The Light Rail Station At Indian School & Central Avenue

The light rail station at Indian School and Central Avenue is one where you can easily miss the next trail. It is filled with photographs of the areas history with photos from the early to mid century, often with a history from businesses and people who make this area what it is.  

It is a stop next to the Indian School Park on the East side and on the West an empty lot which only a year ago or so had a strip mall on it.  Now it's another vacant eye sore like so many that litter the area along the light rail: a lot awaiting better economic times.  Which means don't hold your breath.  

In fact, some of the art is very symbolic.  A mosaic in the sidewalk has been so worn one can barely discern it from the rest of the path and the light rail has been around for only 2 years.  So the are as the dream of a vibrant midtown Phoenix are a bit tarnished, though only for a while.

Urban Public Art

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. (from Metro Art Book)