Four historic buildings in the Evans Churchill neighborhood could be eligible for demolition by the end of September–projects may ensue.
The buildings, currently all vacant, are located between two parcels on North First Street. Both are owned by True North Holdings, a downtown Phoenix-based development company.
True North Holdings owns a number of plots around Roosevelt Row and have multiple proposed projects, including: the Ro2 and Knipe House project, the Pemberton House activation, the Cambria Hotel and a future cafe nestled in a historic bungalow on Portland Street.
Ryan Kerr, of True North Holdings, said at an Evans Churchill Community Organization meeting Wednesday, the land is expected to be used for the developer’s future projects on Second Street. The project is still in its planning stages but is expected to be part of the Ro2 and Knipe House project, which is expected to include a mixed-use building.
RELATED: Knipe House development incorporates historic preservation
The parcels include one building at 1025 N. 1st Street, and three buildings at 1015 N. 1st Street, previously home to the Firehouse Gallery. True North Holdings has owned the properties for more than a year.
“We are trying to save everything that would have value in the community,” Kerr said. “These structures in our opinion are a hazard to the community.”
Increased homelessness activity has also had a large impact on the area, according to Kerr, the parcels in particular have had issues with break-ins and vandalism. Due to security issues, they were boarded up 12 times in recent months.
Kerr added that a security team already monitors its downtown properties.
RELATED: Firehouse Gallery prepares to close
The historic buildings would qualify for demolition after a 30-day hold ending Sept. 29.
Since 2016, any commercial building 50 years or older is subject to a 30-day demolition hold. Downtown-area single-family homes and duplexes over 50 years of age were later added to the hold process.
RELATED: Demolitions of historic buildings will now require a longer waiting period
Kerr said the city of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office did not find the buildings to be of historic significance. The Historic Preservation Office has not yet been reached for comment, but postings by the Evans Churchill Neighborhood Association also noted the city did not recommend the properties for inclusion on the Phoenix Historic Property Register.
Attendees of the Evans Churchill neighborhood meeting did not express any direct concerns regarding the demolition plans.
Contact the reporter at Kara.Carlson@asu.edu.
