About Historic Fourth Avenue

A 501c4 non profit organization

Mission & Purpose

The purpose of the North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, Inc. is to promote the growth and development of the businesses and communities in the Fourth Avenue area by:

A. Promoting programs of a civic, social, cultural and artistic nature, which are designed to increase the function and aesthetic values of the community.

B. Promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the economic
potential North Fourth Avenue.

Historic Roots. Modern Vibe.

The Historic Fourth Avenue Business District

The Historic Fourth Avenue Business District is directly northeast of and adjacent to downtown, Tucson, Arizona and part of our thriving City Center.

The Avenue is surrounded by many significant historical sites that have contributed to its development—first as a residential area—and later as a commercial district.

It is bounded on the south by the Southern Pacific depot, and tracks. To the east, lies the Iron Horse Expansion Historic District. Directly to the north lies the West University Historic District and directly to the west is the Tucson Warehouse Historic District. Further north and east of the Avenue, is the University of Arizona.

Fourth Avenue became a commercial district after the construction of the Fourth Avenue Underpass in 1916. In 2016, the Avenue’s 100^th anniversary, the North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association requested Poster Frost Mirto (Corky Poster, Charles Pifer, and Jennifer Levstik) in cooperation with the City of Tucson (Jonathan Mabry), to nominate Fourth Avenue Commercial Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places.

Fourth Avenue’s historical centrality and available open space meant that the corridor was advantageously situated to become a commercial district. During its height (1920s–1930s), it met the needs of neighboring communities—in essence becoming a precursor to the strip mall where businesses began moving into the suburbs away from the urban core. Between 1916 and 1967, the District’s location provided ready access to goods and supplies imported by the railroad and neighboring warehouses, and could accommodate University students, downtown business people, and neighbors. Today this vibrant commercial corridor is populated by over 140 locally owned boutiques, bars, and cafes; all residing in historic buildings.

The North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association was formed in 1983 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth and development of the businesses and communities in the Historic Fourth Avenue Business District.

The North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, Inc. office is located at 434 East Ninth Street, Tucson, Arizona 85705-8580. (520) 624-5004.

Telling the Story, Growing the Impact

Keeping Fourth Avenue Thriving

We amplify the voice of Fourth Avenue through a dynamic mix of platforms:

Marketing

Social Media & Website
Radio, TV & Print (Newspapers + Magazines)
Eye-catching Rack Cards & Banners
Strategic Digital Kiosks & Airport Advertising
District-Wide Promotions & Press Releases
Earned Media & News Coverage

Our marketing reaches far and wide telling the story of Fourth Avenue and drawing people to experience it firsthand.

Work Program

Our workforce development program is designed to empower people including those facing social and financial inequities by offering them meaningful employment and skills training.

PUBLIC AREA MAINTENANCE

Provide upkeep and maintenance of public spaces across the district year round fully funded through our own resources.

(Trash Removal, Quarterly Pressure Washing, Graffiti Abatement, Landscaping).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

As one of the longest-running and most celebrated street fairs in the United States, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair is a major economic powerhouse, generating an estimated $55 million in annual economic impact for Tucson and our greater community.

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Donating time, resources and thousands of dollars in revenue each year to local nonprofit organizations and district neighborhood associations.

MERCHANT RELATIONS

We serve as the go-to resource and trusted connector for our merchants, linking them with the tools, support, and relationships they need to thrive. Assistance with business solutions & networking. Help securing and managing grants. Funding for facade improvement projects.

Our marketing reaches far and wide telling the story of Fourth Avenue and drawing people to experience it firsthand.

SPECIAL EVENTS

We proudly support and promote all merchant and community events throughout the year—and we don’t stop there. We also create and host signature experiences that turn moments into memories: