Phoenix is a city rich in history, culture, and heritage, with roots extending back to the first century AD. As Phoenix continues to grow into the 21st century, it faces the challenge of balancing urban expansion with the preservation of its diverse historic and archaeological resources. The PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan is the city’s roadmap to achieve this balance. They will be building on the success of the 2015 preservation plan and setting ambitious goals for the next decade.

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Why Historic Preservation Matters

Phoenix is not just a modern metropolis; it is a city with deep ties to its past. From the ancient irrigation systems built by the Ancestral O’Odham to the postwar development that shaped the city’s mid-century landscape, these historic landmarks define the unique character of Phoenix. The PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan recognizes that preserving these sites is not just about honoring the past but also about creating a connected and sustainable future.

The city’s preservation efforts provide numerous benefits, including:

• Economic growth: Historic districts attract small businesses and foster job growth, particularly in creative and knowledge-based industries.
• Cultural enrichment: Preserved sites, such as neighborhoods, memorials, and public art, help preserve the diverse cultures that have shaped Phoenix.
• Environmental sustainability: Reusing historic buildings helps reduce waste and contributes to energy savings, making Phoenix a more sustainable desert city.
• Community identity: Preserving historic sites connects residents to their shared history, fostering pride as well as belonging in diverse neighborhoods.

Key Goals of the PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 Plan

The PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan focuses on five key goals. These goals are to protect and enhance the city’s heritage while meeting the needs of a growing population:

1. Protect Archaeological Resources: Many of Phoenix’s historic and sacred sites, such as the Pueblo Grande Museum (now renamed S’eḏav Va’aki Museum), are crucial to understanding the city’s ancient past. These sites tell the story of the Ancestral O’Odham people and their sophisticated systems of irrigation. The plan seeks to protect these resources through surveys, cultural inventories, and partnerships with local tribes.
2. Protect Historic Resources: From Phoenix’s iconic mid-century modern architecture to historic neighborhoods, preserving these buildings is key to maintaining the city’s character. The plan aims to enhance protections for historic districts and individual landmarks, ensuring that they remain intact for future generations.
3. Explore Preservation Incentives: One of the main challenges to historic preservation is the cost of rehabilitation. The plan includes initiatives to explore financial incentives. These would include grants and tax credits, to encourage property owners to invest in preserving historic properties. Adaptive reuse programs, such as the Sustainability Bonus Credit system, will be expanded. This would incentivize developers to repurpose historic buildings rather than demolish them.
4. Develop Community Awareness: Public education is crucial for gaining support for preservation efforts. The plan emphasizes the importance of outreach and community engagement. Additionally offering educational resources, events, and initiatives to inform Phoenix residents about the value of historic preservation. Celebrations like Phoenix History Trivia Nights and public tours of historic districts help foster a deeper connection to the city’s past.
5. Promote Partnerships: Historic preservation is a collaborative effort, and the plan highlights the importance of partnerships with community organizations, tribal groups, and other government agencies. The city works with a variety of groups to identify, protect, and celebrate historic resources, ensuring that preservation is a shared priority.

Embracing Diversity Through Preservation

Phoenix’s diverse communities have contributed to the rich tapestry of the city’s heritage. From African American, Asian, and Hispanic communities to the influence of the O’Odham as well as Piipaash peoples, each group has left a lasting impact on the city’s identity. The PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan ensures that all of Phoenix’s cultural narratives are preserved and celebrated. Both through the restoration of historic neighborhoods or the protection of sites that hold cultural significance.

Moving Forward: A More Connected Phoenix

The vision of PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 is directly aligned with the city’s broader goal of creating a more connected Phoenix. By integrating historic preservation into urban planning, the city can foster a sense of place that celebrates its past while preparing for the future. Whether through revitalizing historic commercial districts or preserving ancient archaeological sites, Phoenix is committed to ensuring that its heritage remains a living, vital part of its community life.

As Phoenix continues to grow, the PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan provides a framework for balancing development with the preservation of the city’s rich history. By protecting the places that have shaped Phoenix, we are not only preserving our past but also ensuring a vibrant future. With this residents and visitors alike can experience the stories of those who came before.

How You Can Get Involved

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Preserving Phoenix’s heritage is a community effort, and there are many ways to contribute:

• Support preservation grant programs: Advocate for funding to help restore as well as protect historic properties.
• Attend historic tours and events: Learn more about the history of Phoenix through guided tours and public celebrations.
• Volunteer: Offer your time at museums or archaeological sites to help preserve Phoenix’s heritage.
• Educate others: Share the importance of historic preservation with friends and family to build community support.

Phoenix’s future is built on its past, and PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 is a roadmap for ensuring that the city’s diverse heritage remains a cornerstone of its identity for generations to come.

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