The fate of the Mystery Castle located at the bottom of Phoenix's South Mountain is unknown.
Its one-year stay of demolition recently expired, meaning the structure can be demolished if and when the property owner so chooses.
In April, KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela wrote an essay about the demolition permit. The president of the Mystery Castle Foundation — a nonprofit that has maintained the castle since 2010 — requested a full demolition permit in Nov. 2023.
In a statement to KJZZ News, the city of Phoenix said the Historic Preservation Office knew about the expiration and “continues to engage with the property owner.”
The structure was vandalized in March 2022 and closed. Damage was estimated at more than $100,000. It reopened for a short time and closed again.
With 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces, the Mystery Castle at South Mountain is a longtime Phoenix landmark that has drawn visitors from around the world.
The eclectic structure was built in the 1930 by Boyce Gulley for his daughter, Mary Lou. The tri-level castle near Seventh Street and Dobbins Road is made of cement, rocks, adobe, glass and other recycled materials. The historic property was named a Phoenix Point of Pride by the city.
KJZZ news director Chad Snow contributed to this report.
