The Melrose District is an neighborhood located in north central Phoenix, Arizona along 7th Avenue on the borders the Encanto and Alhambra urban villages. The district has a high concentration of LGBTQ owned or oriented establishments and is known as Phoenix's gayborhood.[1][2] The mile long stretch of 7th Avenue is also home to the "Melrose Curve," the result of a street misalignment in the city's street-grid planning.[3][1]
In addition to gay bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, the area also has numerous eclectic antique stores and coffee shops.
The Melrose District is also home to many fairs and events throughout the year, such as thrifting gatherings, the Melrose Street Fair[4], and events for Phoenix Pride.
The Melrose District gets its name from the historic neighborhood it passes through called Woodlea Melrose. Thomas Mackenzie, a real estate developer, named the area “Woodlea” due to the many trees.[5] In the 1940s, Andy Womack built houses, calling the subdivision Melrose Manor. Most of the homes in the neighborhood were built 1929-1949. In 1988, the neighborhoods officially combined and, with the City’s approval, became known as Woodlea Melrose.[6]
In 2013, Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot, the first openly gay person to serve on the council, oversaw the unveiling of the Melrose Arch.[1][7]
In 2018, Phoenix City Council voted unanimously to install a rainbow crosswalk at Seventh and Glenrosa avenues.[1]
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