Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition Unveils 2025
“Endangered Dozen” Historic Properties List
Phoenix, AZ – The Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition (PHNC) has announced its 2025 “Endangered Dozen” Historic Properties List, spotlighting residential and commercial sites that are essential to Phoenix’s cultural and architectural heritage. These properties, while not immediately at risk of demolition, face potential threats that could compromise their survival and significance.
The “Endangered Dozen” list serves as a call to action for the community, preservation advocates, and policymakers to protect these invaluable pieces of Phoenix’s history. It also highlights broader challenges facing historic neighborhoods, including legislative changes impacting architectural integrity.
2025 “Endangered Dozen” Highlights
Endangered Properties by Location
Evans Churchill Neighborhood
Ashley Apartments (706-708 N. Seventh St.)
Kuchiro House (624 N. Fifth St.)
Both of these properties are on lots owned by either ASU or UofA where the planned projects do not include these buildings.
Roosevelt Neighborhood
Charles Pugh House (356 N. Second Ave.) This house has stood vacant for many years
William Evans House (375 N. Fourth Ave.)
Coronado Neighborhood
Historic homes along 11th St. between Coronado and McDowell roads.
Originally included as part of a large scale apartment complex that appears to be cancelled
North Phoenix
North Central Avenue Streetscape Historic District
Concern about dying trees and care of those that remain.
South Phoenix
Mystery Castle
Vandalized several years ago, the property is currently vacant.
East Phoenix
White Gates House (4918 E. White Gates Dr.). Slated for demolition by the owner, but several groups are opposing it.
D.H. Toy House (2222 E. Pasadena Ave.). Home of one of the early Chinese families in Phoenix.
Special Initiatives
Okemah Community Recognition Project. Once a vibrant community, Okemah was decimated by the construction of Interstate 10 and subsequent industrialization. Efforts are now underway to honor its history through research, storytelling, and preservation of any remaining structures.
Monitoring Threats to Residential Historic Districts. Recent legislative changes, including Arizona’s House Bill 2720, weaken local control over Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, threatening the architectural and historic integrity of Phoenix’s neighborhoods. PHNC is actively monitoring the impacts of these laws to advocate for balanced solutions.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action
The “Endangered Dozen” list not only draws attention to specific properties but also emphasizes the importance of preserving Phoenix’s broader sense of place. The PHNC invites the public to learn more about these sites, join preservation efforts, and support initiatives aimed at safeguarding the city’s historic character for future generations. For details on the properties or to get involved, visit www.phxhnc.com or email PhxHNC@gmail.com. If you know of a threatened historic property, please reach out to the PHNC.
About the Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition
The Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition (PHNC) is dedicated to preserving and promoting Phoenix’s historic neighborhoods and architectural heritage. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, PHNC works to protect the city’s unique cultural identity.
Contact:
Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition
Email: PhxHNC@gmail.com
Website: www.phxhnc.com
All photos linked on this page are courtesy of the Arizona Republic