PreservePhoenix

10/18/2026

In preparation for tomorrows City of Phoenix, AZ Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, Preserve Phoenix has submitted the following request (summarized) to the office of Historic Preservation:

We ask the City to take an active role in exploring every available avenue to prevent the YMCA’s demolition and encourage a preservation-based solution.

Specifically, we encourage the City to consider the following actions:
1. Initiate the YMCA for historic designation
2. Use all available demolition-review and preservation tool
3. Initiate a focused conversation with the property owner
4. Commission or facilitate an adaptive reuse feasibility assessment
5. Identify financial incentives and potential partners
6. Evaluate the building’s eligibility for historic designation
7. Engage the community in developing solutions

We believe the YMCA presents an opportunity to demonstrate that Phoenix can respect its history while supporting downtown revitalization. Adaptive reuse can retain an important historic resource, reinforce the character of downtown, and create new economic and community value.

The City’s leadership could help turn a potential loss into a successful preservation project.

We encourage our community to submit your feedback as well before 8am Monday morning so it may be considered as part of the discussion regarding this historic property. Email: [email protected].

10/17/2026

For sixty years, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has given Tribal Nations, communities, local governments, preservation professionals, and the public a voice before federal decisions damage the places that carry our history.

Today, that protection faces unprecedented regulatory, legislative, and executive threats. 1000+ organizations representing 9+ million of Americans have come together to defend it—and to make it stronger for the next generation.

Please consider taking action by joining the fight here:

This is a fast-moving coalition of the willing—and there is a place in it for everyone. Organizations join the 106Strong Coalition by signing our Open Letter and Brief to Congress. Organizations and individuals can join by signing up for alerts, contributing to a working group, and following and s...

10/16/2026

Ready to step into one of the darkest chapters of Phoenix history?

This October marks the 95th anniversary of the Winnie Ruth Judd murders, one of the most infamous true-crime cases to shock the nation. And here's the exciting part: this tour has only been offered once before! This is a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of the murders, revisit the locations where the events unfolded, and explore the facts behind the headlines that captivated the country.

On the night of October 16, 1931, Winnie Ruth Judd shot and killed her two best friends. Now, 95 years later, you can retrace the steps of this chilling case and discover the places connected to the crime that made national headlines.

🔎 Join author Laurie Notaro and Jarrod Riddle of Spirit of Arizona Tours for the special 95th Anniversary Winnie Ruth Judd Murder Tour!
👉 BOOK THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY WINNIE RUTH JUDD MURDER TOUR HERE:
https://book.peek.com/s/c0f48cfd-0647-4b04-90c2-ce9be8b0ef1b/ZyOPB?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1dennhb71u3uq&fbclid=IwY2xjawU5DmdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMVNqbTVkcjlQM2dYeWlKUnNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEezsNRjELleOWBeNKymR00lLt1ligX1to42Oj-Jq6m7KPPtZVWWayH30uO_qU_aem_-jOjWGyQQtwnsBy4er5-Bg

10/09/2026

The 60 day Demolition Period has begun for the Downtown Phoenix YMCA Building, located at 350 N 1st Ave and constructed in 1951.
The original structure was designed by prominent Phoenix architectural firm Lescher & Mahoney and features Art Deco workmanship among its unique architectural details.
Although there have been a few modifications through the years, it maintains integrity to the original Lescher and Mahoney Design and has been determined to meet the standards of historical significance.
Our understanding is that the YMCA intends to demo the building to prepare the site for redevelopment.

Call to Action: Email the Phoenix Historic Preservation Office at [email protected] and urge the Historic Preservation Commission to initiate historic designation of the Downtown YMCA at 350 N. First Avenue.

10/02/2026

Looking for plans tonight? Come down and check out the Louis-Emerson House, grab a coffee, and meet local preservationists for a casual open house to celebrate the preservation of this historic gem!

10/02/2026

Did you know the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix has behind the scenes tours in addition to hosting a wide variety of different types of events?
This Phoenix gem opened in January of 1929 and was designed by notable architects Lescher & Mahoney.
Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and is a wonderful example of Spanish Baroque style architecture.

09/20/2026

Preserve Phoenix is excited to celebrate with our City of Phoenix, AZ Historic Preservation Office on 40 years of Historic Preservation in Phoenix. Invitation is open to the public! RSVP by October 22nd to be part of the celebration! 🎉