The FQ Story Historic District is not just a collection of beautiful houses; it's a vibrant community rich with history, culture, and architectural diversity. As you settle into your new surroundings, we hope you find as much joy in exploring its tree-lined streets and diverse examples of period architecture as we do.
This page is designed as your introduction to life here. It contains valuable resources about our community's history, essential contacts within the preservation society, and guidance on taking full advantage of living within this historical treasure trove. You'll also find tips on how you can contribute towards maintaining the unique charm that makes our neighborhood stand out. Welcome Home!
A Glimpse into Our History
The F.Q. Story Historic Neighborhood was named after the prestigious landowner of the area in the 1900's - Francis Quarles Story. The district boundary runs from McDowell Rd. south to Roosevelt St. and from Seventh Ave. west to Grand Ave. The neighborhood consists of 602 homes that were constructed from the early 1920s through the late 1940s. A variety of architectural styles are featured, including: Spanish Colonial Revival, English Tudor, Craftsman bungalows, Prairie bungalows, and Transitional Ranch homes. See the whole story here.
Living in a Historic District
Historic Preservation Office (HPO)
The City of Phoenix has a fabulous office of historic preservation - the FAQ page will get you started learning and loving about your historic home.
Curious about your home? A great place to start is the Historic Preservation Office guide: Researching an Historic Property.
The Arizona Room at the Burton Barr Library is also a great resource.
Steering Committee
The members of the Steering Committee are the elected representatives of the Story Preservation Association. The Story Preservation Association is the non-profit organization of the F.Q. Story Historic District, located in Phoenix, Arizona. If you own or rent residential or commercial property in the Story Neighborhood, you are automatically a member of the Story Preservation Association. The Steering Committee and its officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, are elected each year in April by the residents of the neighborhood. This is not a Homeowners Association. There are no dues to be paid. The mission of the steering committee is to support the Neighborhood Conservation Plan, a Special Conservation District adopted by the City of Phoenix, March 11, 1987.
The Association shall also promote communications between the residents of Story and the City of Phoenix; provide and maintain updated information for the members regarding activities which might have an impact on the future growth or improvements within the neighborhood; encourage active participation by the membership and promote goodwill among the members of the Association.
A complete description of By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and Committees can be found here.
Community Engagement & Events
Check the back of FQ StoryTime monthly newsletter for committee contacts and the calendar of upcoming events. Come meet new friends and join the fun. This is a great way to be involved!!! All events have opportunities to join committees or just volunteer for a few hours.
FQ Story Brew - Saturday morning coffee. Just come to meet your neighbors. From September to April, the Welcome Committee hosts a monthly pop-up coffee stand at various neighborhood locations. Enjoy breakfast treats and make new friends! Times and places are announced in the Story Time newsletter and online.
Neighborhood Yard Sale is the 2nd Saturday in March from 7 am - 2 pm. It is a neighborhood-wide yard sale advertised in the Arizona Republic and online. This is a great opportunity to rid yourself of all those things you packed and moved and now realize you don’t want.
Neighborhood Picnic and Steering Committee Election: Occurs the second weekend in April, before it gets too hot, we have a great event on the corner of 11th and Lynwood Street. It usually starts at 3pm. We set up barbecue grills and provide hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, toppings, and soft drinks. We invite the neighborhood to bring their favorite side dish or dessert. There’s always a bounce house and games for the kids and often live music.
Ice Cream Social, World’s Shortest Parade & Trunk or Treat: Near the End of October, we celebrate national night out and Halloween with the ice cream social and the world’s shortest parade.
Trunk or Treat is a concurrent event that includes treats. In 2020, the F.Q. Story Mother's Group formed to organize a safer, smaller trick-or-treat event during the pandemic. This mom-powered Halloween event is now a tradition, and the group also hosts a yearly Santa Meet & Greet in December.
Located on Lynwood between 9th and 13th Avenues, the Parade Starts at 3pm, at 9th Ave and Lynwood, with decorated bikes going first and then walkers. There is a parade marshal and if we are lucky, a firetruck. People need to gather at 9th and Lynwood about 2:30 to decorate bikes. Dress up the whole family, polite pets included. The Ice Cream Social is at 11th and Lynwood and starts at 3pm.
FQ Story Home Tour: Held on the first weekend in December. It is filled with fun, great shopping with local artisans, food trucks, and of course, the beautiful homes and gardens of FQ Story. This event is our annual fundraiser where several of our homeowners graciously open their homes to folks who’d love to see them. The StoryTime Newsletter will provide dates and specifics for all our events.
City Services & Resources
Phoenix at your service now, myPHX311 is a resource for city services.
You’ll find Information on trash collection, recycling programs, street maintenance, and other relevant city services.
Tax Benefits & Incentives for Historic Homeowners
You will find a step-by-step guide on how to apply for tax benefits for owning a historic home on our website as well.
This page includes a links page of resources for preserving your home, information on city services and local attractions, and links to our Facebook, Instagram, and online message board. Here is the latest edition of our neighborhood newsletter The StoryTime, which includes contact information for our steering committee members. We hope you find this information useful.
Once again, welcome to the neighborhood! We look forward to connecting with you!
The F.Q Story Welcome Committee
