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The Arizona Preservation Foundation is Arizona's non-profit statewide historic preservation organization. Founded in 1979, the Foundation is dedicated to preserving Arizona's historic resources. This e-newsletter provides you with updates on Foundation activities and preservation news from across our state and nation's capital. Visit our website at azpreservation.org or our social media channels for more news and information.
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2026 Arizona Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Award Recipients Announced
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The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Arizona Preservation Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2026 Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, and projects that have made outstanding contributions to preserving Arizona's prehistoric, historic, and cultural resources.
Since 1982, the Arizona Preservation Foundation and SHPO, a division of Arizona State Parks and Trails, have partnered to present Arizona's highest preservation honors. The awards celebrate excellence in historic preservation while increasing public awareness of the importance of safeguarding Arizona's diverse heritage
"Historic preservation connects Arizonans to the people, places, and stories that shaped our communities," said Kathryn Leonard, State Historic Preservation Officer. "These award recipients demonstrate how preservation strengthens local identity, enriches our understanding of the past, and ensures that significant cultural resources remain meaningful and accessible for future generations."
The 2026 Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Award recipients are:
- The Abuelas Project: Borderlands
- David Yubeta
- Fort Lowell Commissary, Tucson
- Jason M. Nez
- L. Ron Hubbard Osborn House, Phoenix
- Lehi Auditorium Rehabilitation, Mesa
- Lookout Studio Rehabilitation, Grand Canyon National Park
- Pranav Raj Vippagunta and Lois A. Valdez, Arizona Heritage Preservation Youth Council
- Sprouts House, Tucson
- Tucson Heritage Video Series
The highest honor presented through the program, the James W. Garrison Heritage Award, will be announced on May 30. Named in honor of former State Historic Preservation Officer James W. Garrison, the award is selected by the Governor's Office from among the year's award recipients.
"The Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards recognize the remarkable efforts of volunteers, professionals, nonprofits, government agencies, and community advocates who work tirelessly to preserve Arizona's heritage," said Jim McPherson, President of the Arizona Preservation Foundation Board of Directors. "Their accomplishments demonstrate that preservation is not only about protecting historic places. It is about investing in vibrant communities, education, and Arizona's shared future."
The awards will be presented during a public ceremony on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Arizona Baseball Museum, located within the historic 1939 Lehi Auditorium on the Mesa Historical Museum campus, 2345 N. Horne, Mesa. Opened in early 2026, the museum is Arizona's first permanent museum dedicated to the history of baseball in the state. A reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 6 p.m. RSVP here.
For press release, click here. To review past award recipients, click here.
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Attend "Preserving Mystery Castle: A Case Study" Webinar, June 3
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Preservationists, history enthusiasts, and supporters of Phoenix’s unique cultural landmarks are invited to attend "Preserving Mystery Castle: A Case Study," a special webinar presented by R. Brooks Jeffery on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from Noon to 1 p.m. PDT (Arizona time).
The webinar will explore the recent preservation efforts surrounding Phoenix’s famed Mystery Castle, one of Arizona’s most recognizable and unconventional historic landmarks. Registration is now open.
Built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter Mary Lou, the Mystery Castle is nationally recognized as an extraordinary example of folk architecture. Nestled at the edge of South Mountain Park & Preserve in South Phoenix, the structure has long fascinated visitors with its whimsical design, handcrafted construction, and colorful history.In recent years, however, the property has faced significant challenges. Vandalism, severe weather, and decades of deterioration forced the castle to close to the public in 2022.
Preservation advocates responded by launching a major effort to bring attention to the site’s condition. The Friends of Mystery Castle, a task force of Preserve Phoenix, helped elevate awareness nationally, culminating in the castle’s inclusion on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2025 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
The webinar will also discuss the next chapter in Mystery Castle’s story. In March 2026, the Mystery Castle Historical Foundation sold the property to Harrell Family of Companies, which committed to preserving the landmark while transforming it into a destination event venue that will allow future generations to experience the site.
Using Mystery Castle as a case study, Jeffery’s presentation will outline the preservation process that led to this outcome and identify strategies that may help guide future preservation projects across Arizona and beyond.
Webinar Details
What: "Preserving Mystery Castle: A Case Study"
Presenter: R. Brooks Jeffery
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: Noon – 1 p.m. PDT (Arizona time)
Registration: Webinar registration is now open
(Photo: Bob Graham)
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National Park Service Grants Available; Applications Due in June
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The National Park Service has released the following Notices of Funding Opportunities for preservation grants. Feel free to review, discuss with others in your community, and apply:
(Photo Credit: Robert Alexander, Archive Photos, Getty Images)
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Arizona Black History and Culture Consortium Compiling Statewide Juneteenth Events List
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The Arizona Black History and Culture Consortium is assembling a comprehensive list of Juneteenth events taking place across Arizona in 2026, helping connect communities statewide with celebrations, educational programs, cultural activities, and commemorations honoring African American history and freedom. With events planned in communities large and small throughout Arizona, organizers say there is likely a Juneteenth celebration happening near you.
The Consortium is encouraging organizations, community groups, churches, museums, nonprofits, and event organizers to share information about upcoming Juneteenth programs so the events can be included in the growing statewide calendar and promoted to a broader audience.
Anyone planning a Juneteenth event is invited to submit information by emailing azblahc@gmail.com.
The Arizona Black History and Culture Consortium works to collect and preserve the stories, historic places, and cultural contributions of African Americans throughout Arizona. The organization emphasizes that documenting African American history is essential to understanding the full story of Arizona and recognizing the generations of individuals and communities who helped shape the state.
Through its ongoing initiatives, the Consortium gathers and shares resources including books, publications, photographs, podcasts, websites, and educational materials related to African American history and historic preservation in Arizona. The effort is designed to support preservation advocates, educators, researchers, and the general public while encouraging broader awareness and appreciation of Arizona’s diverse cultural heritage.
The Consortium also encourages the public to participate by sharing historical information, community stories, and preservation resources. In addition to its Juneteenth outreach, the organization maintains a statewide listserv to distribute information about upcoming Black history and cultural events across Arizona.
Those interested in receiving announcements and updates are encouraged to sign up for the Consortium’s Mailchimp email list. The organization also invites the public to learn more about its mission and statewide preservation efforts by viewing recordings and materials from its inaugural statewide meeting.
As Juneteenth celebrations continue to grow across Arizona, the Consortium’s statewide events list aims to serve as a central resource for communities seeking opportunities to celebrate, learn, and connect.
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The Gen Z in AZ: Civic Season at the 250th Invites Young Arizonans to Explore History and Civic Engagement
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As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States, Arizona organizations are working to engage the next generation in conversations about history, democracy, and civic participation.
The Arizona America250 Commission, in partnership with the Made By Us Youth250 Arizona Bureau, Arizona Civic Coalition, and Center for the Future of Arizona, will host "Gen Z in AZ: Civic Season at the 250th" on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Arizona State Capitol Museum in Phoenix.
The event is part of Civic Season, a nationwide initiative that connects history, culture, and civic engagement while encouraging young people to reflect on the nation’s past and help shape its future. Organizers are inviting Arizonans ages 18 to 30 to participate in a day focused on storytelling, leadership, and civic connection.
Participants will have opportunities to meet and collaborate with other young leaders from across Arizona, tour the Arizona State Capitol Museum, participate in interactive activities, and share personal reflections on what America’s 250th anniversary means to them. Organizers also plan to feature selected stories and creative contributions on social media in recognition of National Youth Day on June 27.
The event reflects a growing effort to involve younger generations in preservation, civic dialogue, and public history while creating space for new voices and perspectives as the country prepares for the semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.Preservation advocates, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to share information about the program with eligible young adults, fellows, and emerging leaders throughout Arizona, especially those in the Phoenix area.
For information about the Arizona America250 Commission and upcoming events, visit america250az.org or contact america250AZ@azsos.gov.
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Attend Certified Local Government Training, May 30, Mesa
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Historic preservation commissioners, local government staff, property owners, and community advocates are invited to attend a comprehensive Certified Local Government (CLG) training program hosted by the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office on Saturday, May 30.
The free training session will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the former Mesa City Council Chambers, located at 57 E. 1st Street in downtown Mesa, directly across First Street from the Mesa Public Library. Participants will receive a binder packed with reference materials and resources designed to support local preservation efforts.
This year’s training features an extensive lineup of guest speakers and practical topics aimed at strengthening preservation programs throughout Arizona. Sessions will explore archaeology and the tools available to local governments, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, local design standards and guidelines, and the review process for Certificates of Appropriateness and other alterations to historic properties.
Additional presentations will focus on integrating historic preservation into local government planning and policy frameworks, understanding the distinction between a property’s integrity and its physical condition, and evaluating alternatives to traditional historic building materials. Participants will also learn about infill development and new construction within historic districts, along with frequently discussed issues such as window rehabilitation, solar installations, landscaping, and other common questions from property owners.
The day will include numerous real-world examples, case studies, and interactive exercises designed to encourage discussion and practical application of preservation principles.
Attendance is free of charge. Coffee, snacks, and a pizza lunch will be provided courtesy of the City of Mesa. Parking is available in the Mesa Public Library lot and the nearby Centennial Garage.
The training is intended to encourage broad participation from historic preservation commissioners, municipal staff, community members, and property owners interested in preserving Arizona’s historic resources. Similar training opportunities will also be offered later this year in Flagstaff and in Southern Arizona during the winter months.
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office encourages interested individuals to RSVP and help spread the word throughout their communities.
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Neon Dreams: Googie Architecture in Las Vegas
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June 26, 6:00PM
Teams Meeting
Presentation by Sayre Borden-Historic Preservation Specialist II with Nevada Division of State Parks
This virtual architectural walking tour explores the emergence of Googie architecture in Las Vegas during the mid-twentieth century, examining how architecture helped construct the city’s identity as a landscape of futurism, spectacle, and entertainment. Developed during the postwar boom and influenced by automobile culture, atomic-age optimism, and advances in technology, Googie architecture transformed Las Vegas into a visual symbol of modernity and fantasy.
Through a digitally guided exploration of historic casinos, neon signage, entertainment venues, and preserved architectural landmarks, this presentation analyzes defining characteristics of the style, including dramatic geometric forms, neon illumination, exaggerated signage, cantilevered structures, and futuristic imagery.
The presentation also examines the cultural and economic forces that shaped the development of Space Age design in Las Vegas, including tourism, mobility, consumer culture, and Cold War-era fascination with technology and the future. Googie architecture played a critical role in establishing Las Vegas as one of the most recognizable and visually experimental urban landscapes in the United States.
Sayre Borden is a Historic Preservation Specialist II who has been with the Nevada Division of State Parks since June 2024. Prior to that he worked as an Associate Architectural Historian with SWCA Environmental Consultants in Sacramento California. Sayre holds a Master’s Degree of Arts in Public History from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in History from Eastern Nazarene College. He lives in Las Vegas.
Image from UNLV Digital Archives
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CLICK LINK HERE
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In this issue:
 Explore McNeil Estates during our Sunset Sip & Stroll Walking Tour
 Meet NPF Board Member, Christopher
 Tell your story with Your Nevada, Your History
 A Preservation 101 Discussion
 Old Home 911 Returns
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One of my favorite parts of preservation work is hearing the stories people attach to places. Sometimes it’s a neighborhood someone grew up in, a favorite family business, a roadside motel, or even just a street that still feels like “old Vegas.” Those personal connections are what make preservation meaningful.
This month, I’m excited to see Nevada SHPO’s Your Nevada, Your History campaign encouraging people across the state to share the places that matter most to them. At NPF, we’ve also been continuing those conversations locally through programs like Preservation 101, where community members gathered to learn more about historic neighborhoods, designation, and caring for older homes.
As always, thank you for being part of this work. Every tour attended, story shared, volunteer hour, and conversation helps build a stronger appreciation for Southern Nevada’s history and the places that continue to shape our communities.
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PRESERVATION SPOTLIGHT:Your Nevada, Your History
This May, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) launched Your Nevada, Your History, a new statewide campaign encouraging Nevadans to share the places that matter most to them and why those places deserve to be preserved.
Created in celebration of Historic Preservation Month and as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, the campaign highlights how preservation is about more than buildings—it is about the memories, stories, and communities connected to them.
Nevadans are invited to participate by leaving a short recorded message describing a meaningful place in the Silver State and why it is important to them. Stories can be shared through the “Your Nevada, Your History” hotline or submitted online through the Nevada SHPO website.
The campaign serves as an important reminder that preservation begins with community voices and personal connections to place. By sharing these stories, Nevadans help document and celebrate the people, places, and experiences that continues to help shape our state.
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UPCOMING PROGRAMMING:McNeil Estates: A Sunset Sip & Stroll Walking Tour Thursday, June 25, 6:30pm
Take a shady stroll through on this sunset walking tour that brings the charming facades of McNeil Estates to life!
Once a quiet mesquite forest, McNeil Estates remains one of the lushest green neighborhoods in town. Explore the historic core of this neighborhood, uncover stories of its fascinating residents—from doctors and musicians to entertainers, business owners, and even a mysterious hitman.
Bring your favorite Happy Hour beverage and we’ll bring the ice for this summer ramble through this gorgeous revitalized vintage Vegas neighborhood. Get tickets here.
Please note: this tour does not include entry inside the homes.
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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: Preservation 101
We recently hosted Preservation 101, an educational program created to help community members better understand what historic designation means and how preservation works in Southern Nevada. Held at the Historic Westside School, the event brought together local preservation officials, architectural historians, and preservation advocates for an open and informative conversation about protecting historic places.
The program explored the differences between national, state, and local historic designation, while also breaking down the review processes involved in listing a historic site on the Las Vegas register. Attendees learned about the steps required to designate a historic property or neighborhood, what protections and opportunities designation can provide, and how preservation guidelines may impact changes to older homes and buildings.
Just as importantly, the event gave homeowners and community members the chance to ask practical questions about living in and caring for historic properties.
Programs like Preservation 101 are part of NPF’s ongoing commitment to making preservation approachable, educational, and community driven. We look forward to hosting another Preservation 101 to continue building awareness and appreciation for Southern Nevada’s historic places and stories.
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NPF BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Christopher Fobes
Christopher brings over 25 years of real estate experience and a deep passion for historic and vintage homes and neighborhoods to the Nevada Preservation Foundation. Raised in the Inland Empire of Southern California, Christopher pursued a major in history at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, before making his way to the vibrant Las Vegas area.
His appreciation for homes with charm and character, such as classic ranch, craftsman, wood shingle, and mid-century modern houses, began in Southern California and continued to grow after moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and starting his real estate career. Upon relocating to Las Vegas, Christopher sought out neighborhoods where vintage homes featured prominently, such as McNeil, the Equestrian streets, John S Park, and Paradise Palms.
Christopher’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing historic buildings and communities led him to volunteer with the Nevada Preservation Foundation early on. In 2023, he joined the Board of Directors and was elected Treasurer in 2025. His dedication to the foundation’s mission of preserving Nevada’s cultural legacy is evident in his active involvement with various stakeholders, including property owners, residents, developers, and public officials.
In addition to his role at the Nevada Preservation Foundation, Christopher serves on several other boards, including the Las Vegas Realtors MLS, Cal Alumni Chapter of Southern Nevada, and the Whitney Town Advisory Board. He is deeply committed to his community and believes that the retention and restoration of the built environment fosters a sense of place and helps build an engaged community.
In his leisure time, Christopher enjoys dining out with friends, playing golf, focusing on health and fitness, traveling, and spending quality time with his beloved dogs, Beauregard and Madden.
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Thank you for supporting historic preservation in Nevada. Our programming is one of the ways we support our historic preservation efforts.
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—a behind-the-scenes look at one homeowner’s journey from catastrophic flood damage to a beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern dream home. Join Lawrence as he shares restoration lessons, insurance challenges, design tips, and an exclusive tour of his stunning Palmer & Krisel home transformed back to its MCM roots. 
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