The city of Phoenix is home to many old and historic properties. Some are well known — like the Orpheum Theatre, which first opened in 1929. Others are less known like the Arizona Citrus Growers Association Warehouse, which is attached to Chase Field.
On paper, the city has strong protections when it comes to these kinds of buildings. But despite decades of ordinances and mayoral support, some preservationists find the city has what they call a “tear down culture.”
Kimber Lanning is a long-time preservation advocate and is the founder of Local First Arizona, a coalition of local businesses. She’s also served on Phoenix’s Development Advisory Board, and she says there are many economic benefits to keeping older buildings…