ABOR, ASU drop eminent domain lawsuit against Emerson House in downtown Phoenix

The Arizona Board of Regents is dropping its eminent domain lawsuit against a historic Phoenix home and its 89-year-old owner.

In what was an ongoing lawsuit, ABOR on behalf of Arizona State University was pursuing the right to seize the 124-year-old property for development of a new medical and engineering school downtown.

A spokesperson for ASU has confirmed that the university is dropping the case saying “ASU has been working towards a resolution with the Emerson House” and “to honor the homeowners desires, the university has agreed to withdraw its court proceedings and allow the house to remain."

But it also seems John Rich, a country music star and — as of a week ago — a Trump-appointed special envoy for American landowners, may have helped move the needle. In a Thursday video he posted on X, Rich said he spoke with ASU President Michael Crow directly.

“To Dr. Crow’s credit and to ASU’s credit, they said if Mr. Young wants to keep his home he absolutely can, and that they can withdraw from the court proceedings for eminent domain,” Rich said.

Homeowner Robert Young says he is pleased with the outcome but doesn’t have much detail yet.

“Whoever decided to just drop it, I think that is worthy of praise. I think it takes courage to realize that you’re going down the wrong path," Young said.

ASU said in a statement its plans will be revised.

Full statement from from ASU

“ASU has been working toward a resolution with the Emerson House in downtown Phoenix, a house that sits next to land being developed for the headquarters of ASU Health. To honor the homeowner’s desires, the university has agreed to withdraw its court proceedings and allow the house to remain. The plans for the ASU Health site will be revised accordingly.”