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.
