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'''The Blackwell House''' was a 1,800 square-foot (1,570 square-foot plan) residence located in the [[Tucson Mountains]] west of the [[City of Tucson]], Arizona. Designed by master architect [[Judith Chafee]], [[FAIA]] in 1978 the house pioneered [[passive solar building design]]
including heating and cooling concepts, natural materials that would require minimal maintenance, and a minimized negative impact on the ecosystem surrounding it. Designed for Jerry Blackwell, an openly [[LGBTQ]] [[Old Tucson Studios]] film executive, the house was immediately recognized as a masterwork. The siting, architectural composition and arrangement of living spaces exemplified the tenets of [[critical regionalism]]. The property was purchased in 1987 by [[Pima County]] in a plan to expand [[Tucson Mountains
==Design and construction==
The house was commissioned by Jerry Blackwell, an executive vice president of Old Tucson Studios. The house was constructed of concrete blocks,
==Jerry Blackwell ==
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The house and its 7.3 acres were purchased in 1987 by [[Pima County]] with $225,000.00 UDS of voter-approved bond funding with the intention of demolishing it and revegetating the area to expand [[Tucson Mountain Park]]. The [[University of Arizona]] College of Architecture Dean Robert Hershberger sent an appeal to Pima County asking that demolition be reconsidered. The request was front-page news in Tucson newspapers.<ref>Hernandez, Margo, Arizona Daily Star, Park Officials Face Dilemma, January 20, 1989, 1.</ref> Hershberger stated that the house was "the finest example of what's called critical regionalism" and "If your jobs are to protect nature, this is probably the best example of how human beings can protect nature, this is singly a very historical resource in the community" and provided numerous adaptive reuse proposals including turning over the house to the college and allowing it to be used for student learning and visiting guests.<ref>Hernandez, Margo, Arizona Daily Star, Park Officials Face Dilemma, January 20, 1989, 2.</ref>
Despite the University of
Chafee noted in an interview that "''It’s there, and it was a serious piece of work. I think it becomes something in our culture one it has been executed that should be respected and allowed to have different functions the way old buildings do in our culture. They mean something to people for generations.''[...] ''It’s got a lot of spatial delight. I think it uplifts the spirit. I think a good house gives you a feeling of joy. I suppose that sounds silly," she said. "I do think there’s a sort of spiritual uplifting in a new architectural experience that makes people see things in a different way.''"<ref>Hernandez, Margo, Arizona Daily Star, Uncompromising architect is shaping dreams, February 19, 1989, 16.</ref>
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