Attachment G - Support Letters - Z-117-23-7.pdf

From:
Michele Chinichian
To:
Helana Ruter; Council District 7 PCC; hello@preservephx.org
Subject:
Enact the Historic Preservation Overlay on the total property at 333 & 337 N 7th Ave.
Date:
Thursday, November 9, 2023 7:13:15 PM
Dear Councilwoman Ansari's Office,
This letter is to ask for the Historic Preservation Commission to take action and Enact the
Historic Preservation Overlay on the total property at 333 & 337 N 7th Ave. Please help us
save this iconic architecture so it can remain intact and adaptively reused for future
generations of Arizonans to benefit from.
This is the community's only chance to save a highly visible, uniquely historic property and
retain the community's opportunity to have input on future large-scale development.
Downtown Phoenix and the Roosevelt Neighborhood deserve better and deserve to participate
in the planning process for such a sizable site. It would be a devastating loss to scrape an
important historic building, especially one that is primed to be an exemplary adaptive reuse
redevelopment. 
Architecture with character is what makes Phoenix an appealing and desirable place to live.
Please don't support the destruction of what makes this city so special. It is heartbreaking
when the city does not take action to preserve these beloved buildings. I urge you to take
action and enact the Historic Preservation Overlay.
Thank you for your consideration. 
All the best, 
Michele Chinichian, LCSW
Phone: (480) 409-2915
Website: http://royapllc.weebly.com/ [royapllc.weebly.com]
Scheduling: https://michele-chinichian.clientsecure.me [michele-chinichian.clientsecure.me]
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ATTACHMENT G

From:
G.G. George
To:
Helana Ruter
Cc:
Council District 7 PCC; Council District 4; Michael Petersen-Incorvaia
Subject:
Request for Consideration
Date:
Friday, November 10, 2023 4:26:50 PM
Attachments:
Request for consideration.doc
Hello Helana,
Please see the attached from the PHNC for distribution to the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Thank you,
GGG

1 
   
 
 
 
Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition 
 
  
HISTORIC FRANKLIN SCHOOL   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
           
 
 
November 10, 2023 
 
Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission 
City of Phoenix Planning Department 
200 W. Washington Street, 2nd Floor 
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611 
Via Email 
 
helana.ruter@phoenix.gov 
 
RE: HP-87-23-DEM, HP-88-23-DEM, HP-120-23-DEM 
 
Dear Chairman Garcia and Members of the Commission, 
 
I am writing on behalf of the Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition.  We are a 
coalition of people who live throughout the historic neighborhoods within the City of 
Phoenix.  We come together because we value the history of Phoenix and we seek to 
share our love of our city’s historic neighborhoods to preserve not only the buildings but 
to help stabilize and build strong communities. 
 
The HP office has advised the Coalition that a total demolition application has been filed 
for the Milum Textile Buildings at 333 N. 7th Avenue.  These properties requested for 
demolition have been identified as individually eligible for the Phoenix Historic Property 
Register in a survey by the Junior League of Phoenix in 1984, which recommended them 
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  They are considered 
eligible not only for the Streamline Moderne style but most importantly, they contain a 
rare Lamella roof.  It is one of only two properties thus far identified in Phoenix with the 
Lamella roof style.

2 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PHNC, P. 2 
 
A wide-span Lamella roof is a vaulted roof consisting of a crisscrossing pattern of parallel 
arches, comprised of short wooden members hinged together to form an interlocking 
network in a diamond pattern. 
 
The only other Lamella roofs of which I am aware are in the Cattle Barns on the State 
Fairgrounds, identified and pictured in my book, “The Arizona State Fair”.   
 
Two of the Cattle Barns were built prior to World War II, and often sheltered troops 
overnight during the war.  Two of the Barns were built after the war in the exact same 
style, all with Lamella roofs.   
 
These Lamella roofs have statewide historical significance. 
 
Therefore, the Coalition requests denial of the demolition permits and action by the 
Commission to enact the Historic Preservation Overlay for the total properties at 333 N. 
7th Ave. (primary address), 337 N. 7th Ave., 357 N. 7th Ave., and 326 N. 6th Ave, as 
identified in the 30 Day Demolition Hold for 333 N. 7th Ave.   
 
Thank you for your time and attention to this request. 
 
G.G. George, President 
Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition 
 
1102 W. Palm Lane 
Phoenix, AZ 85007 
602-252-3151

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November 17, 2023 
 
Helana Ruter 
Historic Preservation Officer 
City of Phoenix 
200 West Washington St., 3rd Floor 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
 
Re: 30 Day Demolition Hold for Milum Textile Buildings 1 and 2, Seventh Avenue site 
 
Dear Helana: 
 
Preserve Phoenix wishes to go on record in support of initiation for the two primary buildings on the northern 
portion of the Milum Textile Buildings on 7th Avenue. Constructed in 1924 and substantially rebuilt after a fire in 
1935, the Milum complex is an important site that attests to the commercial and industrial heritage of what was 
then the west side of downtown Phoenix. The buildings were identified as potentially eligible for listing on the 
National Register of Historic Places and consequently the Phoenix Historic Property Register since 1985. Building 
One is also notable for its unique lamella roof construction. While this is an interior feature, it is nonetheless 
part of the building and an increasingly rare example of this construction technique. There are only a few other 
examples in Phoenix and Arizona as a whole.  
  
It is our understanding that developers are actively looking at the Milum property. There are also two 
applications for demolition, simplistically for Building 1 (north side) and Building 2 (south side). While we would 
advocate for the designation of the entire parcel, we understand that the north parcel contains the more 
notable property.  
 
We hope the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission will subsequently initiate designation of the two Milum 
properties to the Phoenix Historic Property Register. Initiation will recognize the architectural merit of the 
buildings and site and allow time for the owners to consider the various development proposals that include for 
reuse or the buildings as an alternative to demolition. 
  
Sincerely, 
 
Roger Brevoort 
Chair, Advocacy Committee

P.O. Box 13492, Phoenix, AZ 85002 • 602-687-7092 • info@azpreservation.org • EIN 86-0371336 
 
 
November 17, 2023 
 
 
Helana Ruter 
City Historic Preservation Officer 
300 West Washington St., 3rd Floor 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
 
Dear Helana: 
 
On behalf of the Arizona Preservation Foundation board of directors, I am writing to highlight the 
urgent need for the preservation and designation of the properties at 333, 335, and 337 N. 7th 
Avenue in downtown Phoenix, formerly known as Milum Textile Services. These structures, with 
their remarkable lamella truss roof structures, embody an essential part of Arizona's heritage and 
architectural legacy. 
 
Downtown Voices Coalition, Grand Avenue Arts and Preservation, Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods 
Coalition, and Preserve Phoenix have all eloquently voiced the significance of these buildings. Their 
historical and architectural value extends far beyond mere structures; they are a testament to the 
industrious spirit that shaped our capital city's past. Moreover, these structures are not just relics 
of history; they hold immense potential for adaptive reuse that could invigorate Downtown 
Phoenix’s urban landscape. 
 
The call for a Historic Preservation Overlay is not just about safeguarding the physical structures 
but about signaling a commitment to honoring our history and ensuring a thoughtful blueprint for 
future development. This initiative isn't solely about nostalgia; it's a prudent step toward creating 
vibrant, livable spaces that offer a unique sense of place and attract both locals and visitors. 
 
The unique lamella roof construction, the interior craftsmanship, and the historical significance of 
these buildings make them invaluable. They stand as a reminder of our commercial and industrial 
heritage and deserve recognition and protection. 
 
Therefore, I urge the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission to take decisive action by initiating 
the designation of the Milum properties to the Phoenix Historic Property Register. Such 
recognition would provide the necessary time for stakeholders to explore viable alternatives to 
demolition and consider adaptive reuse options that honor the site's history and contribute 
positively to our community's future.

Helana Ruter 
Page Two 
November 17, 2023 
 
 
Preservation isn't merely about conserving the past; it's about building a sustainable and culturally 
rich future for Arizona and its capital city. Let's take this opportunity to showcase our commitment 
to preserving our heritage while paving the way for innovative and inclusive development. 
 
Sincerely yours, 
 
Jim McPherson 
President, Board of Directors 
Arizona Preservation Foundation 
 
cc: 
Board Members, Arizona Preservation Foundation 
 
Jeff Sherman, Downtown Voices Coalition 
 
Beatrice Moore, Grand Avenue Arts and Preservation 
 
G.G. George, Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition 
 
Roger Brevoort, Preserve Phoenix 
 
Kathryn Leonard, State Historic Preservation Office

November 17 2023
Re: Request for Milum Textile Building Protection and Preservation.
Councilwoman Ansari and Helana Ruter, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office:
I am writing to request your action to enact a Historic Preservation Overlay for the properties at 333 &
337 N 7th Ave (parcels: 111-41-029 and 111-41-024C). The ever-diminishing stock of industrial
warehouse structures left in Downtown Phoenix leaves these buildings as an important artifact of our
pre-war Phoenix heritage. Our downtown history is based in the utilitarian nature of the structures,
workers, and residents that built our City. The interiors of these buildings signify the industrious nature
of our city's migrant and craftsman workforce and therefore, they should be preserved and utilized in a
way that shows off that amazing interior craftsmanship. (Public art studios, maker spaces, Public event
venues, or Public Markets)
Hopefully by enacting the overlay sufficient time will be given to find a reasonable solution besides
total demolition.
Sincerely yours,
Jeff Sherman
Steering Committee Chair
Downtown Voices Coalition
cc:
Steering Committee Members, Downtown Voices Coalition
Mayor Gallego, City of Phoenix
Chris Mackay, Community & Economic Development Department
A community organization working to make Downtown Phoenix sustainable for all through
smart growth, great neighborhoods, vibrant ideas, and honest, open discussion...
downtownvoices.org / @downtownvoices / info@downtownvoices.org

November 17, 2023 
Helana Ruter 
City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Officer 
City of Phoenix 
200 W. Washington St. 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
Ms. Ruter and City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission: 
Grand Avenue Arts and Preservation requests that the Phoenix Historic Preservation 
Commission enact a Historic Preservation Overlay on the total property at 333, 335 
and 337 N. 7th Avenue (now known as Milum Textile Services) at the upcoming 
Monday, November 20th HP Commission meeting. 
A tour of the historic buildings at this site and their amazing lamella truss roof 
structures were a highlight over the years on the Grand Avenue Festival’s “Under the 
Vintage Roof Tours”. The public was honored to be able to enter the site to view the 
incomparable lamellla trusses as well as other notable historic building features, and 
were fascinated by the intriguing  history of the site. The main buildings at the site are 
truly some of the most beautiful warehouse buildings in the State of Arizona. 
This 7th Avenue corridor adjacent to downtown Phoenix (which is also part of the 
downtown core) should be lined with more than a series of look-alike lofts and fast 
food restaraunts. Initiating an Overlay on historically eligible buildings will attract 
developers to the site who have the needed skills to create a valuable adaptive reuse 
project. One with housing, retail, office, restaurants and/or other small scale uses.  
Scraping this site clean not only eliminates the opportunity for a unique adaptive reuse 
project, but sends the wrong message to developers and land speculators moving 
forward: that we don’t care about the longevity of our historic architecture and sites 
nor do we care about creating a quality blueprint for development into the future.  
Adaptive re-use projects have proven to be finacially viable in many cities, creating a 
unique sense of place and quality of life to the built environment. When done well, the 
distinction of these adaptive reuse projects not only lifts us out of the mundane, but 
become exciting destinations for locals, out-of-town visitors, and future residents. 
Sincerely, 
Beatrice Moore, Director
Grand Avenue Arts & Preservation
1301 Grand Avenue #8  
Phoenix, AZ  85007
602.391.4016

Harder Development 
2323 N Central Ave. Ste 801 Phoenix, AZ 85004  
info@harderdevelopment.com භǁǁǁ͘ ŚĂƌĚĞƌdevelopment.com 
 
 
November 17, 2023   
 
 
Ms. Helena Ruter 
 
 
 
 
Historic Preservation Officer 
City of Phoenix  
 
200 W. Washington St. 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
 
 
Dear Ms. Ruter:  
 
As a longstanding business and property owner within the Roosevelt Neighborhood with experience 
in both adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects I am writing today to urgently request that 
the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission take action and initiate designation of the Milum 
Textile Services Buildings 333 & 337 N 7th Ave (parcels: 111-41-029 and 111-41-024C) to the 
Phoenix Historic Property Register. The City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office has well-
documented the nearly century-old buildings’ historic significance and integrity. Of note, the City of 
Phoenix Historic Preservation Office has determined the property Individually Eligible for the Phoenix 
Historic Property Register under Criterion A & C. Additionally, the property was surveyed as part of 
the Historic Phoenix Commercial Properties Survey (Junior League of Phoenix, 1984), which 
recommended it as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 
 
Originally known as Phoenix Dry Cleaning & Laundry Co. and designed by architect Fred Whittlesey, 
the Streamline Moderne style brick building(s) contain rare, magnificent, and well-preserved 
examples of the gorgeous wide-span wood lamella truss roofs found in Arizona. Both inside and out 
the architecture is unique, historic and valuable due to its rare occurrence in our city’s downtown 
core. The buildings’ demolition would greatly impact the character of the historic neighborhood that 
has seen an unfair share of demolition and blight through the years. The loss of these important 
historic buildings would squander our city’s only opportunity to have the Milum Textile Services’ be 
an exemplary adaptive reuse redevelopment that showcases our unique heritage and character and 
a benefit to the community.  
 
I respectfully request the Historic Preservation Commission take action and initiate the Historic 
Preservation Overlay on the total property. I am dismayed that historic buildings in Phoenix are

Ms. Helena Ruter 
Novembet 17, 2023 
Page 2 
 
 
Harder Development 
2323 N Central Ave. Ste 801 Phoenix, AZ 85004  
info@harderdevelopment.com භǁǁǁ͘ ŚĂƌĚĞƌĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ͘ ĐŽŵ 
routinely threatened by demolition versus adaptively reused and incorporated into new 
developments.  
 
As the National Trust for Historic Preservation has argued for decades, adaptive reuse should be the 
default, and demolition as a last resort. When sufficient time and consideration are not given to our 
city’s diminishing inventory of historic properties, we lose our opportunity to achieve the city our 
leaders envision: vibrant, diverse, innovative, and prosperous. We achieve that vision through 
thoughtful planning where historic preservation and its many subsequent benefits are considered at 
every step.  
 
Please allow this property to remain intact and adaptively reused so that future generations of 
Phoenicians can enjoy and benefit from it. Ideally, the overlay determination will provide the needed 
time and enable the HP office, and perhaps, the CED department to work with the property owner to 
evaluate a preservation option and possible incentives for the buildings to be preserved. 
 
Please contact me if you have any questions. I would be happy to address them. 
 
Thank you for your consideration, service to our community, and all you do to protect Phoenix’s 
heritage. 
 
Yours sincerely, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ashley Harder 
Principal 
Harder Development 
 
Cc:  
Mayor Kate Gallego 
            Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari

A community organization working to make Downtown Phoenix sustainable for all through  
smart growth, great neighborhoods, vibrant ideas, and honest, open discussion... 
downtownvoices.org / @downtownvoices / info@downtownvoices.org
January 8, 2024 
Re: Request to uphold decision regarding Milum Textile Building Protection and Preservation. 
Historic Preservation Commissioners: 
I am writing on behalf of Downtown Voices Coalition to support upholding the decision of the Historic Preservation Hearing 
Officer in the matter of the Milum Textile Services Building (item 6 on your agenda) at 333 & 337 N 7th Ave (parcels: 111-
41-029 and 111-41-024C). 
Simply put, the facts do not support a finding of economic hardship for this property, which has been demonstrated to be in 
good condition and quite marketable- largely because of its historic nature.  Not long ago, this site was the subject of very 
serious negotiation by an interested party who wanted to purchase the property and incorporate its historic features into 
the project; in fact, the ͞ jewel͟ of the proposed project was the historic structure.  Additionally, we understand there was 
serious consideration by City policymakers to support such a decision with available historic preservation tools.  
These discussions and reviews brought to light the functional and adaptable condition of the building, its historical 
significance and the possibility for a profitable future.  Failure to diligently solicit and retain tenants or new users for this 
property would not be a cause of economic hardship,  nor would the willful acts to reject offers of purchase in order to seek 
a total demolition of the building. 
For these reasons, we urge you to uphold the decision. Thank you for the opportunity to provide our input.  
Sincerely yours, 
Andie Abkarian 
Steering Committee Chair 
Downtown Voices Coalition 
cc:  
Steering Committee Members, Downtown Voices Coalition 
Helena Ruter, Historic Preserve Officer, City of Phoenix 
Mayor Gallego, City of Phoenix 
Councilwoman Ansari, City of Phoenix 
Chris Mackay, Community & Economic Development Department

1
Kevin Weight
From:
robertdyerbelair@aol.com
Sent:
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 10:20 AM
To:
Kevin Weight
Subject:
Milum
Attachments:
44 E. Hoover St..JPG; Aunt Elsie's House 2309 N. Central Ave Phoenix.jpg; scoville house 
living room by blaine drake.jpg
Dear Mr. Weight, I just read of the Milum Textile buildings, they're special and I applaud the city's attempt to save them. 
Much has been lost even in the past decade; two Blaine Drake houses in Bartlett Estates, one the Scoville house,  the 
round bank building/Washburn piano store formerly located on E. Camelback at N. 20th St. The older homes in Phoenix 
Country Club have been restored to death, they're unrecognizable. The home of Barry Goldwater's parents was pure Art 
Deco with a two story glass block staircase, removed during restoration. Most of the lovely old homes in Biltmore Estates 
are gone, too.  
My grandparent's lovely home remains on E. Hoover Street between Central & 3rd Streets, I've attached a pic below 
however the landscaping has changed. The second pic is another Collins family home on Central at Hoover, now part of 
the Heard parking lot. That house uninteresting however I show it to make a point. Fortunately Hoover and Alvarado 
remain lovely and for the most part well maintained, but much is lost. Thank you for your efforts.  
My extended family, the Dyer, Entz, Collins families are now in their seventh generation in this town. I confess my heart 
remains an Angeleno, I was involved in many historic efforts in Los Angeles, for some decades was my home. Keep up 
the good work! 
 
Robert Dyer

From:
Preserve PHX
To:
Helana Ruter; Council District 7 PCC
Subject:
Fwd:
Date:
Thursday, February 8, 2024 1:55:13 PM
Hello, 
Please see the letter below from a concerned citizen supporting the preservation of the Milum
Textile property in south Roosevelt.
Thank you,
PreservePHX.org [preservephx.org] | Facebook [facebook.com] | Instagram
[instagram.com]
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: viki reed <vikthechik@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Feb 7, 2024 at 2:38ௗPM
Subject: 
To: <hello@preservephx.org>
Please preserve the Milum Textiles Building in Phoenix and keep it from being demolished.  It
is a part of Phoenix's history we need reminders of our Arizona roots.
A concerned citizen

Helana Ruter
City of Phoenix
helana.ruter@phoenix.gov
February 9, 2024
RE: Milum Textile Services Building
Dear Helana Ruter,
I am writing this letter of support as the president of the Phoenix Art Deco Society, a 501(c)3 
non-profit organization. Our mission is to create experiences for the public and our members that 
encourage the preservation, education, and celebration of Art Deco in Phoenix and around the 
world and I believe that investing in the protection of our historic buildings is a large part of that 
mission.
In the special case of Milum Textile Services, this property provides an example of Streamline 
Moderne architecture of the 1930s and its lamella roof holds incredible value. Such a unique 
piece of art should be preserved.
Because of this, I would like to formally voice my support in protecting the Milum Textile 
Services property from demolition. These buildings serve a greater purpose than as structures 
alone. They are part of the rich and integral history of my hometown, Phoenix, AZ.
As a native, I found it easy to be detached from our Phoenix history. It seems common for 
individuals to drive by buildings and landmarks without questioning their origin - and this is in 
part because of the increasing number of historic property demolitions. Saving these properties 
saves the connection to our past and cultivates a sense of pride, understanding, and community in 
a city - something that Phoenix should value. Without this connection to our past and what 
defines our culture as Phoenicians, a city cannot truly flourish.
Once these historic buildings are demolished, they will be gone forever, and with it, some of our 
history.
Sincerely,
Erin Ross Lindsey
President, Phoenix Art Deco Society
CC:
Mayor Kate Gallego
Councilmember Yassamin Ansari

From:
Preserve PHX
To:
Helana Ruter; Council District 7 PCC
Subject:
Fwd: Preserving Milum Textiles
Date:
Friday, February 9, 2024 2:41:37 PM
Hello, 
Please see the letter below from Heather Ross supporting the preservation of the Milum
Textile property in south Roosevelt.
Thank you,
PreservePHX.org [preservephx.org] | Facebook [facebook.com] | Instagram
[instagram.com]
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Heather Ross <rossheather@cox.net>
Date: Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 12:39ௗPM
Subject: Preserving Milum Textiles
To: <hello@preservephx.org>
This email is in support of preserving the historic Milum Textiles buildings. Please do not
allow these to be demolished!
We need to hold on to our history and architecture and do our best to protect these buildings
and find ways to repurpose and reuse them.
 
Thank you,
Heather Ross

From:
Preserve PHX
To:
Mayor Gallego; Yassamin Ansari; Council District 7 PCC; Helana Ruter
Cc:
Christine Mackay; Joshua Bednarek
Subject:
Urgent: Economic Hardship Hearing - Milum Textile - Agenda Item #79
Date:
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 7:59:17 AM
Attachments:
Economic Hardship Hearing_Milum Textile Buildings_Preserve Phoenix.pdf
Dear Mayor Gallego,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing on behalf of Preserve Phoenix to express our
strong support for the Historic Preservation Commission's initiation of the Historic
Preservation Overlay to the Milum Textile Buildings. Our organization fully endorses the
commission's efforts to apply a Historic Preservation Overlay to the buildings in question,
recognizing its profound eligibility for comprehensive historic preservation. This includes
accessing all federal and city incentives available to properties of significant historical value.
We are, however, deeply concerned about the apparent oversight regarding the environmental
hazards associated with the buildings. It is our understanding that these issues have not been
adequately verified by the city. Not only would demolition fail to address these environmental
concerns, but it could also significantly worsen them, posing a greater risk to our community's
well-being.
We urge the City Council to consider the irreversible impact of demolition on our city's
heritage and the environment. Preserving these buildings not only honors our shared history
but also aligns with sustainable development practices that benefit our city in the long term. 
Regarding the economic hardship hearing on today's City Council Meeting Agenda #79 it is
our understanding that the owners were engaged in an agreement with a buyer until the
summer of 2023, a buyer who was actively collaborating with the city on the adaptive reuse of
the buildings to revitalize the property and provide community benefits that the community
was enthusiastically receptive too. It is our hope that the Milum family will work in good faith
with all buyers interested in redeveloping the property and be patient with the standard process
of a substantial commercial real estate transaction. 
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your support in
safeguarding our city's historic treasures and ensuring a thorough evaluation of the
environmental implications involved. Our letter is attached for your consideration. 
Best regards,
Ashley Harder
PreservePHX.org [preservephx.org] | Facebook [facebook.com] | Instagram
[instagram.com]

February 20, 2024
The Honorable Kate Gallego
Mayor, City of Phoenix
200 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Re: Economic Hardship Hearing, Milum Textile Buildings
Dear Mayor Gallego:
The Historic Preservation Commission has correctly moved forward with initiation of the two prominent
buildings at the Milum Industries complex on North 7th Avenue to the Phoenix Historic Property
Register. We note that the justification for the designation is based on their significance as
representative of the Art Deco/Streamline Moderne design and the history of the Milum business as a
long-standing industrial enterprise in Phoenix. Both factors are in conformance with Criteria A and C of
the Phoenix Historic Property Register. While the owners may present concerns over the condition of the
structures and their roof design, there is no substantive evidence on the record of specific deterioration
or structural deficiency specific to the Milum buildings.
The owners are making an application for demolition under the guise of economic hardship. While we
understand their financial concerns and the burden they may be under, the Milum complex was under
active consideration for redevelopment by a developer working with the City until the summer of 2023.
The owner has stated in prior hearings there are no longer any environmental/contamination issues with
the site. That is hard to confirm, but such clearance should be a matter for verification before the City
takes any action that would facilitate demolition. Any soil contamination issues would not go away if the
buildings were to be demolished.
The demolition application pertains to the two primary buildings on the north portion of the site that are
viable candidates for rehabilitation. Both buildings would be potentially eligible to be funded by an
interested applicant under various City funding programs related to historic preservation or thoughtful
downtown development, especially now that the buildings have been formally initiated for formal
historic designation. From the perspective of Preserve Phoenix, it is our position that in 2024, historic
Preserve Phoenix • 734 W. Polk St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
www.PreservePHX.org

buildings offer more latent potential and economic value to a site as a development asset compared to
demolition and clearance for more vacant land.
We hope that you and Members of Council will deny the request for demolition based on economic
hardship and allow the two buildings on the northern portion to remain standing so all parties can once
again seek positive future development on the Milum site and our downtown’s 7th Avenue corridor.
Sincerely,
Roger A. Brevoort
Chair, Advocacy Committee
Preserve Phoenix
Preserve Phoenix • 734 W. Polk St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
www.PreservePHX.org

February 20,  2024 
Councilmember Yassamin Ansari 
City of Phoenix 
200 W. Washington St. 
Phoenix, AZ 85003 
Dear Councilmember Ansari: 
Grand Avenue Arts and Preservation requests that Mayor and Councilmembers 
support the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office’s request for a historic overlay 
on several key buildings at the Phoenix Laundry and Dry Cleaning site (now known as 
Milum Textile Services). 
A tour of the historic buildings at this site (2 with beautiful lamella truss roof 
structures) were a highlight over the years on the Grand Avenue Festival’s “Under the 
Vintage Roof Tours”. The public was honored to be able to enter the site to view the 
unique architectural lamella roof construction as well as other notable historic 
building features, and were fascinated by the intriguing  history of the site. The main 
buildings at the site are truly some of the most beautiful warehouse buildings in the 
State of Arizona. 
Adaptive re-use projects have proven finacially viable in many cities, Phoenix being 
one, creating a unique sense of place and quality of life to the built environment. The 
distinction of adaptive reuse projects not only lift us out of the mundane, but become 
active and exciting destinations for locals, out-of-town visitors, and future residents. 
Sincerely, 
Beatrice Moore, Director (via electronic signature) 
CC: Mayor Kate Gallegos and Councilmembers:  Betty Guardado; Kesha Hodge 
Washington; Ann O’Brien; Laura Pastor; Kevin Robinson; Debra Stark; Jim Waring; 
Helana Ruter, City of Phoenix Preservation Officer; Ashley Harder, Preserve Phoenix; 
GG George, Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition; James McPherson, Arizona 
Preservation Foundation; Bob Graham, Grand Avenue Members Assoc.
Grand Avenue Arts & Preservation
1301 Grand Avenue #8  
Phoenix, AZ  85007
602.391.4016

RE: Milum Textile Services Building
March 5, 2024
Dear Anthony Grande and Helana Ruter,
I am writing this letter of support as the president of the Phoenix Art Deco Society, a 501(c)3
non-profit organization. Our mission is to create experiences for the public and our members that 
encourage the preservation, education, and celebration of Art Deco in Phoenix and around the 
world and I believe that investing in the protection of our historic buildings is a large part of that 
mission. 
In the special case of Milum Textile Services, this property provides an example of Streamline 
Moderne architecture of the 1930s and its lamella roof holds incredible value. Such a unique 
piece of art should be preserved.
Because of this, I would like to formally voice my support in protecting the Milum Textile 
Services property from demolition and support the Historic Preservation Commission's 
recommendation to put a Historic Preservation Overlay on the Milum buildings and attest to the 
building's significance. These buildings serve a greater purpose than as structures alone. They are 
part of the rich and integral history of my hometown, Phoenix, AZ.
As a native, I found it easy to be detached from our Phoenix history. It seems common for 
individuals to drive by buildings and landmarks without questioning their origin - and this is in 
part because of the increasing number of historic property demolitions. Saving these properties 
saves the connection to our past and cultivates a sense of pride, understanding, and community in 
a city - something that Phoenix should value. Without this connection to our past and what 
defines our culture as Phoenicians, a city cannot truly flourish.
Once these historic buildings are demolished, they will be gone forever, and with it, some of our 
history.
Sincerely,
Erin Ross Lindsey
President, Phoenix Art Deco Society
CC: 
Mayor Kate Gallego,
Council Member Yassamin Ansari
Preserve PHX