Historic designation probable for Phoenix nominees

[Source: Sadie Jo Smokey, Arizona Republic] -- This week, the Arizona Historic Sites Review Committee will consider two Phoenix nominees for National Registry of Historic Places recognition. The benefit is prestige and a rate cut on the owner's property taxes. La Hacienda Neighborhoods Historic District, with 45 homes near Seventh Street and Thomas Road, and Bragg's Pie Building, 1301 W. Grand Ave., are expected to be approved. A third property, the Lovinggood/Inskeep/Getman House in Sunnyslope, will likely be deemed ineligible for recognition. The home was moved to its present location in 1999, effectively cutting its ties to the history of its original location.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: State Historic Preservation Office.]

Four individuals receive coveted Arizona Architect Medals

[Source: Jan Buchholz, Phoenix Business Journal] -- Architects from across Arizona celebrated the 50th anniversary of the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects at the Celebrate Architecture gala Sept. 27. The largest crowd in the group’s history, more than 500, turned out for the event at the Phoenix Arts Museum. “Since this was the 50th anniversary, we decided not to notify the winners ahead of time,” said Tina Litteral, executive vice president of AIA Arizona. “Since (no one) knew who was going to win, I think they were a little nervous.” AIA introduced a new tradition by commissioning artists Gary Beals and Mayme Kratz to create works of art to represent the awards. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Tearing Down the Arcadia/Camelback legacy (op-ed)

[Source: Rachel Simmons, Modern Design Diva] -- For many years the residents of Arcadia and Camelback preserved the look and feel of their neighborhood by renovating their homes appropriately and adhering to a compatible design. Recently investors have swooped in, razed and remodeled in speculation, and sold to area newcomers unfamiliar with the community's character. When we tear down one unique home we have we lost irreplaceable features of our city's visual appeal. Little by little Arcadia's modern ranches are being leveled and replaced by homes speaking a completely different language, thus altering the essential story of Phoenix lore the neighborhood of Arcadia has to offer future generations.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Modern Phoenix.]

Another of Phoenix's Blaine Drakes bites the dust -- Scoville home

[Source: Modern Phoenix] -- Blaine Drake's Scoville Home in the Biltmore area was leveled to the ground this morning. This is the second Dake home in the neighborhood to be demolished, and only two more in that immediate area survive (that I know of). The original Drake family property nearby still stands. Drake was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin in Wisconsin, and established his own Arizona practice in 1945. The property was recently acquired by a new owner this spring.

This home was made of Superlite block and one of the rare examples of a midcentury residential home that was intentionally left unpainted. Homes like this are one inspiration for the sandblasting-back-to-grey trend celebrating "expressed materials" that we see today. The home also features one of Drake's rare and custom round home layouts and a personalized integration of the Superlite and glass block streetscape markers that brand major points of entry into the Bartlett Estates subdivision. The home across the street from it was also recently leveled and now has a McMansion on it. The bitter irony is that writers at ModernPhoenix are currently working on stories about the livability of Drake Homes 50 years later, and also on the teardown trend. The two subjects collided today in yet another heartbreaking loss for Phoenix's history and culture. [Photo source: Modern Phoenix.]

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.]

National Trust Conference site visit in Phoenix

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- The Historic Preservation Office collaborated with the Greater Phoenix Visitor and Convention Bureau and the Arizona Preservation Foundation to host representatives from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). Phoenix has been selected as a finalist to host the NTHP’s annual conference in 2012, Arizona’s centennial year. A reception with over 60 people in attendance was also held in association with the site visit.

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.

Phoenix's A.E. England Building historic preservation bond request

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval to allocate $588,426 of Historic Preservation Bond funds to the A.E .England building, 424 N. Central Avenue, to serve the new Downtown Civic Space. These funds were delineated as a line-item in the 2006 Historic Preservation Bond Program. The funds will be used to rehabilitate the exteriors and perform structural repairs to the 1926 historic auto dealership building.

Archive collection internship at Phoenix's Deer Valley Rock Art Center

[Source: Friends of Arizona Archives] -- The American Rock Art Research Association's (ARARA) archive collection is housed at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center (DVRAC). This extensive collection includes photographic prints, slides and printed materials. The DVRAC is currently seeking an energetic intern that will help ensure the long-term preservation of the collection and make it an accessible and useful resource for the researchers. DVRAC is run by ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change. It includes a visitor center with exhibits and research facilities on a 47-acre nature preserve protecting more than 1,500 petroglyphs that range from 5,000 to 800 years old. This is the largest concentration of ancient rock carvings in the region!

Duties: Assess, organize, catalog, and digitize the ARARA archive collection and determine the most effective way to input data and make it accessible and useful for users-both on-site and on the Internet.

Qualifications: Background in Library and Archives. Technologically savvy.

Commitment: Hours are flexible but we prefer that the intern work at least 20 hours per week for a minimum of fifteen weeks.

Benefits: An $800 stipend for this internship will be granted. In addition, interns will receive 10% off on merchandise in the Glyph Shop and free passes to special events and programs at the Center.

How to Apply: The application deadline for this internship is August 1, 2008. To apply, please send a resume, a one-page personal statement describing your reasons for seeking the internship and contact information for two references to Kim Arth at Kimberly.Arth@asu.edu or to: Deer Valley Rock Art Center. 3711 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85308. (623) 582-8007.

Preserving our sense of place (op-ed)

[Source: Arizona Republic] -- As construction workers labored to transform a former bank tower in downtown Phoenix into a splendid boutique hotel, an industry consultant noted approvingly that "there is demand for this." Indeed, there appears to be much demand for new projects downtown. The Hotel Monroe (pictured) under construction - formerly the Valley National Bank - is but one of many developments. But the declaration that "there is a demand for this" prompts the question: What is this? Merely another hotel? Well, there is growing demand for hotels in downtown, certainly. But projects such as the Hotel Monroe represent something more.

In Phoenix, perhaps more than in any other major American city, there is a need - a demand, really - for the old to be incorporated into the new. This concept is becoming increasingly important to this burgeoning community - adaptive reuse of existing spaces. "More than ever, we are realizing how important adaptive reuse is when your goal is to build a truly sustainable city," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, acknowledging the city's role in celebrating National Preservation Month. As the outward push of development slows precipitously, now is a good time to emphasize those landmarks we already possess and what new uses we might make of them. The $100 million Hotel Monroe, in fact, is but one (albeit, spectacular) example of adaptive reuse of existing structures in the center city. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Arizonans celebrate the state's recent past

[Source: Arin Greenwood] -- On Apr. 5 and 6, 2008, hundreds of people converged in Phoenix to tour a neighborhood of midcentury modern houses, and to go to seminars on the history and importance of midcentury architecture. It was the fourth annual Modern Phoenix house tour and expo–and the biggest group of participants yet. But as more and more people discover the beauty in ranch house tracts, historic preservationists worry that those tracts are disappearing.

One summer in a concrete hut in Arcosanti, an experimental architecture-focused eco-community in the Arizona desert, Alison King and her high school sweetheart–now husband, Matthew King–rediscovered their home state. Alison had grown up in Scottsdale, and Matthew was "practically native," Alison says, having moved to Arizona when he was four. But in 1999, the two moved together from Arizona to New York City for college; this turned into 10 years in the city of skyscrapers. Then they spent the summer living in Arcosanti and "fell in love with the desert again," King says. Not incidentally, they also decided they wanted to get married. "We figured out that if we could live in a concrete cube down by the river with no air conditioning for a summer without killing each other, we could do just about anything together."

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Alison King, ModernPhoenix.net. Pictured: The Ralph Haver designed Kaffer House; shown is its recent addition.]

Budget adjustment bill signed for State Archives Building

[Source: Doug Kupel] -- The Legislature passed and the Governor signed an FY2008 budget adjustment bill (HB2620) for the Arizona State Archives Building. This is good news because the bill limits the Archives Building funding cut to $2 million instead of the $3.5 million that had been proposed. In addition, the Library and Archives agency cut was limited to $233,000 instead of the proposed $270,500. The more moderate cut will allow the building to open on time this summer. If you've had contact with the Governor and/or individual legislators regarding the building please send them a short thank-you note.

Suggested language

Dear Elected Official:
I was pleased to learn that the FY2008 budget adjustment bill (HB2620) limited the funding cut for the Polly Rosenbaum State Archives and History building to $2 million. While this is still a significant reduction, it will allow for a measured and logical move into the new building so it can open on time this summer. Thank you very much for supporting this more moderate budget cut for
the building. A larger cut would have been a serious setback.

It has been a difficult birth for the new State Archives building. As with any newborn, responsibility does not stop with delivery. The new building will need proper care and maintenance for years to come. Your continued support will be needed in the future: for equipment, for staffing, and to restore items eliminated in the FY08 budget such as shelves. I appreciate your support of this compromise solution and look forward to the day when Arizona can dedicate the building to many years of productive use.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Phoenix...Celebrate a place that matters to you!

[Source: Jim McPherson, National Trust for Historic Preservation] -- National Preservation Month is celebrated during May and the National Trust for Historic Preservation wants you to join in a viral marketing campaign around this year's theme, "This Place Matters." By simply printing a sign and taking a picture, you can tell the story about a place in Phoenix that matters to you. Click here to submit your entry and follow these simple instructions:

1. Register on the National Trust's website, http://www.preservationnation.org

2. Download and print out a special Phoenix “This Place Matters” sign available at http://www.box.net/shared/1xubte0ows. If you know of a spot outside of Phoenix, click on http://www.box.net/shared/c4e9uy9s00 for a sign with the Arizona flag.

3. Snap a photo of people holding the sign and standing in front of a building or place of particular personal significance.

4. Then, upload the photo (or photos) to the National Trust http://www.preservationnation.org/thisplacematters, and post a brief story about the place and why it matters.

We've already had a number of communities participate, including, Fremont, NE and Greenville, OH, just to name a few. So don't get left out. Post your picture today!

Want to do more?

• Spread the word about the campaign by mentioning the campaign in your enewsletter.



• Post your picture and story on your own website and link to PreservationNation.org.



• Challenge your supporters to post other pictures from your town to the site.



• Learn how City Lore and the Municipal Arts Society in New York City have been using their own "Place Matters" campaign for years to advocate for local places at risk by visiting their website at
  http://www.placematters.net.

Proposition A: The Phoenix parks and preserve initiative

On May 20, 2008, a special election in the City of Phoenix will be held. The campaign for the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative is in full swing.

Background

For the past 10 years, Phoenix voters have invested in outdoor places through the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative. Initiated and passed by 80% of Phoenix voters in 1999, the Initiative has raised over $220 million to build new parks, improve community parks, and purchase pristine Sonoran desert preserve land.

Investments made possible include:

• Community and Neighborhood Parks: Established or renovated 52 playgrounds, 23 shade structures, 35 armadas, 14 restrooms, new sports lighting at 30 parks and 19 fields, and accessibility modifications at more than 25 parks.
• Regional Parks: Developed regional parks, including Paseo Highlands, Steele Indian School, Desert West, Pecos Park, Cesar Chavez Park, as well as the Cave Creek Recreational Area and Camelback Ranch.
• Sonoran Preserve: Purchased 3,759 acres of Arizona State Trust Land, with another 650-acre acquisition planned for this year.

Current funding expires next year, and due to significant population growth and urban sprawl the need for parks and the need to preserve precious parts of our natural desert environment are only growing. Supporters of the Initiative encourage voters to vote “yes” on Proposition A.

What you can do

• Learn more about the Initiative by visiting http://www.phxparks.com/
• If you would like a speaker to visit with an organization that you’re affiliated with, contact Tony Motola at 602-462-2291 or info@phxparks.com
• Watch your mailbox. Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed the week of April 21.
• Vote either by mail, at early voting locations, or on May 20, 2008.

HP Staff tour Phoenix's White Gates House

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- Kevin Weight of the city's historic preservation office and Jim McPherson of the Arizona Preservation Foundation (APF) met with the owner of the property known as the White Gates House on May 2. The house, which is located at 4918 E. White Gates Drive, near Camelback Mountain, was built during the 1950s and was designed and occupied by Phoenix architect Alfred Newman Beadle. The house is currently vacant and in need of repair; it was listed on APF's list of most endangered properties in Arizona last year. The owner, Lynda Maze, purchased the property with the intention of rehabilitating it and sought advice and assistance from the City and APF. Ms. Maze may request historic designation and a grant to assist with rehabilitation.

Phoenix's South Mountain Las Lomitas Ramada scope meeting

[Source: Barbara Stocklin, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office] -- Staff from the Historic Preservation Office, Parks & Recreation Department and Engineering & Architectural Services Department met with Bob Mather of Westlake Reed Leskosky Architects to discuss the scope of work for rehabilitation of the the Las Lomitas Ramada at South Mountain Park. This is an extensive 1930s wood and stone ramada built by the Civilian Conservartion Corps as a work relief project. The ramada, which is the largest at the park, has been closed for several months due to concerns about its condition. HP staff recommended hiring WRLA architecturs due to the firm's experience rehabilitation historic structures. Mr. Mather is currently preparing a proposal that will be submitted to HP, P&R and EAS staff for review.

Phoenix's Hotel San Carlos not for sale, but seeks "partner"

[Source: AZCentral] -- They aren't using the word "sale," but the family that owns Hotel San Carlos is looking for someone to take over day-to-day operations of the 80-year-old landmark. "We are looking for someone to join our family and to take Hotel San Carlos to the next level," said Greg Melikian, who has owned the historic, the 121-room hotel on and off for 35 years. The price is negotiable, Melikian said, depending on who's interested. The family would like to wrap up the transaction by the end of the year, but will hold out if they don't find a suitable candidate, Melikian said.

Two things are driving the decision, the 83-year-old hotelier said. First, Melikian's wife, Emma, is slowly losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. Melikian would like to take her on a trip around the world while she still has some vision left, he said. Also, Melikian says that he'd like more time to spend on Arizona State University's Melikian Center, a university division that studies Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Melikian is of Armenian descent and he and his wife speak eight language between the two of them, he said. Melikian says that he has met with a handful of serious candidates, but he hasn't had any luck yet, he said. The family is still interested in having a financial interest in the hotel, he added. And they won't rush the decision, he said. "I want someone who is an asset to this hotel and an asset to this town," he said. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Vision for structural icon in downtown Phoenix takes shape

[Source: Eugene Scott, Arizona Republic] -- In 1926, many Phoenicians were buying their daily bread from markets. But a new J.B. Bayless grocery store was working on changing that. Today, the owner of that downtown building hopes the structure at 825 N. Seventh St. once again becomes a leader in downtown Phoenix's business community. Joseph Lewis, owner of the 9,000-square-foot building (pictured), bought the building 20 years ago and has wanted to renovate it for years. Lewis was able to do the work after receiving the Neighborhood Revitalization Award from Phoenix.

"I knew it had beautiful bones, but it would take a lot of money to show it in the best light possible," he said. Most of the doors and windows had been boarded up with one door allowing access into the historical structure. But in March 2007, that changed when the renovation began. The $450,000 project lasted nearly a year. Lewis also received a Community Development Block Grant from the city for the project. "I knew that historic buildings are a lot more expensive to restore than the typical mall-type," he said. "So there was a matching grant that we utilized to help pay for the façade renovation to kind of bring it back to its historic glory." The Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department recently honored Lewis for his revitalizations of the building. Ten local businesses were honored as part of national Community Development Week.

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

Light touch is just the right touch in old Phoenix home

[Source: Jaimee Rose, Arizona Republic] -- Lew Gallo and Brad Plumley live together, own stores together and spend weekends knocking down walls, pouring concrete and renovating their 1937 home together. They're still speaking. "We're either very compatible or very crazy," says Gallo, 42. Gallo and Plumley, along with friend Gregory Gordon, own decor hot spot Haus Modern Living in Scottsdale and Phoenix, and for eight years let their own home languish while they helped everyone else achieve insanely cool rooms.

Naturally, people wanted to know where they lived. Customers imagined a perfectly pared-down abode filled with Gallo's handmade furniture and piles of Jonathan Adler goodies. Invitations were hinted at, magazine spreads expected. "People would get offended we didn't invite them over," Gallo says. The house was in "before" mode, so last summer, they dug in. The big news: The bathroom and master suite are nearly finished, and we have a sneak peek here today. They still have the rest of the house to go, but we can testify that many, many magazines will come calling when it's through. The home is a vintage adobe in the Phoenix Homestead Historic District near 28th Street and Osborn Road. "Eleanor Roosevelt built this neighborhood for farmers that lost their land after the Depression," Gallo says.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. Photo source: Baxter Imaging.]