Fourth Avenue became a commercial district after the construction of the Fourth Avenue Underpass in 1916.
Photo Credit: Gary Gaynor, Tucson Citizen
Historic Fourth Avenue has always been a hub for shopping!
This week we explore the shops and shop owners who have called Fourth Avenue home over the years.
This 1971 photo was taken on Fourth Avenue near Fifth Street, looking toward the Balcony Saloon. The Tucson Citizen said the saloon had “become one of the city's most popular taverns,” within just a month.
Fourth Avenue is also where the Biannual street fair takes place. As for some history behind the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, which graces the avenue with dozens and dozens of vendors selling everything from art to fried food: The fair began 50 years ago, setting up tables in front of businesses to draw in customers.
“Fourth Avenue merchants, in a modest attempt to show off shops and spirit, have designed a day-long 'festival of harmony,'” the Star wrote in 1971.
According to Rory McCarthy, who designed the Balcony Saloon: “There is a need, of course, to draw attention to the area for commercial reasons, but that is only a part of it. It's a real attempt to get all kinds of people together — no matter what their ages and backgrounds — and show them there is a lot worthwhile on the street.”
Photo Credit: Tucson Citizen file
“Lake Elmira,” the flooded Fourth Avenue railroad underpass in downtown Tucson, in 1940.
During monsoons the underpasses still get flooded and are places to avoid driving, unless you want to be rescued.
When it's not raining, so most of the year, these underpasses connect downtown with Fourth and Sixth avenue shops.
Photo Credit: Arizona Daily Star
Reuben Islas (left) and his younger brother, Filiberto, working at the American Meat Company on South Fourth Avenue, which Reuben started with his older brother, Alex, in 1980.
Fourth Avenue is a hub for shopping and eateries, including Tumerico and Cafe Passe. Fourth Avenue is also home to some of Tucson's favorite Bars including the Shanty and The Hut.
Photo Credit: Tucson Citizen 1965
The northeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Congress Street included Dee’s Shoes, Nationwide Finance, Johnny Gibson’s Gym Equipment and the Manhattan bar. It’s now the Ronstadt Transit Center.
These shops are just south of Fourth Avenue and Johnny Gibson's Grocery store is still around. The Fourth Avenue shopping scene has evolved through the years but it has always offered diverse shopping and a very Tucson experience.
Chinese grocery stores once numbered about 100 in downtown Tucson. This one was at Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street.
Now the only grocery store on Fourth avenue is the Tucson Co-Op, which offers fresh local produce and bread to its customers on top of many local products.
Fourth Avenue has always been a diverse street for shopping and eating. Some of the oldest shops are the Tucson Thrift Store and the Hippie Gypsy shop.
Photo Credit: Chinese History Committee
