Indian School and Central

Mary Lucking / Tucson, AZ

The Indian School station is adjacent to the former Phoenix Indian School, which has been converted to Indian Steele Park.  Tucson artist Mary Lucking observed first hand the changes that transformed this neighborhood.  Respectful of the history of the area, Mary focused on the people and institutions that existed before the station. 

There are three major elements on the station: glass panels along the entry walkway, terrazzo carpets at the entrance to the stations, and photo tiles on the columns.

Each aspect reflects history.  Glowing red glass panels are composed of historic photographs of buildings and streets, aerial photographs of the neighborhood, maps, and text.  Terrazzos provide a unique view, facing north and south, of how Central Avenue appeared before the station was built.  Tiles mounted to the station columns provide snapshots of the lives of nearby residents including children who attended the Indian school in the 1940’s, ‘50s and ‘60s.  Landmarks such as the Carnation Dairy and the first McDonald’s restaurant are enshrined here.

Mary worked closely with residents and with native American communities linked to this location to capture and explore their stories.