~ As the annual Historic Home Tour in Mesa approaches, excitement is building for this year's event which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 17. Organized by the Mesa Historical Museum, the tour aims to showcase the city's rich history and raise funds for the museum.

This year's tour will focus on Mesa's mid-century charm, with five remarkable homes in the Golden Hills neighborhood being featured. One of the highlights of the tour is the Ponderosa II, a full-scale replica of the Bonanza ranch house built in 1963 by actor Lorne Greene, best known for his role as Ben Cartwright in the long-running NBC TV series.

For the first time ever, the Ponderosa II will be open to public tours, giving visitors a unique opportunity to step inside and experience this iconic piece of television history. The Golden Hills neighborhood itself is a prime example of mid-century residential architecture adapted for the Arizona desert. With homes built mostly in the mid-1950s and 1960s, visitors can expect to see low-slung rooflines, open floor plans, and large windows that blur indoor and outdoor living.

More on TelAve News

• Yunishigawa Onsen's Annual "Kamakura Festival" will be held January 30 – March 1, 2026
• At Your Service Plumbing Named a 2025 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave
• Custom Home Builder Connecticut Valley Homes Wins 2025 Home of the Year from the Modular Home Builders Association
• Scoop Social Co. Partners with Air Canada to Celebrate New Direct Flights to Milan with Custom Italian Piaggio Ape Gelato Carts
• Breakout Phase for Public Company: New Partnerships, Zero Debt, and $20 Million Growth Capital Position Company for 2026 Acceleration

While not currently designated as a local historic district, Mesa boasts eight such districts with seven being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Those interested in learning more about these districts can find information on the City's website.

Tickets for timed entry to the home tour are priced at $30 and can be purchased online until 4 p.m. on Jan. 16. Limited tickets are still available for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., with ticket holders required to check in at Jefferson Recreation Center before being shuttled to the neighborhood. It should be noted that there is no parking available within the neighborhood itself.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting the Mesa Historical Museum and its efforts to preserve and promote local history. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore Mesa's mid-century charm and contribute to a worthy cause.

---

Show All News | Report Violation