signs and demonstration gardens. The theme wall's interpretive signage would be made from specially designed copper plate.

Machine Shop and other historic buildings
Plans call for restoration of a historic metal machine shop and several other historic outbuildings, including a gas station, a well house, two wood frame houses, a bird aviary and a dovecote.

Plans call for restoration of several outbuildings on the Tovrea property,
such as the well house, foreground, and the machine shop, background.

Last Modified on 07/07/2008 10:49:42