1961 photos: This round house was home to 2 UA librarians
From the Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes series
- Updated
University of Arizona librarians and friends Patricia Paylore and Phyllis Ball lived in what was called a round house. It was actually a hexagonal house designed by local architect Arthur T. Brown in the 50s.
Click here to see updated photos and read about the home's history and the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation's efforts to restore it.
Did you know? The Star has a Tucson history email newsletter! Sign up >> tucson.com/timemachine
Round house is home to these librarians
Updated
The revolving porch roof can be adjusted to provide shade at any time of the day. The living room and bedrooms all open directly on the patio.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
University of Arizona librarians and friends Patricia Paylor and Phyllis Ball lived in what was called a round house. It was actually a hexagonal house designed by Arthur T. Brown. Here, the three-sided fireplace is the heart of the house.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
Neatly organized books and magazines attest to the owners' interest in reading. Records and photograph are located in the closed cabinet. Around the bend in the living room is a dining table which opens to seat 12.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
Hemlock crossbeams radiate from the living room fireplace, emphasizing the house's circular design. Green bamboo curtains may be rolled down or the unbleached muslin draperies may be closed to filter sunlight from the patio.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
A flying saucer look is emphasized in this night view from the patio. Every room in the house is visible: (from left) Miss Paylor's bedroom, the living room, hall, kitchen and Miss Ball's room.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
Miss Ball chose charcoal for the walls of her room and white draperies with a bright red Berta Wright design for a color accent. She keep her typewriter on a typing table inside the corner cabinet.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
The revolving porch roof can be adjusted to provide shade at any time of the day. A free form fence of redwood grapestake separates the lord from the neighboring yards. The living room and bedrooms all open directly on the patio.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
Green walls and colorful leaf-patterned draperies give warmth to Miss Paylor's bedroom. Small, high windows (one visible upper right) face on street, with the glass door opens to the patio. Under the desk is a tiny door for the cats.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenRound house is home to these librarians
Updated
Kitchen cupboards, all within easy reach, offer ample storage space. The stainless steel counter top between the oven and stove makes a convenient resting place for hot pans.
Bill Sears / Tucson CitizenTags
In this Series
Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes
1
Updated collection
1961 photos: This round house was home to 2 UA librarians
2
Updated collection
1960 Tucson home photos: the Glenn Poole home
3
Updated collection
1958 home photos: Storybook house for a lady
81 updates
As featured on
The mid-century home, laid out in a hexagon, will be open to the community for tours, short-term stays.
Take a peek into these Southern Arizona homes from the 50s and 60s.
More information
View this profile on Instagram#ThisIsTucson 🌵 (@this_is_tucson) • Instagram photos and videos
Most viewed stories
-
Save the date! Here's the ultimate list of Tucson holiday events 🎄
-
Over 40 free events happening in Tucson this December! ⛄
-
Where to get your tamales this holiday season, recommended by our readers
-
A large list of fun and festive events in December! 🎄❄️
-
17 festive holiday markets that support Tucson artisans
-
Get fresh bread and flaky, buttery croissants at the MSA Annex's new micro-bakery 🥖
-
These local restaurants are serving up delicious turkey dinners this Thanksgiving 🍗
-
30 fun events happening this weekend, November 21-23!



