Short History of Catalina Foothills Estate No.7

Following the stock market crash of 1929, John Murphey needed to raise some much-needed cash. The Tucson developer turned to an Arizona banker for help. Murphey owned several large tracts of land in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains and he offered to sell some of this land for ten dollars per acre. The banker refused the offer and flatly stated that the land was worthless. Even Murphey, who knew the land values and understood growth, would be astonished to know that some of the acres he could not market for $10 in 1930 now command over $100,000 per acre.

Although Murphey begun buying much of his foothills property during the 1920's his first development was not begun until 1935. Murphey formed a partnership with Josias Joesler, as architect, and together they begun constructing homes north of the Rillito near North Campbell Avenue. Catalina Foothills Estates was one of the first planned developments in the Tucson suburbs.

Catalina Foothills Estates No. 7 was started during the summer of 1965. Lots were offered for $5,000 each near River Road and Via Entrada. By that December, six homes had been built and protective covenants established. In 1966, choice lots were being marketed for $6,500 and as new homes were built, Via Entrada was lengthened. Some of the first homes in Catalina Foothills Estate No. 7 were constructed for less than $20,000 plus the cost of the lot.

Much care was taken when the lots were drawn and sold. Utilities were buried and houses were placed in such a way to ensure quality of life. Desert vegetation was protected to make certain the terrain was unspoiled. The protective covenants and the commitment of the people who have moved here make Catalina Foothills Estates No. 7 one of Tucson's best places to live.

John Murphey would be pleased.

-- Written by Larry Cox, April 1997

A more detailed history of CFE#7 has been compiled and published by Jean Harber in honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration and is available for download in PDF format. Special thanks go to those long-time CFE#7 residents who shared their memories about CFE7 and the surrounding area with Jean.

Map and Lot Locations

View the map of CFE #7 lot locations