A wall at the second oldest building in Tempe recently collapsed. The Gonzales-Martinez House is closely linked with the settlement of the Hayden's Ferry townsite along the Salt River.
Built in 1880, the home on First Street and Farmer Avenue is made of adobe and other materials used by early Mexican and Mexican American settlers.
City officials say a member of the house’s development team spotted the collapse of the wall.
Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation’s Robert Moore says the structure needs immediate protection.
“I think it's important that the stabilization of the building be expedited at this point. Because we're seeing this sort of deterioration occur, it's a suggestion that the building does need more attention," he said.
Though there was evidence of trespassing at the home, the cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
The city says it will work to stabilize the remaining structure.
Zachary Lechner is the historic preservation officer for the city.
“It's particularly important to preserve this unique building in part as a representation of that important part of Tempe's early and ethnic history," he said.
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