Amy Som of Dragon's Spark, at Monterey Court. Photo by Jamie Manser
In an otherwise somewhat uninspired part of town, flanked by Evergreen Cemetery and run-down motels, developers and artists are bringing new life to Miracle Mile via Monterey Court at 505 W. Miracle Mile, a remodeled motel that’s been converted into gallery and retail spaces.
Though much of the planned remodel, which will include a full-service restaurant and an outdoor pavilion for live music, was still under construction in December, shop-owners have moved in and opened their doors in anticipation of the venue launch event weekend, January 28-29.
“People are driving by, and they know it’s open but they’re not sure of what’s going on yet,” said Tarrek Asous, owner of The Quantum Art Gallery, which sells the artwork of several local painters. “But everyone here is fabulous. It’s a nice little family vibe.”
Due largely to permitting issues, Asous said, construction has taken longer than expected. But the slow pace of development isn’t putting a damper on the enthusiasm of any shop-owner.
“It’s very positive here and we’re really excited about it,” said Starr de Verona, owner of Hacienda Bellas Artes, a sister shop to Artists at Work. “It’s a unique opportunity to get in on the bottom floor of the clean up and restoration of Miracle Mile. The reason I chose this location is because there’s minimal shops as opposed to a place like Tubac where there are shops up and down the street. Here, everyone will get exposure to the shop and people have time to walk into every shop and see what we all have.”
Amy Som, owner (with husband Michael Hafner) of Dragon’s Spark, a jewelry, clothing and accessories shop with mostly locally-made inventory, said she’s excited for what’s to come.
“When it does get finished, I’m sure it’s going to be great because the space looks really wonderful and the developers have done a great job of making it look like Tucson,” said Som.
For first-time retailers like Eva Rendon-Smith, owner of Small Miracle Craft Mall, the success of Monterey Court is imperative to keep doors open.
“I used to do accounting and administrative work for an engineering company and for a long time I wanted to open this kind of store and I just thought, ‘well, if I don’t do it now, I never will,’ and I jumped,” said Rendon-Smith. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but once everything is up and running I think it’s going to be the coolest place to come check out in Tucson.”
What’s In Monterey Court?
The Quantum Art Gallery: A gallery representing the works of several local painters and artists. Find out more at TheQuantumArtGallery.com.
Dragon’s Spark: Originally a pop-up store, Dragon’s Spark has made Monterey Court their permanent home. The store offers a variety of local handicrafts including jewelry, clothing, accessories, as well as hand-painted t-shirts and hoodies, fair trade Christmas ornaments, home décor items, mirrors and mosaics. Visit them at Dragons-Spark.com.
Hacienda Bellas Artes: A sister shop to Artists at Work, Hacienda Bellas Artes sells hand-made wood bowls, art, jewelry, unique collectibles, pottery and paintings, as well as unique hand-crafted collectibles and gifts.
Small Miracle Craft Mall: Comprised of art, crafts and jewelry of several local vendors, items include placemats, paper crafts, tree sprouts, accordion scrap books, patchouli—you name it. “Everything I have in my store is done by vendors: my husband’s artwork, my sister’s jewelry, my neighbor’s crafts,” said owner Eva Rendon-Smith. “It’s not stuff that I create, it is stuff that family creates.”
Silver Streak Gallery: Silver Streak Gallery showcases contemporary art, music and photography, while focusing on integrating digital technology. Visit them at SilverStreakGallery.com.
Other businesses owners include Jonathan Gaetke (JonathanFineArt.com), Cynthia Roedig, Kathy Tapley and Monica Garcia. For more information, visit MontereyCourtAZ.com.
