Historic Preservation Documents & Publications

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​​​​Publications
  • Midcentury Marvels: Commercial Architecture of Phoenix, 1945 - 1975 
    Released in January 2011, this colorful, hardcover book is the most comprehensive ever published on the history of midcentury commercial architecture in Phoenix. The 264-page book features a review of high-style Modern and roadside "Googie" architecture across the nation and at home; a visual tour of some of the most significant commercial structures built in Phoenix during the post World War II era; and a look at the architects who shaped modern Phoenix, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Ralph Haver, Al Beadle, Bennie Gonzales, and more. 
  • Mid-Century Marvels: Modern Architecture in Phoenix
    In 2006, the Historic Preservation Office partnered with the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture to photograph a selection of 25 of the most architecturally significant, post-World War II era buildings in Phoenix. This brochure, intended to accompany a photography exhibit, features several of the project's photographs and provides basic facts on the 25 buildings photographed for the project.
  • Palm Maintenance Brochure
    This brochure provides property owners in historic districts with guidance regarding how to properly maintain vintage California fan palms and date palms.
  • Historic Streetscape Study
    The city of Phoenix and the State Historic Preservation Office recently completed a study of historic streetscapes in Phoenix. The purpose of this study was to create a framework for identifying and preserving significant historic streetscapes located within the city of Phoenix. "Streetscape" consists largely of streets, adjacent right-of-way and abutting land uses. This project resulted in two separate publications: The Phoenix Streetscape Conservation Guide (pdf) and The Phoenix Streetscape Conservation Report (pdf).
  • Other publications available through the Historic Preservation Office:
    • New Deal Architecture in South Mountain Park: A Handbook & Tour Guide
    • A Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Phoenix
    • The Union Station: Phoenix's Portal to the Nation
Technical Historic Preservation Bulletins