Two Arizona landmarks are now on a national list of endangered historic places. Their recognition highlights both the challenges and potential for preserving these unique structures.
The May Hicks Curtis House in Flagstaff and the Mystery Castle in Phoenix have been named among America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
May Hicks Curtis is credited with sewing the first Arizona state flag, earning her the title of the "Betsy Ross of Arizona."
State Historic Preservation Officer Kathryn Leonard said the house was at risk of demolition due to flooding concerns and redevelopment plans from the property owner.
“I can tell you that area of town has some real challenges in terms of drainage, and certainly flooding is a concern for all of the properties in that area," she said.
The house was recently moved to a different location due to its deterioration, and it's still seeking a permanent home.
Regardless of its current state, Leonard said the designations are less about failure, and more about opportunity.
“It sounds in many respects, like a failure, but it is not," she said. "It’s a testament to the state of Arizona and our ability to really come up with creative solutions for threatened and endangered properties.”
At the Mystery Castle, Leonard said it suffers from frequent vandalism. She said fencing and 24-hour surveillance could help prevent people from taking pieces of art from the site.
The castle was vandalized in March 2022, and the damage was estimated at more than $100,000.
Camp Naco and the Osterman Gas Station, both Arizona historical landmarks, have appeared on the "11 Most Endangered" list before. In the case of Camp Naco, Leonard said it received millions of dollars in grants to support its preservation as a result of being listed.
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