Nogales to save, restore Old City Hall

[Source: Nogales International] -- "This is the only place where you can live in history," said Executive Director Axel Holm as he welcomed visitors to the Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum on Friday. The museum occupies the Old City Hall building at 136 N. Grand Ave. The occasion was a kick-off for a historical preservation and restoration program sponsored by the City of Nogales. "We will strive to be a great community by initiating and completing the restoration of the city's showcase property, our original city hall," said Mayor Octavio Garcia-Von Borstel. The city has painted the outside of the building and will make repairs to the roof and air conditioning, said Nils Urman, community and economic development director. His department will provide signs through a grant from the Arizona Department of Tourism. Nogales Volunteer Firefighters built the original city hall, and the city will work with that group and the Pimeria Alta Historical Society to make the building more functional, Urman said.

Federal grant awarded to digitize historic Arizona newspapers

[Source: Newszap Forum] -- The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records a grant to digitize historic Arizona newspapers. Titled Arizona Newspapers, 1880-1912; Arizona becomes one of only six states and one of only two State Libraries in 2008 to be successfully awarded a grant through this nationwide program. The digitized newspapers will eventually be posted on the Arizona Memory Project website which is hosted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, and also posted on the National Digital Newspapers Project website hosted by the Library of Congress. Both websites are free and publically available. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Arizona Historical Records Advisory Board re-grants program

[Source: Melanie I. Sturgeon, Arizona State Library] -- The Arizona Historical Records Advisory Board (AHRAB) recently received NHPRC funding for a $10,000 re-grant program to preserve and make accessible Arizona's historical records and provide continuing archival education and training.  The State Library will provide matching funds, for a total of $20,000 available for re-grants.

The re-grant project and the goals it represents are prominent in AHRAB's long range plan.  Arizona's re-grant program will help with continuing education for individuals with custody of historical materials and demonstrated need for collections management training.  It will foster preservation, access, and the public and private historical records collaborations and partnerships with others to preserve our documentary heritage. Finally, it will serve under-documented communities.

These funds are only applicable for archival collections and/or records and do not include library books, museum artifacts, building construction, etc.  AHRAB will be holding 6 call-in sessions for anyone who wants more information or has specific questions about what they might be interested in doing:

• August 27: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  
• August 28: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  
• August 29: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Call AHRAB at 602-929-3729 to let them know which session you are interested in participating in.  To participate in the conference call on the specified dates and times, dial 602-926-3738. When prompted, enter the five digit number 19807.  Click here for grant applications on the AHRAB website. Email Melanie Sturgeon with any questions.

Cave Creek officials await addition of 4,000 preserved acres

[Source: Curtis Riggs, Sonoran News] -- The possible addition of 4,000 acres of preserved State Trust Land has Town and Maricopa County officials brainstorming about the best ways to incorporate the land into Cave Creek’s other preserved properties and the best ways to manage them. Mayor Vincent Francia is paying close attention to Cave Creek’s attempt to annex 8-square miles of land to the west. He focuses on the 4,000 acres that will be preserved into perpetuity through the annexation. What pleases Francia most about the newest preservation effort is that much of the new 4,000 acres lies between the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and the Cave Creek Recreation Area. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Event Center could add life to downtown Phoenix

[Source: Eugene Scott, Arizona Republic] -- Pearle Marr's family owned Imperial Lithographics in downtown Phoenix for nearly 40 years. Now Marr and her husband, Malcolm, hope to make another imprint on the changing community. Malcolm and Pearle Marrs, 61 and 57 respectively, are working to make the Fifth Avenue and Madison Event Center (pictured) one of downtown Phoenix's premier spots. When a business decided last year to stop leasing the buildings on the block where Imperial was formerly located, between Jackson and Madison streets and Fourth and 5th avenues, the couple had to decide what they wanted to do with the location. "Two of (the buildings) are historically designated and it was important to us as a family that we do something that will enhance their designation," Malcolm said.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Mark Henle, Arizona Republic.]

Fort Verde vandalized again

[Source: Steve Ayers, Bugle] -- For the third time in the last four months, vandals have struck historic Fort Verde State Park. According to Park Ranger Dennis Lockhart, someone sprayed graffiti on the wall of the surgeon's quarters in April. Then in July someone broke out several panes of glass in an old window at the fort's visitor center. Last weekend the same window was broken out again and the air conditioner for the museum and visitor center (pictured) was destroyed. Lockhart estimates the panes of glass cost about $40 each to repair. The air conditioner will have to be replaced, costing an estimated $5,000.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Steve Ayers, VVN.]

Flagstaff's Snowbowl wins latest court fight vs. Navajos

[Source: Michael Kiefer, Arizona Republic] -- A federal appellate court on Friday sided with a Flagstaff ski resort, ruling that its plan for using reclaimed wastewater to make artificial snow does not violate the religious freedom of Native Americans. The ruling sets up a potential showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court, where Arizona tribal leaders, environmental groups and their attorneys pledge to appeal their case. Regardless, there will be no snowmaking at the Snowbowl this winter.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Howard A. Sheldon.]

Meeting with Owner of Phoenix's White Gates / Al Beadle House

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- Historic Preservation staff met with Lynda Maze, owner of the house at 4918 E. White Gates Drive, which was designed and occupied by noted modern architect Alfred Newman Beadle. The property was listed on the Arizona Preservation Foundation's list of most endangered places in Arizona, due to the fact that the house is vacant and has been gutted and the lot has been cleared of vegetation. The property has also been cited by the Neighborhood Services Department for property maintenance violations. Ms. Maze recently purchased the house to try to rehabilitate it, and has requested assistance from the Historic Preservation Office. Rich Fairbourn of Build Inc., a former colleague of Beadle, and Peter Wolf, a writer familiar with Beadle's work, also attended the meeting. Mr. Fairbourn will prepare plans for the rehabilitation and provide cost estimates for the work. Ms. Maze will likely submit a grant application and request city historic designation.

Casa Grande council gives land purchase initial OK

[Source: Harold Kitching, Casa Grande Dispatch] -- If all goes well, Casa Grande will soon have 120 acres for a regional park on the north side. Monday night, the City Council approved purchasing 100 acres at the northwest corner of Hopi Drive and Pinal Avenue for $4.7 million and accepting a donation of another 20 acres from the sellers, Richard and Robert Linden, whose family has owned the property for years. The Lindens will keep 39.22 acres in the northeast corner of the 160-acre parcel for future development. Final negotiations are under way, Deputy City Manager Larry Rains said, with documents to be available by the time of the next council meeting, when the purchase ordinance must again be considered. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Napolitano honors Greenlee history

[Source: Walter Mares, Copper Era] -- It was history on top of history, and the capacity crowd at the Arizona & New Mexico Railway Station in Clifton loved it, perhaps because they were part of history in the making. It may also be that they had the opportunity to meet Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano up close and personal. She was swarmed by the standing-room-only crowd after the train station ceremony in which she designated the train station and two early 1900s baby gauge steam locomotives as “Arizona treasures.”

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Eastern Arizona Courier.]

Seligman's Harvey House is history

[Source: Mark Boardman, True West] -- In January, we wrote about ongoing efforts to save the historic Havasu Harvey House in Seligman, Arizona. Today, the circa 1905 building is gone, demolished by its owner, the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad. For years, the BNSF has wanted to tear down the empty hotel, which closed in the mid-1950s. Local group Friends of Havasu looked for ways to buy it. The railroad offered to donate it to anybody who would move it. Nothing came of the offer, and the Havasu came down in May 2008. The salvaged historic items were given to Seligman Historical Society. Our thanks to Dan Lutzick for the info and picture. Dan is project supervisor for the renovation of the El Garces Harvey Hotel in Needles, California. The $10-million effort includes a restaurant, visitors center, museum and hotel. He hopes to have it finished by the end of this year, just in time to celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary.

Officials recommend historic designation for Tempe Butte

[Source: William Hermann, Arizona Republic] -- The history of Tempe Butte is written in stone, and city officials want to keep it that way, which is why they're seeking a "historic" designation for the site. Tempe Butte is the big desert hill adorned with an "A" that towers over Sun Devil Stadium. It's from the top of that butte that Charles Trumbull Hayden, founder of Tempe, in 1869 looked out on the largely deserted Salt River Valley and decided it would be a good place to settle. The butte also is where the Hohokam Indians lived between about A.D. 500 and 1450. They considered the butte holy and left upon its rocks some 500 petroglyphs.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Mark Henle, Arizona Republic.]

ASU professor's neglect irks Superior officials

[Source: Ryan Gabrielson, Tribune] -- Glenn A. Wilt Jr. has taught scores of Arizona State University students about finance and real estate investment during his 45 years as a business professor. But officials in Superior are puzzled at what guided Wilt to purchase many of the tiny mining town's abandoned theaters, shops and houses only to neglect the structures. The professor has amassed a vast real estate portfolio the past two decades, including most of downtown Superior. But dozens of his buildings are collapsing; a few have become unsalvageable ruins. "He seems to feel these falling-down structures are going to be beautiful someday and that there will magically be the money," said Todd Pryor, Superior's fire marshal.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Jennifer Grimes, Tribune.]

Florence IDA has been marching to its own beat for 40 years

[Source: Daniel Dullum, Florence Reminder] -- Traditionally, IDAs exist solely as fundraising conduits. In 1968, the Florence IDA established its own independent approach that also includes land ownership and involvement in historic restoration. The IDA's list of accomplishments is impressive. It includes restoration of the Suter house, the Brunenkant Bakery building and the building that houses Total Concept. They helped build Jacques Square, financed facades, and helped establish the Townsite Historic District.

And, when McFarland State Historic Park faced closure, the IDA prepared a comprehensive resolution that helped keep the park open in perpetuity. "We've done a lot within that 40 years," Florence IDA president Peter Villaverde said. "I'm sure we've spent close to $2 million for various projects, starting with the Visitor's Center, which is now going to be the Main Street headquarters. "My project is Jacques Square. We purchased that for $20,000, the town participated, the community participated. ... The developer who restored what is now Total Concept was really impressed by what the community can do when working together, and donated the watering system for the trees.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Mark Cowling, Florence Reminder. Pictured: The reconstructed Cosmopolitan Saloon, one of the Florence IDA’s many accomplishments.]

Tombstone's Fremont Street to get new old look

[Source: Julie Ann Marra, Herald/Review] -- Fremont Street is preparing to go back in time. Through a grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation, the city of Tombstone has partnered with several organizations to restore Fremont Street to what it looked like historically. The project aims to place boardwalks, porches, canopies and sidewalks where they are historically appropriate along Fremont between Third Street and Sixth Street. This stretch coincides with Highway 80. “Our mission here is to restore Fremont Street to its original grandeur,” said Tombstone Historic District Commissioner Steve Troncale. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Historic Hittinger building in Downtown Tucson sells for $1.09M

[Source: Daily Star] -- A historic building at 116 E. Congress St. has been sold to apartment management firm Morrison, Ekre & Bart Management Services Inc. for $1.09 million. The property, listed as the First Hittinger Block on the National Register of Historic Places, dates to 1915, according to the Pima County Assessor's Office. The apartment management firm plans to renovate the building and move in by December, said Crystal McGuire, of Buzz Isaacson Realty, who represented the buyer. Previously owned by real estate broker Warren Michaels, the Hittinger building housed an office for architect Rob Paulus, McGuire said. The two-story building has 7,600 square feet, and a 3,400-square-foot basement. [Photo source: Peg Price.]

Advancing Sustainability Conference in Phoenix, September 5-6

[Source: Green Summit] -- The Advancing Sustainability Conference is the prime educational component of the GreenSummit. This conference covers a variety of topics relating to how the concept of "going green" impacts our region's various industries, the communities we live in, and the natural environment around us. Industry experts, Arizona State University, and our Summit Alliance partners help provide guidance and support to maximize the learning opportunities of this unique and powerful event.

Educational content caters to both business professionals and the general public. The Advancing Sustainability Conference has something for everyone attending GreenSummit. Most of the general level sessions within each conference track are free for all attendees. Beyond the introductory level session, the track becomes more oriented towards professionals wishing to have a deeper understanding of the content. For more information and to register for the conference, click here.

Chandler historian gains statewide honor

[Source: Edythe Jensen, Arizona Republic] -- Noel Stowe, a Chandler resident and Arizona State University professor who has been preserving the region's history for more than four decades, has received statewide recognition. Stowe, 66, recently received the 2008 Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Award for his years of service as founder of ASU's Public History Program. Although he is involved in numerous state preservation efforts, Stowe gives plenty of time and advice to his home city. A member and former chairman of the Chandler Museum Advisory Board, he helped initiate the city's history kiosk program and is working on design and programs for the new museum.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Tom Story.]

Safford City Council approves fund-raiser for old theatre

[Source: Aimee Staten, Eastern Arizona Courier] -- Nobody knows the ultimate fate of the old Safford Theatre on Main Street, but the City Council was willing to approve a Labor Day fund-raiser to aid in preservation of the building. The city of Safford conducted a study that found the structure unsafe in 2007, and the owners, David and Susan Duros, haven’t yet heard whether a grant to list it as a historic building and fund a historic preservation plan for the crumbling building has been approved. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]