By Joe Schwarz
As a Scottsdale-based architect, I am always looking for professional inspiration. For me, south Scottsdale is a terrific source for stimulating my creative juices.

I don’t think you have to be an architect to appreciate some of the unique and special architecture throughout south Scottsdale.

Much of this area, south of downtown to the northern border of Tempe, was developed during the population boom after World War II. The houses were small and sturdy and constructed from brick or block. The homes were not fancy. They were designed to be functional and built to be affordable. For the tens of thousands of these modern- day pioneers who made the trek here, their “Arizona Dream” became their “American Dream.”

From an architectural perspective, the most innovative surge in housing happened during the late 1950s. That’s when architect Ralph Haver introduced a new design for homes to Arizona.

Haver Homes, as they came to be called, had personality.

Haver inspired other architect-designers who followed in his footsteps, like Ed Varney, Al Beadle and Bennie Gonzales. These innovators left a lasting legacy in south Scottsdale that gives it its current charm and character.

South Scottsdale is enjoying a renaissance. New businesses are starting up and existing ones are being upgraded. And unique neighborhoods, the heart and soul of south Scottsdale, are continuing to be a source of inspiration and self-expression that invite a diversity of design and residents.

Joe Schwarz is an architect at Aline Architecture Concepts in Scottsdale and is a member of the Scottsdale Gateway Alliance.