Territorial-Era Buildings To Be Preserved By Phoenix
April 16, 2002
The city of Phoenix is acquiring the former Phoenix Union High School site and will preserve three historic buildings constructed in 1911-1912, a period when Arizona was a territory of the U.S. These buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, were scheduled for demolition this spring.
The 4.1-acre property, which is north of Van Buren Street between Fifth and Seventh streets, includes four buildings with approximately 104,000 square feet.
The fourth building, built in 1927 and after Arizona joined the union as a state, will be demolished by the property owner, Jim Kaufman.
Possession of the property, effective June 1, follows more than a year of discussions with Kaufman, city staff, the Phoenix Union Alumni Association and the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission.
"The Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission is pleased that the mayor and council are saving a significant part of Phoenix history that is irreplaceable," said Linda Pollack, chair of the nine-member, citizen panel. "The site ultimately will become a cornerstone for the redevelopment of the area and will bridge the past with the future."
Lionel Sanchez, president of the Phoenix Union High School Alumni Association, said "We are grateful that such an important part of the Phoenix Union history will be preserved, rehabilitated and showcased. Our alumni will continue to work with the city of Phoenix as it proceeds with the restoration of the buildings."
Phoenix representatives said the acquisition will join the adjacent city-owned, 8.8-acre property to the north, a portion of which is being considered for the research campus and headquarters for the International Genomics Consortium, a biotechnology scientific study effort.
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| David Ramirez |
602-262-6181 |
| Rick Naimark |
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