Hoffmantown | 1950
7th Ave and Bethany Home Rd
The original vision for this type of affordable housing originated in
Manana Vista in 1949, and then quickly spread across Phoenix, Albuquerque and Denver through the early 1950s.
Of all Hoffman's developments in Phoenix,
Hoffmantown is the neighborhood that most often comes up by name. It features more or less the same hallmarks as its cousins in
Mañana Vista,
Handell Villa,
Jackson Villa and
Hoffman Terrace, all built in the same era. But by lending his own name and calling it a
town, Sam Hoffman was able to seal his reputation as a townbuilder and take his show on the road. Note how similar the street planning is with the neighborhood just across the avenue,
Handell Villa, which expresses his intention to scale as efficiently as possible.
As testament to the lasting value and beauty of brick, few homeowners have chosen to paint over their red brick during the 70+ years since Hoffmantown was originally built. This appreciation is largely true for most Hoffman developments that we have surveyed citywide.
The single-car garages, however, have not fared as well. As automobiles got bigger, and as family needs grew, many owners have chosen to either convert the garage to livable space, use it for storage, or extend the roof to accommodate a carport while the original garage was occupied with a second car or storage.
Many simply opt for street parking or use available shade trees for cover instead.
Most miraculous in our age of self-expression is the tendency for homeowners to keep the garage door white, as well as the rest of the trim. It's a timeless American look that never goes out of style.
When homeowners deviate from the traditional scheme, dark blue-greens and blacks compliment the architecture well by playing off the shadows cast in nearby foliage.
This home demonstrates a rare example of cladding the exterior with stucco and additional bulk. The inclusion of Hoffman's neighborhoods on the City of Phoenix Historic Property Register would prevent more incompatible and non-contributing remodels.
While every American has a right to express themselves, it is evident by the 70+ years of integrity demonstrated in dozens of Hoffman neighborhoods nationwide that — architectural pedigree aside — the continuity of architectural volume, materials, scale, and color schemes are still highly valued today. Because the homes are so tightly-packed, any extensions tend to grow out into the back yard. Second stories, replacement roofs with different gable patterns, or total teardowns are rare.
We're not sure where and when this metal star trend started, but they can be found all over Hoffmantown! It's a fun and non-destructive way to add distinguishing personality to a stock facade.
Landscaping is another way to add personality. Hoffmantown is lucky enough to still be serviced by flood irrigation, which explains the presence of mature shade trees and green lawns. While some are critical of such hubris in the desert, it's waterwise neighborhoods like these which help mitigate the
Urban Heat Island Effect. 
Hybrid landscaping upgrades can take advantage of both desert and traditional landscaping. Homeowners are encouraged to look at the expected lifespan of their vintage trees and start planning for replacements that will mature in time to take over the critical role these shade-providers have played.
Irrigated lots in Hoffmantown can be easily identified by the raised berm that surrounds the property's edge.
Zanjeros are responsible for the timely delivery of water to these neighborhoods. They open and close flood gates from arteries feeding off the nearest canal to bring water to the central city. Homeowners can then open up their own irrigation channels or hire a professional to do it, since the required watering hours can often come in the middle of the night! Before there were sprinklers, there were canals. Flooding provides a deep drink roughly every two weeks and eliminates the need for sprinklers with droplets that evaporate.
Should Hoffmantown pursue historic designation? Absolutely!
Its provenance as the early work of master architect Ralph Haver AIA and master builder Sam Hoffman at a critical point in time during Phoenix's boom of housing development, as well as its remarkable integrity (considering contemporary living circumstances such as SUVs that cannot fit in the garage) and the national appeal of this housing type position this neighborhood high on on our list of eligible historic districts. If you're a resident of any Hoffmantown and would like to get started, please reach out!