Webb, Del
1966

Mid-century Plat Map Sun City Arizona

Del Webb's Sun City Arizona

DESCRIPTION: Early plat map for Sun City, Arizona. Sun City, Arizona is a census-designated place and unincorporated community located in Maricopa County, about 20 miles northwest of Phoenix. It was founded in 1960 by entrepreneur Del Webb as the first active adult community in the United States, designed specifically for retirees.

Webb had the vision to create a community specifically designed for active adults aged 55 and older, offering a lifestyle filled with leisure activities and social opportunities. He purchased 20,000 acres of land in the Arizona desert, about 20 miles northwest of Phoenix, to build his dream retirement community.

On January 1, 1960, Del Webb opened the first model homes in Sun City, attracting over 100,000 visitors in the first three days. The homes were priced between $8,500 and $11,750, which was considered affordable for many retirees at the time. The initial phase of development included five model home designs, a shopping center, a recreation center, and a golf course. The first residents began moving into Sun City in late 1960.

By 1965, the community had grown to over 5,000 residents, and more amenities were added, including additional golf courses, swimming pools, and recreation centers. As of 1970, Sun City had a population of approximately 13,000 residents and was continuing to grow and evolve to meet the needs and preferences of its active adult population. The Sun City community also began to establish various clubs and organizations tailored to the interests of its residents, such as arts and crafts, sports, and social clubs.

By the end of the decade, Sun City had become a well-known and thriving retirement community. Its success inspired Del Webb to develop more age-restricted communities across the United States, and it served as a model for many other developers who sought to create similar retirement communities.

CREATOR: Webb, Del

PUBLICATION DATE: 1966

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States

BODY OF WATER: N/A

CONDITION: Excellent. Clean with crisp folds.

COLORING: Process color.

ENGRAVER:

SIZE: " x "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION:

PRICE: $150

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