Slump Block
Territorial homes have been around Tucson since the mid-1800s, but most of the ones currently on the Tucson real estate market were built from 1960s to the early 1990s. Those homes are almost always built from a certain kind of concrete. Slump block is wider than a traditional brick, but about the same height. The block has a distinctive look because it is removed from its mold prior to being completely set, giving it a slightly "slumped" appearance.
Spanish Heritage
Territorial houses retain a lot of their Spanish heritage including arches, wrought iron (especially over the windows), courtyards in the front of the homes, and in many cases, some decorative tile work.
Flat Roofs
Almost all territorial homes have a flat roof. They also have scuppers, or drainage outlets, to direct the water away from the house. These look a little different from the Spanish home's canales but serve the same purpose.
Cornices
Usually made from brick, these cornices are a hallmark of high-end territorial design. Cornices don't serve any function, but they do add decoration to what some people view as an overly simplistic, boring exterior.
Rectangular
Territorial homes are almost always rectangles. Some have had additions built over the years, but typically these homes are twice as wide as they are deep.
