[Source: Florence Reminder and Blade-Tribune] -- In the spring of 2006 a group of citizens banded together to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by reminding Florence citizens of the importance of preserving our heritage by continuing to rehabilitate our historic structures. At that time several buildings were given the designation of "Florence's Most Endangered Historic Properties" and 'Treasures of Concern." This article will update you on the status of several of these buildings. Properties receiving the "Most Endangered" status were: (1) Lopez House, 25 North Bailey Street; (2) 1st Pinal County Courthouse (pictured), NW corner of Main & Ruggles Streets; (3) John Clum House, NW corner of Granite & 10 Streets; and (4) the 2nd E. N. Fish & Co./Collingwood & Co. Store (American Legion Building), NE corner of Main & Ruggles Streets.The Lopez House, John Clum House, and American Legion Building have not received any rehabilitation work during the past six months. The 1st Pinal County Courthouse (McFarland Historic State Park) is undergoing diagnostic testing including soil analysis to determine the appropriate treatments for rehabilitation. One of the major problems with the building is the buckling and cracking of the adobe caused by moisture reaching the adobe. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
