Phoenix preservationists push to protect Frank Lloyd Wright homes

PHOENIX — The buildings stretch from 11th Avenue to 52nd Street and include five homes and one church all designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and all are part of a new plan by the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission.

The proposed plan, which would cost $1.2 million, was created after a home Wright designed for his son in the Arcadia area narrowly escaped demolition. A developer bought the land and planned to tear down the 2,500 square foot concrete house and build two new houses in its place.

But residents and preservationists convinced the developer to sell the property instead to an owner who wants to preserve it. Now, the City of Phoenix is trying to keep all Wright structures from facing a wrecking ball in the future.

The million-dollar plan would cover everything from historic plaques to building assessments, city staff to rehabilitation grants.

The city council would have to give approval.