Sept. 9 course in Phoenix: "Green strategies for historic buildings"

[Source: Carol Griffith, Arizona State Parks] -- The destruction of an existing building and the procurement and transport of materials to build a new building is less energy efficient (uses more energy and resources) than making an existing building more energy efficient. The State Historic Preservation Office is partnering with the National Preservation Institute to have a course taught in Phoenix on “Green Strategies for Historic Buildings,” September 9, 2008. AIA credits will apply. For more information, click here.

Winners of the Arizona Governor's Preservation Honor Awards named

[Source: Eric Vondy, State Historic Preservation Office] -- The Arizona Preservation Foundation and the State Historic Preservation Office, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, announced the winners of the 2008 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards at a luncheon ceremony at the Sixth Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Partnership Conference, “Preservation on the Line.” Each year, 10 awards are given to individuals, businesses, organizations and projects in recognition of outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona’s prehistoric and historic patrimony. This year’s Honor Award winners are:

• The Brunenkant Bakery Building, Florence


• The Central Commercial Company Building, Kingman


• The Curley School, Ajo (pictured)


• The Franklin Police and Fire High School, Phoenix


• The James A. Walsh Federal Building, Tucson


• The McCullough-Price House Restoration, Chandler


• Noel Stowe, Arizona State University


• City of Glendale’s Department of Planning


• The Santa Cruz County Courthouse, Nogales


• The Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Affairs Office

A panel of judges representing the fields of archaeology, architecture, history, and preservation, as well as a representative from the Governor’s Office, selected the winners from nominations submitted from across the state. In addition, the grand award winner was announced: The Curley School. The economic development project involved renovating the old seven-acre campus, with buildings dating back to 1919, into artisan lofts, providing 30 new live-work spaces for artists from around the country. The campus also includes an indoor-outdoor community space in the old school auditorium, and a computer lab and classroom space for an arts-based GED program. For more information about the project, click here.

“The purpose of these awards is to promote public awareness of historic preservation in Arizona,” said Greg Michael, president of the Arizona Preservation Foundation. “It is a pleasure to be able to recognize the contributions of those who work to promote historic preservation and who demonstrate excellence in design, execution and a devotion to community.” To view past Honor Award recipients, click here. For more information about the conference, Award Winners, the Arizona Preservation Foundation and its mission, click here. [Photo source of Curley School: International Sonoran Desert Alliance.]

A message from the President

March is an exciting month for the Arizona Preservation Foundation. Not only has the call for nominations for the Governor’s Preservation Honor Awards been announced, but registration for our June 12th – 14th Conference in Rio Rico is now open. This year's conference, Preservation on the Line, is being held at the Esplendor Resort, just 40 miles south of Tucson. The goal of the Conference is to bring together preservationists from around the state and Southwest to exchange ideas and success stories, share perspectives and solutions to preservation issues, and foster greater cooperation among the diverse preservation community. Click here to learn more about the Conference and to register. For information on this year’s Keynote Speaker, James Howard Kunstler, click here. To download a nomination form for the Governor’s Honor Awards, click here.

Also in March, the Arizona Preservation Foundation, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, City of Phoenix, and Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau submitted a bid to host the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2012 National Preservation Conference in Phoenix. Thanks so much to the individuals and organizations listed below for providing letters of support. Sally Forrest, Director of National Accounts at the Convention & Visitors Bureau, stated she has not worked on a national conference before with such passionate supporters!

Advocates for Latin@ Arts & Culture, Arizona Archaeological Council, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Arizona Historical Society, Arizona Humanities Council, Arizona Lottery, Arizona Preservation Foundation, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, ASU College of Public Programs, Capitol Mall Association, City of Chandler Office of Tourism, City of Glendale, City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office, Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Downtown Phoenix Public Market, Downtown Voices Coalition, Encanto Citizens Association, F.Q. Story Neighborhood, Highroads Magazine (AAA), Local First Arizona, Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phoenix, Phoenix Community Alliance, Phoenix Historic Districts Coalition, Phoenix Magazine, Roosevelt Action Alliance, Salt River Project, The Honorable Phil Gordon, Mayor, City of Phoenix, and The Honorable Terry Goddard, Attorney General, State of Arizona. (29 total to date)

Between now and our state's Centennial year, we're sure you'll agree that the preservation ethic in our Capital City and statewide will be even stronger, and that many more historic preservation stories can and will be told to the 2,500-plus preservation advocates who will descend on the Valley of the Sun in the fall of 2012 from all across the country. While we have you "on the line," here are a couple other tidbits for you:

* April 4, 2008 is the deadline to submit nominations for the Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards. Complete details at: http://www.azpreservation.org/c_awards.php

* April 5-6, 2008 is the 4th Annual Modern Phoenix Expo and Home Tour, "Progress + Preservation," at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (Expo) and Charles and Arthur Schreiber's Village Grove in Scottsdale (tour). Complete details at: email with your name, organization, and day phone. Cost is $50 per person.

* October 21-25, 2008 is this year's National Preservation Conference, "Preservation in Progress, in Tulsa, OK. Complete details at: http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/training/npc/

Be sure to register for the APF Conference, Preservation on the Line, before April 15th to receive the discounted registration rate. Hope to see you there!

Gregory C. Michael
President

Phoenix's Hunt’s Tomb meeting, Papago Park

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- HP and Parks staff met, along with a representative from the State Historic Preservation Office, at the site of Hunt’s Tomb in Papago Park to discuss possible rehabilitation work to the 1930s high-profile pyramidal memorial which is in deteriorating condition due to a 1960s outer tile layer which is detaching from the monument and causing some water damage to the structure. Site improvements to improve access, seating and lighting are also proposed. Some private funds are available for the project, but additional funds will be needed to complete the project. It was determined that the City would pursue additional funding, including state centennial related grants, and would more fully investigate the possibility of restoring the original tile exteriors of the monument (now buried underneath a 1960s deteriorated outer layer).

APF's Heritage Preservation Awards tout outstanding achievement

[Source: Florence Reminder] -- The Arizona Preservation Foundation and the State Historic Preservation Office are seeking nominations through April 4 for the Governor's Heritage Preservation Awards to be presented at a luncheon ceremony June 13 at the Sixth Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Partnership Conference, "Preservation on the Line." Each year, 10 awards are given to individuals, businesses, organizations and projects in recognition of outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona's prehistoric and historic treasures. Nominations are being accepted for:

• Projects: restoration, rehabilitation, stabilization/residential, commercial, or public
• Individuals: for a singular or lifetime contribution
• Businesses that have shown outstanding professionalism or skill
• Organizations or communities: recognizing their contribution to preservation efforts
• Education programs or activities aimed at increasing awareness of prehistoric and historic resources.

"This is an excellent way to call attention to the hard work that our partners in the community are doing to preserve the state's historic resources," said Greg Michael, president of the Arizona Preservation Foundation. "In a state growing as quickly as Arizona, it is crucial that we work to maintain ties to our past and too often, the hard work of preservation goes unheralded. It is a pleasure for us to celebrate outstanding work." A panel of judges representing the fields of archaeology, architecture, history, and preservation will review the nominations. The 10 winners will be chosen and announced before the conference. A Grand Award winner will be chosen from among the 10 Honor Awards.

Click here to download a nomination form and submission requirements. Completed nominations and support material must be received close of business Friday, April 4, 2008, to Eric Vondy, SHPO/Arizona State Parks, 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix AZ 85007. Submissions transmitted via fax or e-mail will not be accepted. Click here to view past Honor Award recipients. "Preservation on the Line" will be held June 12-14 at the Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico. The conference will bring together more than 300 people interested in current topics in preservation. Proceeds from the event benefit the Arizona Preservation Foundation. Registration information is available online. For more information about the Arizona Preservation Foundation, its goals and its mission, click here. [Photo: Last year's Grand Prize Award Winner, Karlson Machine Works Buildings/Southwest Cotton Company in Phoenix.]

Planning meeting held for 2009 historic preservation conference in Phoenix

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- HP staff met with the State Historic Preservation Office to begin planning for the Statewide Historic Preservation Conference slated for Phoenix in June of 2009. The conference will be located downtown, and will highlight Phoenix historic preservation projects through tours, workshops and educational sessions. There will also be special workshops geared to local property owners, architects and developers, covering topics such as financial incentives, technical issues and federal historic preservation compliance.

May 6th lecture in Phoenix: "The role of historic preservation in sustainable development”

Donovan Rypkema, Principal of Place Economics and nationally-renowned speaker and consultant on historic preservation issues, will address “The Role of Historic Preservation in Sustainable Development” at a luncheon on May 6, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Phoenix's historic Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. This kick-off event to National Historic Preservation Month in Arizona is hosted by the Capitol Mall Association, City of Phoenix, Arizona Department of Commerce, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, and Arizona Preservation Foundation. All advocates for Arizona's heritage and sustainability are encouraged to attend and showcase, on available display tables, your efforts to foster a more sustainable Arizona. To RSVP or for more information, contact Kay Jerin by email or phone at 602-340-0745. Please include your name, organization, and day phone. Cost is $50 per person.

National Trust for Historic Preservation national conference RFQ - 2012

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- HP staff coordinated with representatives from the Greater Phoenix Visitor and Convention Bureau, Arizona Preservation Foundation, and State Historic Preservation Office to respond to a RFP from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for Phoenix to host the 2012 National Preservation Conference. Staff identified possible historic venues for events and tours, summarized local historic preservation accomplishments, and provided other supporting materials. The conference is very prestigious, would place Phoenix in a national spotlight for historic preservation, and would bring nearly 2,500 attendees to Phoenix in our centennial year.

Tucson Expo begins monthlong archaeology festivities

[Source: John Stanley, Arizona Republic] -- March is Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. Can you dig it? The month kicks off with an Archaeology Expo this weekend at the Arizona State Museum in Tucson and continues with open houses, interpretive hikes and programs for kids. Nearly three dozen Native American, archaeological and historical organizations, as well as several state and federal agencies, will have booths and displays at the Archaeology Expo, sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona State Parks and the Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission.

Programs at the two-day expo will demonstrate the techniques prehistoric Native Americans used to thrive in the harsh environment of the desert Southwest. Between demonstrations, visitors can enjoy Native American entertainers, tour prehistoric and historic sites, watch living-history re-enactors, play games, take part in interactive activities and sample ethnic foods. Visitors receive free raffle tickets for archaeology-related prizes. The free expo is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1013 E. University Blvd., Tucson. Click here for more information, or call 520-621-6302. For a list of more Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month events, click here.

Mark your calendar for May 6 to hear Donovan Rypkema

Donovan Rypkema, Principal of Place Economics and well-known speaker on historic preservation issues, will address “The Role of Historic Preservation in Sustainable Development” at a National Historic Preservation Month event on May 6, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. All advocates for preservation and sustainability are encouraged to attend. To RSVP, contact Kay Jerin (click on name for e-mail or call 602-340-0745) with your name, organization, and day phone. Cost is $50 per person.

This event is sponsored by the Capitol Mall Association in Phoenix with support from the Arizona Preservation Foundation, Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona Department of Commerce Main Street Program, and City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office.

Canal signage gives passers-by history

[Source: Kristina Parma, East Valley Tribune] -- Strollers along portions of the Valley’s canal system now have the opportunity to learn a little history. Salt River Project has begun installing a series of interpretive signs, which will run from Phoenix to Scottsdale along state canals, said SRP spokesman Jeffrey Lane. He said there will be 24 signs installed over an 18-month period. The signs are aimed at educating the public about the history of the canals, said SRP analyst Jim Duncan. “Each sign conveys historic information about what used to be here and how things have changed,” Duncan said. The series will cost about $100,000 for design, fabrication and installation, he said. The canal system is part of the Valley’s history, Lane said. He said it has been around for almost a century.

The first canals were made by the Hohokam people and they were smaller and built by hand, Lane said “The canals we have today are much larger, but they follow roughly the same contours,” he said. The project is a joint venture between SRP and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, as well as the state Historic Preservation Office, Duncan said. The first two signs were installed in Mesa and Gilbert, respectively, Lane said. A third sign was put in last Wednesday along the Western Canal in Tempe. The next sign is set to be installed on the South Bank at 64th Street. Duncan said the interpretive sign in Mesa was the first one installed and was put about one-quarter mile west of Horne Road in February. The sign in Gilbert was added in the spring about one-half mile south of Guadalupe Road, Duncan said. The next series of signs will be installed in Tempe over the next two weeks, Lane said.

2008 Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month celebration

[Source: Arizona State Parks] -- For the entire month of March 2008, the Arizona State Parks State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is coordinating activities throughout the state for its annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. The highlight of Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month is the Archaeology Expo at the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona in Tucson on March 1-2, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. Both days are open to the public and admission to the Expo is free. The Expo offers many attractions for those interested in archaeology and history. More than 35 special displays and booths by archaeological and historical organizations, museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others will allow you to participate as an archaeologist might in their research today, or make crafts that teach how prehistoric Native Americans survived in the Southwest, or play games like the historic settlers did. Living history re-enactors, Native American demonstrators and entertainers, interactive activities, and tours of archaeology laboratories and museum collection areas and exhibits will help make the past come alive! In addition, tours of local prehistoric and historic archaeological sites will be featured.

Free raffles featuring prizes of archaeology-related items will occur throughout both days. Ethnic foods will be available for purchase. The Expo will give visitors new insights into Arizona's many prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures. Arizona State Museum is located on the University of Arizona campus at 1013 E. University Blvd. in Tucson. Click here for directions and parking information. For a detailed listing of all the events for the 2008 Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month, call (602) 542-4174 or click here. The Archaeology Expo is sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arizona State Parks, and the Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission. Many other partners will be joining together to present a varied Expo format offering two days of educational, hands-on archaeology programs to the public.

Progress being made on Second Pinal County Courthouse

The 1891 Second Pinal County Courthouse at 31 N. Pinal St. in Florence is undergoing a major roof repair that will greatly improve the preservation potential for the building. The Town of Florence has contributed a significant amount of money to help with these repairs. Grants also have come from the Arizona Office of Tourism, Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation Heritage Fund, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with the help of U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi.

Although nearly $1 million has been spent thus far on the roof alone, additional funds are still needed to repair the building's chimneys and dormers, which are among the major defining features of the roof. Pinal County is still trying to raise money to repair these items, as well as the building's front porch and moisture-damaged brick.

What you can do

• The county intends to once again apply for funds to the Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation Heritage Fund. Citizens can help by making sure the state legislature does not raid this fund to make up for its budget shortfall. To locate or contact your legislator, click on http://www.azleg.state.az.us/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp
• Others interested in donating to the cause can contact Ernie Feliz, Pinal County Grants Coordinator, at Ernie.Feliz@co.pinal.az.us or 520-866-7221.
• Information on the brick campaign to raise funds can be obtained by going to the Pinal County website -- http://www.co.pinal.az.us/ -- and scrolling down to the 'Brick Paver Project' link.
• For those interested in going through the building, the courthouse will be on the Tour of Historic Florence scheduled for Saturday Feb. 9. Details on the tour can be obtained by calling 520-868-4496.

Group discusses how to save historic Florence adobe

[Source: Florence Reminder] -- A charrette led by architect Stephanie Rowe was held recently for the historic Celaya, Long, Sweeney House at 170 West Ruggles St. "A charrette is a collaborative session in which a group of designers drafts a solution to a design problem." Participating in this session were: Connie Hills, Jerry Ravert, John Edwards, Kate Edwards, Jess Knudson, Bonnie Bariola, Bob Ingulli, and Jim Garrison. The group first met at the site and examined the building. State Historic Preservation Officer Jim Garrison explained several distinct differences in this building from other historic adobe buildings. He said the vertical cracks in the walls in this building are different because adobe walls usually have horizontal or angular cracks. Once Jim explained that square nails were used prior to 1890, some members of the group found square nails, verifying the house had been built prior to 1890.

Since Connie Hills lived in this house when she was young and her relatives lived in it until it was abandoned after a storm in 1997, she was able to provide specific information about the original building. The original windows were still in place when she lived here. New energy efficient windows should be installed that are more compatible with the historic character of the building than the ones that have replaced the original windows. Jerry Ravert pointed out the importance of rehabilitating the high lintel above the kitchen door. Together the group determined the original building had only two rooms with the long room across the front on Ruggles and a smaller room to the northeast creating an "L" shape building. A kitchen was added later to the northwest side of the long room creating an almost square building. A porch on the west side was enclosed in 1970 to make a small bedroom and a bathroom. Kate Edwards suggested this room be saved if possible and suggested it could be used for storage or a small office space in the rehabilitation. [Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Florence Reminder.]