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.

Clare home is one of Gilbert’s very few buildings over 100 years old.

Bergies Coffee Roast House during its heyday.

Will Gilbert Lose its 2nd Oldest Building? Help Save it by 8/1/24!

HD SOUTH, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, in partnership with WAGS Capital and Associated Architects, has embarked on a significant project to save the historic Clare home, previously the site of Bergies Coffee Roast House. Currently located at 309 N. Gilbert Road, the aim is to relocate this structure, built in 1918, to the grounds of HD SOUTH at 10 S. Gilbert Road, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Arizona Preservation Foundation is proud to support this effort with seed funding, recognizing the importance of preserving such an integral part of Gilbert’s history. Once relocated, the Clare home will serve as an additional exhibit at the museum, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience and engage with Gilbert's rich heritage. To make this vision a reality, HD SOUTH and its supporters must raise the necessary funds by August 1, 2024. Click here to learn more and contribute.

Thank You Prescott for Hosting Another Great Conference!

The 2024 Arizona Historic Preservation Conference, held in downtown Prescott from June 25-28, was a resounding success, drawing professionals and enthusiasts from various fields to celebrate and discuss the importance of historic preservation. This year’s conference, themed "Preserving the Past, Planning the Future," paid homage to Prescott’s Master Planning initiative, highlighting the importance of strategic foresight in heritage preservation.

Event Highlights

The conference featured three days of programming tailored to professionals in historic preservation, archaeology, cultural resources management, architecture, and planning. Attendees were able to engage in sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills. The event also catered to members of the public involved in preservation through volunteer activities, as well as non-profit or state and local board and commission members.

Special attention was given to Arizona’s 22 Native American tribes, emphasizing their unique relationship with the state’s historic resources. The conference included tours, activities, and pre-conference workshops, all designed to deepen participants' understanding and engagement with preservation efforts.

Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards

The conference culminated in the Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in historic preservation across the state. John Owens, Policy & Operations Advisor to Governor Katie Hobbs; Kathryn Leonard, State Historic Preservation Officer; and Jim McPherson, Arizona Preservation Foundation Board President, presented the awards. You can learn more about this year's recipients, including photographs, here.

A special highlight during the week was the presentation of the 2024 Elisabeth Ruffner Keystone Award for Community Leadership to Dennis Gallagher of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation recognizing his significant contributions to Prescott and Yavapai history. More information about Dennis' achievements and past honorees can be found here.

Acknowledgments

The success of the 2024 conference was made possible by the generous support of many. Special thanks go to the staff of the Hassayampa Inn for hosting the event, as well as to the City of Prescott, our sponsors, the organizing committee led by the State Historic Preservation Office and Arizona Preservation Foundation, plenary and session speakers, and the hundreds of attendees who made this event memorable.

Looking Forward

Attendees are encouraged to provide their feedback on the 2024 conference and awards by taking our online survey, which is open until Friday, August 9, 2024. Your input will help shape future conferences and ensure they continue to meet the needs and interests of the preservation community.

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s conference and continuing our collective efforts to preserve Arizona’s rich heritage.

In FY24, 36 Projects Supported by State Parks Heritage Fund

The Arizona Heritage Alliance is pleased to announce the full allocation of $6 million in Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2024. These grants, approved by the State Legislature and Governor Katie Hobbs as part of the state budget signed on June 30, 2023, will support 36 projects across Arizona, enhancing outdoor recreation, historic preservation, trail developments, and environmental education.

The grants are distributed as follows:

• 50% ($3 million) for local, regional, and state parks
• 30% ($1.8 million) for historic preservation projects
• 10% ($600,000) for non-motorized trails
• 10% ($600,000) for outdoor and environmental education

"These grants represent a significant investment in Arizona's natural and cultural heritage," said Lani Lott, Executive Director of the Alliance. "From developing mountain bike parks to preserving historic buildings, these projects will enhance the quality of life for Arizonans and attract visitors to our beautiful state."

You can view the Alliance's map of all State Parks Heritage Fund grants for the past three fiscal years here. Detailed information about each of the FY24 projects can be viewed on the Alliance's Facebook page.

The Alliance thanks both Governor Hobbs and former Governor Doug Ducey, the State Legislature in the recent past, and the staff and commissions of Arizona State Parks and Trails and the State Historic Preservation Office for their hard work and dedication in reviewing and approving these amazing projects. In addition, the Alliance congratulates all grant recipients and looks forward to seeing these projects come to fruition, benefiting communities across the state.

UofA Pauses Solari Chapel Dismantling Amid Legal & Community Pushback

In response to significant community outcry and legal challenges, the University of Arizona announced an indefinite pause on plans to dismantle the Soleri Chapel, a renowned architectural landmark designed by Paolo Soleri. The Chapel, erected in 1986 as a memorial for Soleri's wife, holds a cherished place in the hearts of local residents and preservation advocates.

The controversy erupted in the fall of 2023 when the University decided to relocate parts of the Chapel’s artwork without consulting the State Historic Preservation Office, a move that violated state preservation laws. The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, with the support of the Arizona Preservation Foundation, mobilized quickly, launching community outreach initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the Chapel's protection.

THPF and APF collaborated with the Phoenix-based law firm of Zwillinger Wulkan to research the legal challenge in saving the Chapel. This involved exploring options to establish legal standing under the National Historic Preservation Act and ensuring compliance with Arizona's preservation laws. Their efforts culminated in a significant victory on January 12, 2024, when the University acknowledged community concerns and agreed to halt the project indefinitely.

For those interested in the legal details, documents are available on this APF Legals Issues web page that provide insights into the legal strategies and community efforts employed to safeguard the Soleri Chapel, underscoring the importance of preserving this historic asset and others in the future.