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.

Take Action: Reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund

There’s still time for preservation-minded organizations, agencies, and businesses to sign on to a bipartisan letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). With over 200 signers already, the letter will go to the House Natural Resources Committee and Congressional leaders next week. The deadline to sign is close of business, Monday, October 27.

For nearly 50 years, the HPF has been the nation’s primary source of preservation funding, supporting state and tribal preservation offices, community revitalization programs, and competitive grants. In Arizona, HPF dollars have helped preserve iconic sites such as Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tombstone’s historic district, and downtowns across the state.

Because Congress allowed HPF authorization to lapse in 2024, this critical funding source – and the preservation work it enables—is at risk. Reauthorization ensures long-term stability for Arizona communities, tribes, and organizations working to protect our state’s historic and cultural resources. Review the letter and sign on today.

Take More Action: Senate to Examine Section 106 Process

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a full committee hearing on Wednesday, October 29 at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to “examine the Section 106 consultation process under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).” The hearing will be broadcast live on the committee’s website, and our national partners will be in attendance, working closely to educate Senate offices on the importance of both the NHPA and the Section 106 process.

Enacted in 1966, the NHPA established the national framework for preserving America’s historic places, fostering collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local governments. Section 106 ensures that federal projects consider their potential impacts on historic and cultural resources – without halting projects or dictating outcomes. The process has proven to be one of the most effective and efficient tools for balancing progress with preservation.

Here in Arizona, Section 106 reviews have protected and informed projects involving tribal lands, transportation improvements, military installations, and historic downtown districts – ensuring that community voices are heard and cultural heritage is respected.

With the Senate hearing just days away, your input is vital. We urge you to contact Senator Ruben Gallego, who serves on the committee, and share examples of how Section 106 has worked successfully in your part of our state – from rehabilitation of historic schools and courthouses to transportation and infrastructure projects shaped through public consultation.

What you can do

• Review Arizona State Historic Preservation Office Section 106 Fact Sheet
• Read Arizona Preservation Foundation's letter to Senator Gallego
• Read Preservation Action’s latest Action Alert

3's a Charm: Support Route 66 National Historic Trail Legislation

Congress has introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 5470 / S. 2887) to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail ahead of its centennial in 2026. The bill, co-sponsored in the Senate by Arizona’s Mark Kelly, would honor the “Mother Road” while boosting tourism, local economies, and preservation efforts across its eight-state route.

For Arizona communities like Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, and Kingman, the designation could bring new funding and recognition for the state’s distinctive stretch of Route 66 – helping preserve its neon, motels, diners, and main streets for future generations.

You are encouraged to contact Senator Kelly and your U.S. Representative to voice support for H.R. 5470 / S. 2887 and help make Route 66 a permanent part of America’s National Trails System. Learn more and take action.

Save Phoenix's Historic Neighbor-hoods – Action Needed Nov. 5

Phoenix stands at a crossroads. As the fifth largest city in the nation with one of the richest collections of early- and mid-20th-century neighborhoods in the Southwest, we must decide: Will our future growth respect our past — or erase it?

Arizona's HB 2721, the "Middle Housing Law," mandates duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in single-family zones. However, Phoenix's 36 historic districts already exceed these requirements and should be legally exempt. Historic neighborhoods – including Willo, F.Q. Story, Encanto-Palmcroft, Roosevelt, Garfield, Coronado, and Del Norte Place – are already zoned R-1-6 and R-1-10, which explicitly allows duplexes on subdivided lots per Phoenix Zoning Code Tables 6.11B & 6.13B since 1998-1999. These districts do not meet the statute's definition of "single-family only zoning" – the very condition required for HB 2721 to apply. The Preserve Phoenix Plan 2025 confirms these neighborhoods already deliver the density, diversity, and walkability the state seeks, with proven economic performance that outpaces citywide averages.

If HB 2721 is incorrectly applied despite existing zoning, the consequences will be severe and irreversible: demolition of historic homes for speculative development, loss of historic designation when contributing structures fall below 51%, displacement of residents through luxury development and short-term rentals, and erosion of the community fabric that makes Phoenix unique. The bill contains no affordability requirements, meaning it will produce market-rate units rather than solving our housing crisis. The City has invested millions protecting these areas, and residents have invested generations of stewardship that significantly increased property values.

We need you to attend and speak at the November 5 meeting on the Middle Housing Zoning Text Amendment Z-TA-1-25-Y. Come to Phoenix City Council Chambers at 200 W. Jefferson St. at 2:30 p.m. and wear white to show neighborhood unity. You can sign the petition at savehistoricaz.com, write to City Council urging historic district exemptions, donate to Save Historic AZ, and report unpermitted demolition to historic@phoenix.gov. To learn more, visit savehistoricaz.com

The City of Phoenix must formally adopt a legal interpretation confirming HB 2721 does not apply to historic districts, exempt all affected historic districts within Z-TA-1-25-Y, uphold the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance, and ensure transparency by engaging affected residents. Phoenix's historic districts already embody the balance envisioned by the state. Imposing HB 2721 here is redundant, destructive, and contrary to the law's intent. Once these historic homes and neighborhoods are gone, they are gone forever. Phoenix can grow without losing its soul – but only if we act now.

Supporting Organizations: Save Historic Arizona, Preserve Phoenix, Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition, Arizona Downtown Association, and Arizona Preservation Foundation

Celebrating Tucson's Midcentury Architecture & Design, Nov. 4-9

Arizona’s southern desert takes center stage this fall as Tucson hosts its 14th annual Tucson Modernism Week, a vibrant citywide celebration of mid-century architecture, design, and culture. From November 4–9, design enthusiasts, historians, and preservation advocates from across the state and beyond will gather to explore the optimism and innovation that defined the postwar era.

Curated by the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, the week’s programming showcases the region’s distinctive brand of desert modernism – where form meets function in harmony with the Sonoran landscape. Attendees can look forward to exclusive home tours, expert lectures, and stylish evening receptions in some of Tucson’s most iconic modernist spaces.

For Arizonans, Tucson Modernism Week is more than an architectural event – it’s a celebration of southern Arizona's creative legacy and ongoing commitment to preservation and design excellence. Learn more and view the full schedule.

Community Forum: Shaping the Future of Phoenix's Mystery Castle

Preserve Phoenix and the Friends of Mystery Castle invite you to an important community forum to help determine the future of one of Phoenix's most unique landmarks.

Event Details

• When:Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2-5 PM
• Where:South Mountain Community Library – Community Room, 7050 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ
• Registration Required: RVSP here

Why This Matters. Built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley for his daughter Mary Lou, the Mystery Castle is a nationally recognized example of folk architecture. However, vandalism, harsh weather, and deterioration forced its closure in 2022. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently named it to its 2025 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Join the Conversation. Preserve Phoenix is working in collaboration with the property owner and, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, have engaged a heritage conservation consultant to develop a comprehensive strategic plan. This forum will explore the Castle's current status, rehabilitation options, and community-driven solutions for preservation. Your input is vital to protecting this City of Phoenix Point of Pride for future generations. Registered participants will receive the agenda and materials before the event.

Nuestra Herencia Grant Program Program Opens Nov. 4

Applications open November 4 for the Latinos in Heritage Conservation's Nuestra Herencia Grant Program, which invests $600,000 annually in grassroots organizations protecting Latinx heritage across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. With support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Social Impact Fund, the program is now entering its second grant cycle.

Nuestra Herencia was created to expand access to preservation funding and center community voices historically excluded from traditional grantmaking. Arizona’s rich Latino history – from Nogales and Tucson’s Barrio Viejo to Phoenix’s historic districts and mining towns – makes our state a strong fit for this funding opportunity.

A webinar series begins November 13 to guide applicants through categories, guidelines, and best practices in both English and Spanish. Topics include grant writing basics, project planning, organizational strength, and historic designations. Recordings will be available for all sessions.

 Applications open: November 4

 Applications close: February 13, 2026

 Learn more and register for webinars

This is an excellent opportunity for Arizona-based organizations celebrating and preserving Latinx heritage to gain national recognition and support.

Introducing Arizona's Heritage Preservation Youth Council

The State Historic Preservation Office is thrilled to share a new endeavor: the Arizona Heritage Preservation Youth Council (HPYC)! This is a pursuit entirely conceived of and executed by high school students in the wake of June's Preserve America Youth Summit, and has been graciously adopted as a legacy project by the Arizona America 250 Commission.

A Vision Born from Young Leaders. In the words of our student leaders: "This new program is dedicated to empowering Arizona youth by fostering leaders and protectors of our state's numerous natural, historic, and cultural resources." We are looking for motivated students in grades 8-12 to help us shape this new initiative by joining our council.

What Students Will Gain. By getting involved, students will gain:

• Valuable skills in communication and leadership
• Hands-on experience with advocacy and taking initiative in preserving our state's heritage
• Life-long connections with like-minded peers and professionals
• A deeper understanding and appreciation for being civically involved

Our Mission. At HPYC, we believe that giving youth a platform to be civically engaged in the preservation of Arizona's heritage is key to ensuring our state's heritage is not lost or forgotten, but will continue to be a celebrated and vital part of Arizona's future.

Join Us! Our founding student leaders are dedicated, intelligent, and highly motivated. We ask you to share this opportunity with your local networks to ensure great students from across the state are given the chance to participate. Applications are open now. Visit the new website for more information and to apply. Application deadline: November 7, 2025.

Preservation Quick Clicks

News

• Milum Textile Demolished. Despite community support, City of Phoenix granted "valid permits" for its destruction. Read →
• Arizona State Fair Seeks New Leader: The fair is hiring a new Executive Director. Apply here →
• White House Ballroom Debate: The National Trust weighs in on proposed construction. Read statement →
• Faith Communities Win $8.7M: 30 historic congregations, including one in Tucson, receive grants. Learn more →
• Funding for Historic Preservation: Local First’s AZ Economic Resource Center helps secure grants. Explore →
• Endangered Latinx Landmarks: 13 at-risk sites revealed by Latinos in Heritage Conservation. See list →
• Expand Latino Heritage: Help Phoenix HPO & Arizona Barrio Stories document local history. Take survey →
• Ignite Museum Fire Recovery: Support restoration after fire damage to historic neon signs. Donate →
• Support Gilbert History: Donate to preserve HD SOUTH’s 112-year-old home and collections. Give →
• America 250 Traveling Museum: Bring this interactive mobile exhibit to your community. Apply →
• Save Globe/Miami Downtowns: Recovery effort continues after massive flooding. Donate →
• S’edav Va’aki Museum Reopens: Two new exhibits celebrate art and heritage in the Southwest. Visit →
• The (Re)Making of Mesa: How arts, culture, and preservation played a role. Read →
• Support Queen Creek History: Help locals save the Big Tin Cotton Gin. Sign the petition →
• Camp Naco Grant: Freeport-McMoRan contributes $35,000. Details →

Events

• America 250 Workshop: Learn how your museum can join the 250th celebration. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. Register →
• Webinar: State Cultural Laws: Understand Arizona’s preservation statutes. Oct. 30. Register →
• Spark: Places of Innovation: Smithsonian exhibit runs through Nov. 1 at Willcox Theater & Arts. More info →
• National Preservation Law Conference: Yes, HP could benefit from legal advocacy; online Nov. 5. Details/registration→
• Celebrate Local Love: Arizona Fall Fest returns Nov. 8 at Hance Park, Phoenix. Event info →
• Family Fun Days: Free crafts, games & activities Nov. 8 at Rosson House, Downtown Phoenix. Join in →
• Grand Avenue Festival: Nov. 8 – music, art, food, and fun supporting local creators. Event site →
• Midtown Phoenix Urban Living Tour: Visit historic homes and midcentury high-rise condos. Coming up Nov. 9. Tickets →
• Phoenix Art Deco Film Night: The Gay Divorcee screening Nov. 16 at The Pemberton. Tickets →
• Faire @ the Square: Family fun, food, and Rosson House tours, Dec. 6, downtown Phoenix. Event info →
• Main Street Now 2026: Conference set for April 13–15 in Tulsa, OK. Save the date →
• VAF 2026 Call for Papers: Submissions open for Walla Walla vernacular conference, May 27–30. Details →