Historic Preservation Guidelines
City of Mesa — Planning and Zoning Board - Study Session (2026-07-22)
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P R EPARE D BY
T HE C IT Y O F ME SA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
DESIGN GUIDELINES
M E S A D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S F O R H I S T O R I C P R O P E R T I E S
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N TS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................
CHAPTER 2: CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS.........................................................
CHAPTER 3: GUIDELINES FOR PRESERVATION, RESTORATION & REHABILITATION....
CHAPTER 4: GUIDELINES FOR ADDITIONS...........................................................................
CHAPTER 5: GUIDELINES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION......................................................
CHAPTER 6: GUIDELINES FOR HISTORIC SIGNAGE..........................................................
CHAPTER 7: HISTORIC BUILDING TYPES & ARCHITECTURAL STYLES..........................
APPENDIX.................................................................................................................................
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MESA HISTORIC
PRESERVATION BOARD
James Babos, Chair (2020 - Present)
Jocelyn Skogebo, Vice Chair (2021 - Present)
Bruce Nelson (2022 - Present)
BJ Parsons (2022 - Present)
Jason Ludwig (2025 - Present)
Jessica Sarkissian (2023 - Present)
Jeff Welker (2026 - Present)
Ty Utton (2023 - 2025)
Russ Haughey (2022 - 2023)
Brandon Benzing (2016 - 2023)
Barbara Bingham (2019 - 2023)
CITY STAFF
Nana Appiah, Development Services Director
Matthew Kriegl, Historic Preservation Officer
Meg Eaton, City Archaeologist
Mary Kopaskie-Brown, Planning Director
Rachel Nettles, Assistant Planning Director
Kellie Rorex, Senior Planner
Noah Bulson, Planner I
Brett Hanlon, Principal Planner
Michelle Dahlke, Principal Planner
Maura Jackson, Historic Preservation Planner
Arianna Urban, Historic Preservation Planner
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
MESA CITY COUNCIL
Mark Freeman, Mayor
Rich Adams (District 1)
Dorean Taylor (District 2)
Francisco Heredia (District 3)
Jenn Duff (District 4)
Alicia Goforth (District 5)
Scott Somers, Vice Mayor (District 6)
John Giles, Former Mayor
PHOTOS
All images are courtesy of the Lakota
Group and the City of Mesa unless
otherwise noted.
CONSULTANT
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P REPARED BY
T H E C I T Y OF
M ESA
The Mesa Historic Preservation Design Guidelines were created to encourage the preservation and careful
treatment of the City's historically significant resources while also recognizing the need for the continual adaptation,
maintenance, and improvement to these resources.
The Historic Preservation Design Standards and Guidelines shall serve as a decision-making tool for the Historic
Preservation Office, the Historic Preservation Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, the Mesa City Council, and
property owners. Historic Preservation Guidelines included in this document are the tools by which the Historic
Preservation Office and the Historic Preservation Board evaluate proposed projects involving properties that
are locally designated with a Historic Preservation (HP) overlay or for a sign listed on the Mesa Historic Sign
Register. These guidelines are in place to protect Mesa's historic properties, including buildings, structures, and
signs, and to ensure a fair, predictable, and efficient design review process for all applicants. The chapters that
follow provide guidance on ways to meet the standards set forth, while offering background information to support
project decision-making.
Preface
Like all cities, Mesa faces balancing growth, changing community values, and gaining new understandings of
significance. In response, preservation practices, standards, and historic designations evolve as well. The format of
these guidelines is designed to be open-ended, allowing new revisions and additions to be made as new architectural
styles, construction and preservation methods, and neighborhood situations are encountered.
LIVING DOCUMENT
CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
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This document provides guidance for planning,
designing, and undertaking improvements to the
historic homes, buildings, and structures in Mesa.
These guidelines accompany and supplement the
historic preservation regulations found in the Mesa
Zoning Ordinance and establish a basis for determining
the appropriateness of construction projects proposed
for locally designated historic properties. Additionally,
this document will:
• Assist City staff and the Historic Preservation Board
in decision making.
• Result in more appropriate changes which reinforce
the distinctive character of the historic resources.
• Help identify and resolve specific design concerns
frequently raised in historic districts.
• Assist the local building industry, including
architects, contractors, and suppliers, as well as
City officials such as building inspectors and utility
providers, in understanding the nature of these
historic areas and how to reinforce their special
character.
Purpose
• Improve the design quality of future developments
and growth within historic districts.
• Protect current property values and public
investment in the historic districts and landmarks
by discouraging poorly designed and inappropriate
projects.
• Increase the overall public awareness of the unique
character of Mesa’s historic resources.
• Provide background information on the architectural
history of Mesa, including designated historic
districts and landmarks.
5 9 E . 1 s t S t . ( T h e S t u d i o s a t M e s a C i t y C e n t e r )
IDENTIFYING REAL ESTATE
Potential home buyers and real estate agents can use
these guidelines to identify whether a property available
for purchase is within a historic district, understand the
value of character-defining features of buildings, and
determine the best options for repairs, renovations, or
additions.
PREPARING FOR HOME
IMPROVEMENTS
Property owners, designers, and contractors are
encouraged to draw upon the principles set forth in
these design guidelines when planning improvements
to homes in historic neighborhoods.
DESIGN REVIEW GUIDANCE
City staff and the Historic Preservation Board can use
these guidelines when conducting historic reviews
and use the document as a tool to communicate with
applicants the treatment options that are compatible
with their historic resource.
When Should This Document Be Used?
How to Use the Document
This document has guidance on appropriate treatments
for Mesa’s historic properties. Although this document
includes guidance for achieving historic standards, it
is best to consult with the Mesa Historic Preservation
Office for information pertaining to specific properties
and prior to beginning a project. Guidance for signage
is also detailed, including both historic signs and signs
on historic buildings.
The design guidelines are intended to help property
owners, designers, and contractors evaluate what is, or
is not, appropriate before bringing plans to the Historic
Preservation Office or the Historic Preservation Board
for review or approval.
Chapters 1 through 7 include technical guidance for
projects related to historic resources in Mesa, while the
appendices that follow provide background information
on Mesa’s Historic Preservation Program and additional
architectural context for those who wish to learn more.
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CHAPTER 2:
CERTIFICATES OF
APPROPRIATENESS
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the Mesa Historic Preservation Office:
Email: historicpreservation@mesaaz.gov
Phone: 480.644.4726
Address: 55 N Center St.
Mesa, AZ 85211
Relationship with City Code and Regulations
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To protect the irreplaceable architectural character
of Mesa’s historic resources, the City Council adopted
Historic Preservation Overlay procedures found in the
Mesa Zoning Ordinance
With the support of stakeholders, these historic
preservation design standards and guidelines were
created to supplement the historic preservation-related
regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, Building Code,
and other applicable development-related regulations.
In instances where there are inconsistencies between
City Code and these design guidelines, the standards of
the Mesa City Code will apply.
For questions regarding COAs, please contact
COA Review Process:
Properties listed on the local Mesa Historic Property
Register (MHPR) have been designated with an Historic
Preservation (HP) overlay. Properties with a HP overlay
are subject to historic preservation design review by
the Mesa Historic Preservation Office. Property owners
must obtain Historic Preservation approval in the form of
a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before beginning
exterior work on their properties. Property owners are
also responsible for obtaining all pertinent building
permits, in addition to a COA. Applicants should consult
with the Mesa Development Services Department for
additional information on permitting requirements.
Further details including which projects require a COA
and the procedure for obtaining a COA can be found in
the Mesa Zoning Ordinance. The Historic Preservation
Office is available to assist property owners with more
tailored guidance for their specific property.
What is Subject to COA
Review?
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for all
work (other than general maintenance and repair) that
will result in material changes that may alter, diminish,
eliminate or affect the historic character of a property
within a locally designated Historic District or on a
locally designated Historic Landmark site.
It is important to note that some properties may be listed
in both the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)
and the MHPR, where others may only be listed in one
register. Only those that are locally designated and listed
in the MHPR have a zoning overlay requiring a COA. While
only properties listed in the MHPR will require a COA, all
work involving historic properties should conform with
these guidelines and property owners are encouraged
to follow best practices and work with the Mesa Historic
Preservation Office.
The general or ordinary maintenance or repair of
historic properties does not require a COA. Additions,
new construction, rehabilitation work and/or proposed
changes or alternations to any buildings, structures,
objects or sites within a locally designated Historic
District, Landmark, or sign will require a COA.
National Register of Historic
Places and the Mesa Historic
Property Register
The National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP) is the official list of the nation’s
historic places worthy of preservation.
Listing in the NRHP is an honorary recognition
and generally places no restrictions or
obligations on private property owners.
The Mesa Historic Property Register (MHPR)
is a local program that designates historic
districts
and
landmarks
within
Mesa.
Properties on the MHPR require a Certificate
of Appropriateness (COA) before beginning
exterior work on their properties. For more
information regarding National and Local
designation, please see Appendix A.
Contributing and
Noncontributing Historic
Resources
Individual properties either contribute or
do not contribute to a district’s historic
and architectural significance. Generally,
contributing resources are buildings, sites,
and structures 50 years of age or older that
maintain architectural integrity and character.
Noncontributing
resources
are
typically
those that are less than 50 years old or where
historic integrity is significantly compromised.
All projects within local historic districts are
reviewed to ensure that the historic character
of the district is maintained.
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4 2 4 a n d 4 2 6 E . 1 s t A v e . ( Te m p l e H i s t o r i c D i s t r i c t )
The City of Mesa has adopted specific historic
preservation guidelines and review standards for
properties in Local Historic Districts and Local Historic
Landmarks found in the following chapters (Chapters
3, 4, and 5). The City of Mesa also has historic
preservation guidelines for historic signs (Chapter 6),
based on the Secretary of the Interior’s guidelines and
National Park Service Preservation Brief No. 25.
The
review
standards
for
a
Certificate
of
Appropriateness can be found in Appendix B.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related
new construction will not destroy historic
materials, features, and spatial relationships that
characterize the property. The new work will be
differentiated from the old and will be compatible
with the historic materials, features, size, scale,
and proportion, and massing to protect the
integrity of the property and its environment.
10. New additions and adjacent or related new
construction will be undertaken in such a manner
that, if removed in the future, the essential form
and integrity of the historic property and its
environment would be unimpaired.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
authorized the Secretary of the Interior (through the
National Park Service) to establish standards for
preserving historic properties. The current version,
the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties, was adopted in 2017.
These standards outline four treatments for historic
properties: preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction. Rehabilitation is the most commonly
used approach, allowing alterations to meet new uses
while maintaining the building's historic character.
REHABILITATION
Act or process of making possible a compatible
use for a property through repair, alterations, and
additions while preserving those portions or features
which convey its historical, cultural, or
architectural values.
PRESERVATION
Ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials
and architectural features rather than extensive
replacement and new construction.
RESTORATION
Reinstatement of a historic building’s original
appearance and condition to a particular time period
using documentary evidence, such as photographs
and construction drawings.
RECONSTRUCTION
New construction that interprets a missing or lost
historic resource based on documented evidence of
what was there historically.
Local preservation guidelines often follow these
standards,
especially
for
rehabilitation
projects.
Property owners should consult with the Mesa Historic
Preservation Office to determine the most appropriate
treatment for their project.
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties — in particular, the
Standards for Rehabilitation — serves as a base set of
preservation standards for the City of Mesa’s Historic
Preservation Design Guidelines.
STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION
1.
A property will be used as it was historically or be
given a new use that requires minimal change
to its distinctive materials, features, spaces, and
spatial relationships.
2. The historic character of a property will be
retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive
materials or alteration of features, spaces, and
spatial relationships that characterize a property
will be avoided.
3. Each property will be recognized as a physical
record of its time, place, and use. Changes that
create a false sense of historic development, such
as adding conjectural features or elements from
other historic properties, will not be undertaken.
4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic
significance in their own right will be retained
and preserved.
5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and
construction
techniques
or
examples
of
craftsmanship that characterize a property will
be preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired
rather than replaced. Where the severity of
deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive
feature, the new feature will match the old in
design, color, texture, and, where possible,
materials. Replacement of missing features
will be substantiated by documentary and
physical evidence.
7.
Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate,
will be undertaken using the gentlest means
possible. Treatments that cause damage to
historic materials will not be used.
8. Archaeological resources will be protected and
preserved in place. If such resources must be
disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties
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CHAPTER 3:
GUIDELINES FOR
PRESERVATION,
RESTORATION &
REHABILITATION
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PRINCIPLE #2: PRESERVE ORIGINAL AND
HISTORIC MATERIALS OVER REPLACEMENT.
Preserving original and historic building materials and
architectural features serves to maintain a historic
building’s authenticity and character. It also helps to
reduce demolition and debris waste from entering the
landfill. Replacement of materials and features should
only occur upon significant evidence of deterioration
that compromises structural integrity. Implement in-
kind material replacement first before considering
appropriate substitutes compatible in size, form,
profile, texture, and durability.
PRINCIPLE
#3:
UNDERTAKE
PROJECT
PLANNING
AND
SEEK
PROFESSIONAL
CONSULTATION WHEN NECESSARY.
The maintenance and repair of historic building
materials, such as brick and stucco, and important
architectural features, including roofs, porches,
and foundations, often requires the assistance of
professional contractors and craftspeople. Building
owners should not hesitate to employ architects and
other design professionals in the proper planning for
preservation and rehabilitation efforts.
PRINCIPLE #4: RESPECT CHANGES OVER
TIME.
Some building materials and architectural elements
may not be original to the building but have achieved
their own significance and value over time. Respect,
preserve, and rehabilitate those changes or alterations
if they contribute to a building’s history, character and
authenticity.
PRINCIPLE #5: RECOGNIZE ALL BUILDINGS
ARE PRODUCTS OF THEIR OWN TIME.
Each building is a record of its time, documenting
the social, cultural, and economic forces that shaped
the development of communities, districts, and
neighborhoods. Avoid any changes or alterations that
create a sense of false history.
Preservation,
Restoration &
Rehabilitation.
General
Preservation,
Restoration
&
Rehabilitation Principles
This chapter outlines the best practices for the
preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic
resources. The guidelines of this chapter are intended
to assist property owners, architects, landscape
architects, and contractors as they design and plan
for preservation, restoration and/or rehabilitation
projects. The guidelines are meant to help people avoid
rehabilitation pitfalls, prioritize essential tasks, receive
Certificate of Appropriateness approvals, and achieve
the desired results.
While the general maintenance and repair of
historic buildings does not require a Certificate of
Appropriateness from the Mesa Historic Preservation
Office (HPO), it is recommended that property owners
consult with the HPO to best assess which of the
treatment options outlined below are best suited for
their project.
In addition to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties, property
owners and design professionals should follow the
general preservation and rehabilitation principles
outlined below.
PRINCIPLE
#1:
CONDUCT
ROUTINE
INSPECTIONS
AND
MAINTENANCE
TO
ENSURE
LONG-TERM PRESERVATION
OF
BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS.
Property owners should conduct yearly inspections of
their buildings to determine and prioritize maintenance
projects, especially projects related to roofs, gutter
systems, and foundations where water infiltration can
damage building materials, walls, and other features.
Proper maintenance and cleaning using the gentlest
means possible can avoid more costly repairs over
the long term. Ensure no maintenance project harms,
damages, or alters historic building materials.
Design Guidelines
3.1 CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES
Character-defining features help convey the historic
and architectural significance of historic properties
and should be preserved. The method of preservation
that requires the least intervention is expected.
3.1.1 Maintain character defining features
• Distinctive materials or character-defining features
should not be removed.
• Changes to spaces and spatial relationships that
characterize a property will be avoided.
• Maintain character-defining landscaping, including
but not limited to materials, location and size. If
significant vegetation is removed, replacement
may be required.
• Do not add features that were not part of the
historic structure.
Figure 3.1 Examples of Character Defining Features
Figure 3.2 Example of False Sense of History
D o n o t a d d f e a t u r e s t h a t w e r e n o t p a r t o f
t h e h i s t o r i c s t r u c t u r e
S H U T T E R S
C O V E R E D V E R A N D A S
A T T A C H E D G A R A G E S
P O R C H K N E E W A L L S
R O O F F O R M S
W I N D O W S
E X T E R I O R
M A T E R I A L S
C O L U M N S
D O O R S
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3.1.2 Repair, rather than replace character-
defining features
• Where the severity of deterioration requires
replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature
will match the old in design, color, and texture.
• Use the same kind of material as the historic
feature. However, an alternative material may be
considered if it:
› Has proven durability.
› Has a size, shape, texture and finish that conveys
the visual appearance of the historic feature.
› Is located in a place that is hidden from view or
isolated from direct physical contact.
3.2 MATERIALS AND FINISHES
Historic materials should be preserved in place. If the
material is damaged, repair should first be considered.
If repair is not feasible, the limited replacement of a
material that matches the historic material should be
considered. Historic building materials should never
be covered or subjected to harsh cleaning treatments.
3.2.1 Building Material Maintenance
• Protect
historic
building
materials
from
deterioration.
• Do not remove historic materials that are in good
condition.
• Do not use harsh cleaning methods, which can
inhibit the function and/or appearance of the
historic material.
3.2.2 Material Repair and Replacement
• Repair rather than replace original materials
when possible.
• Repair deteriorated building materials by patching,
piecing-in, consolidating, or otherwise reinforcing
the material.
• Replace only those materials that are deteriorated,
and beyond reasonable repair.
• Replace only the amount of material that is
beyond repair.
T h e D u t c h m a n r e p a i r m e t h o d a l l o w s f o r t h e
i n s t a l l a t i o n o f n e w w o o d w h i l e p r e s e r v i n g
t h e h i s t o r i c w o o d .
• Use only replacement materials that are similar in
scale, finish and character to the historic material.
• Do not replace building materials, such as masonry
and wood siding, with alternative or imitation
materials, unless no other option is available.
Lehi Brick Kiln Company
Founded by George Mason Tiffany in the 1880s, the
Lehi Brick Kiln Company met the need for a more
durable building construction material for the
fledgling Lehi and Mesa settlements, becoming
the leading local brick manufacturer by the turn of
the next century.
The Kiln Company’s bricks helped construct
several of Mesa’s earliest buildings, including
many commercial buildings along Main Street and
the still-standing Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints (LDS) Temple. Since the Company fired
the bricks at a low temperature, they are generally
softer in strength and composition and therefore
special care in their maintenance, repair, and
preservation. Avoid using any harsh and abrasive
cleaning methods, as well as any hard or Portland
cement-based mortar when repointing.
Superlite Block Company
Manufactured by the Superlite Block Company,
the Superlite concrete masonry unit was used in
the construction of homes throughout the Phoenix
area, including Mesa, during the mid-20th century.
Founded
in
1944
as
the
Builders
Supply
Corporation, the name was officially changed to
Superlite Block Company around 1960. Superlite
concrete masonry unit (CMU), including concrete
breeze blocks, are a combination of sand, Portland
cement and volcanic scoria, mined in Winona,
Arizona.
In addition to its use as a structural and finish
material, Superlite created decorative blocks,
popular in the 1950s and 1960s, with see-through
patterns used in block fence walls, as building
screens used for privacy, and as sunscreens near
entryways, among others. Many Mid-Century
Modern and Ranch houses in Mesa, as well as
commercial and institutional buildings, feature
Superlite CMU construction. Today, Oldcastle
Infrastructure, based in Auburn, Washington,
owns and operates Superlite Block Company.
Historic windows are made primarily of wood or metal
(aluminum or steel) and come in various configurations
such as single- or double-hung sash windows,
single- or multi-light fixed picture windows, casement
windows, and awning windows. Windows located on
a historic building’s facade typically have more formal
regular window pattern arrangements. In addition,
historic wood windows are generally constructed of
more durable, long-lasting materials and are of much
higher quality than modern window replacements.
3.3.1 Window Preservation
• Retain and preserve all historic wood and steel
windows, including their size, glazing, opening size,
and configurations, location, and materials.
Figure 3.2 Window Types
D O U B L E H U N G
C A S E M E N T
3 L I G H T
2 L I G H T ( V )
6 L I G H T
2 L I G H T ( H )
8 L I G H T
1 L I G H T
Additional Resources
• Assessing
Cleaning
and
Water-Repellent
Treatments for Historic Masonry Buildings,
Preservation Brief #3, by Robert Mack, FAIA
and Annie Grimmer.
• Removing Graffiti from Historic Masonry,
Preservation Brief #38, by Martin E. Weaver.
• Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry
Buildings, Preservation Brief #2, by Robert
Mack, FAIA, and John Speweik.
3.3 WINDOWS
Windows
and
window
openings
are
primary
architectural features and dominant visual elements
of historic buildings. Historic windows are also
representative of a building’s craftsmanship and
design, making them worthy of preservation.
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3.3.2 Window Maintenance and Repair
• The number, size, and location of windows should
be preserved. Filling in or covering existing windows
should be avoided.
• Preserve all historic window features including
the frame, sash, muntins, mullions, glazing, sills,
heads, jambs, moldings, shutters, and window
pane configurations.
• Restore altered window openings to their historic
configuration.
• Do not alter a window frame to accommodate an
air conditioner unit on the primary elevation.
• If necessary, install interior storm windows to
preserve exterior appearance.
• When interior storm windows are not feasible,
exterior storm windows may be appropriate.
3.3.3 Window Replacement or
Reflective Film
• If window replacement is necessary, new windows
Figure 3.3 Appropriate Window Replacement
O R I G I N A L ( 3 / 1 )
I N A P P R O P R I A T E
R E P L A C E M E N T ( 6 / 6 )
I N A P P R O P R I A T E R E P L A C E M E N T
( A L U M I N U M S L I D E R )
should match the originals in materials, style,
configuration, and dimensions.
• Maintain the historic size, shape and number
of panes.
• Match the profile of the sash, muntins, and its
components to the historic window, including the
depth of the sash, which may step back to the plane
of the glass in several increments. Historic windows
were typically inset (while modern windows are
flush mount), and this is considered a character
defining element of historic buildings.
• The use of interior muntins (window divided located
between the glass) is not appropriate.
• Use clear window glazing that conveys the visual
appearance of historic glazing (transparent low-e
glass) is preferred.
• The use of vinyl and unfinished metals as window
replacement materials is not appropriate.
• The use of metallic or reflective window glazing or
film is not appropriate.
• Reducing or increasing a historic opening
to accommodate a different sized window is
not appropriate.
Figure 3.4 Common Door Elements
3.4 DOORS AND ENTRIES
The design, materials, and location of historic doors
and entries should be preserved.
3.4.1 Entrance Maintenance and Repair
• Maintain and repair original doors rather than
replace when possible.
• Preserve historic and decorative features, including
door frames, sidelights, sills, heads, jambs,
moldings, detailing, panels, mullions, etc.
• Do not alter the historic size and shape of a
door opening.
3.4.2 Entrance Replacement
• When a door is damaged beyond repair,
replacement doors should match the original in
dimension, materials, and design.
• Do not change the historic location of or add new
door openings on primary facades.
• Do not fill in or cover historic door openings.
1 4 6 N . F r a s e r D r . W e s t ( O r i g i n a l a n d h i s t o r i c
d o o r s h e l p t o c o n v e y t h e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e
s t y l e o f t h e h o u s e )
1 3 5 N . F r a s e r D r . ( T h e s i d e l i g h t s o n e i t h e r
s i d e o f t h e d o o r w a y h o l d s i g n i f i c a n t h i s t o r i c
i m p o r t a n c e i n a r c h i t e c t u r e a n d d e s i g n a n d
s h o u l d b e p r e s e r v e d )
6 1 8 N . R o b s o n ( S c r e e n d o o r s h o u l d r e t a i n
v i s i b i l i t y o f h i s t o r i c d o o r )
Figure 3.4 Common Window Elements
H E A D J A M B
U P P E R S A S H
S T I L E
P A N E
L O W E R S A S H
A P R O N
E X T E R I O R S I L L
M U N T I N
T O P R A I L
P A N E L
L O C K R A I L
M U L L I O N
S T I L E
B O T T O M R A I L
M O L D I N G
S I D E L I G H T S
S I L L
F R A M E
M E S A D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S F O R H I S T O R I C P R O P E R T I E S
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3.5 PORCHES
A porch is one of the most important character-
defining features of a facade. A porch provides visual
interest to a building and shelter from the elements.
It also defines building scale and establishes a social
hierarchy of space from the street to the house interior.
3.5.1 Preserve Original Porches
• Do not remove an original porch from a building.
• Porches should be preserved in their original
character and form.
• Preserve the existing height, location, shape,
details, and posts.
• Replace missing features and repair damaged
features to match existing historic features.
• Maintain the overall composition when replacing
damaged or missing porch elements.
• Do not add ornamentation or decoration to a porch
if it was not historically present or if the element is
inconsistent with the style of the building.
3.5.2 Porch Replacement
• When porch reconstruction or replacement
is necessary, it should be similar in character,
design, scale, and materials to those traditionally
seen
in
the
building's
architectural
style.
Figure 3.5 Common Porch Elements
P O R C H R O O F
B A L U S T E R
T O P R A I L
P O S T / C O L U M N
D R O P B E A M
• Design a replacement porch to be appropriate
in relation to the overall scale and architectural
style of the primary structure based on historic
photographic evidence or other documentation.
• Porches should not be added to a primary
façade based on conjecture or if one was not
historically present.
Figure 3.6 Porch Scale and Form
P o r c h e s s h o u l d b e c o m p a t i b l e i n s i z e a n d s c a l e w i t h
t h e p r i m a r y s t r u c t u r e
2 3 4 N . F r a s e r D r . ( T h e b r e e z e b l o c k e l e m e n t s
o n t h i s p o r c h c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e c h a r a c t e r o f
t h e h o u s e )
3.6 HISTORIC ROOFS
The roof is among the most visually prominent
features of a house and helps to define its
architectural character. The great variety of roof
shapes, forms, and materials found in Mesa, along
with elements such as chimneys, turrets, crestings,
and dormers, gives the City's historic districts and
areas great visual interest.
3.6.1 Roof Repair and Replacement
• Preserve the form, materials, and features of an
original historic roof.
• Maintain the ridge line and orientation of the roof
as seen from the street.
• Maintain existing roof overhangs because they
contribute to the building’s historic character
and scale.
• Preserve functional and decorative roof features,
including original dormers, chimneys and eaves,
especially when they are character-defining
features of the structure.
• Avoid altering the angle (pitch/slope) of a
historic roof.
• Do not cut back or alter exposed roof rafters and
soffits that contribute to the building’s historic
character and scale.
• Preserve functional and decorative roof features,
including original dormers, chimneys and eaves,
especially when they are character-defining
elements of the structure.
Figure 3.7 Common Roof Elements
E A V E
H I P P E D E N D
D O R M E R
R I D G E / R O O F L I N E
S O F F I T
F L A T R O O F
G A B L E
R O O F H I P
3.7 EXPOSED FOUNDATIONS
A historic building foundation contributes to the
character of a historic structure and should be
preserved. Altering or replacing historic foundations
is discouraged. However, it may be necessary to
replace historic foundation walls with compatible
materials where a historic foundation is deteriorated
beyond repair.
3.7.1 Foundation Repair and Replacement
• Repair and rehabilitate exposed foundations in
order to maintain a building’s structural integrity.
• Re-point historic masonry foundations to match
the historic design.
• Use historically sensitive and compatible mortar
on brick foundations (and/or facades) or concrete
mortar on brick foundations (or facades). Avoid
hard masonry cements or concrete.
• Design landscaping and other site features to keep
water from collecting near the foundation.
• Do not cover a historic foundation with newer
siding material.
• Avoid installing windows, window wells or an access
door on the front facade of a historic foundation.
• Replace a foundation using new material that is
similar in character to the historic foundation.
5 4 1 N . G r a n d ( T h e f o u n d a t i o n w a l l s h o w n
h e r e u s e s d i f f e r e n t m a t e r i a l s t o v i s u a l l y
d i s t i n g u i s h i t f r o m t h e m a i n w a l l )
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CHAPTER 4:
GUIDELINES FOR
ADDITIONS
3.8 LANDSCAPING AND FENCES
3.8.1 Landscape Maintenance and
Replacement
• Maintain and preserve existing character-defining
landscape elements, including mature trees
whenever possible.
• New
landscaping
should
be
installed
to
complement the existing character of the house.
• Do not replace front lawns with impervious
hardscape materials.
• Installation of artificial turf in areas visible from the
street should be avoided.
• Use native or desert plants and xeriscaping
techniques where appropriate to reduce the need
for irrigation. Select plant materials with character,
growth, and habitat requirements similar to others
found in the neighborhood.
3.8.2 Fence and Wall Maintenance and
Repair
• Maintain original or historic walls, specifically those
constructed of decorative concrete masonry units
or from breeze block.
• Replace damaged elements with in-kind materials.
H i s t o r i c a l l y - s i g n i f i c a n t l a n d s c a p e s m a y i n c l u d e a g r o u p i n g o f r e s o u r c e s s u c h a s t o p o g r a p h i c
f e a t u r e s , v e g e t a t i o n , w a t e r f e a t u r e s , b u i l d i n g s , s t r u c t u r e s , o b j e c t s o r s i t e s . T h e c o n t i n u o u s
n a t u r a l g r a s s l a w n s s h o w n h e r e c o n s t i t u t e a c h a r a c t e r- d e f i n i n g f e a t u r e t h a t s h o u l d b e p r e s e r v e d .
3.9 PAINTING HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Historically, wood surfaces on the exterior of a building
were painted to protect them from weathering.
Concrete and stucco surfaces were sometimes
painted as well.
It should be noted that some paints or sealers
advertised
as
water-repellent,
waterproof,
or
maintenance-free can damage historic houses by
trapping moisture inside the walls. These products
should not be applied to historic building materials.
Painting unpainted brick is not permitted without a
Certificate of Appropriateness, as doing so can cause
damage by trapping moisture inside the brick and
lead to severe structural deterioration.
The natural color and texture of masonry are also
character-defining features which would be covered
by paint. Previously painted masonry and all non-
masonry surfaces can be painted without a Certificate
of Appropriateness.
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Design guidelines require interpretation and good
judgment to ensure that the proposed project is
compatible with the contributing structures in the
context area. Each project is considered on its own
merits; even if the same addition were proposed
for similar properties within the historic district,
differences in the existing structures and the context
areas for those various locations could result in
different decisions regarding compatibility.
Because contributing structures are the most
important buildings in the historic district, they must
remain prominent. That means that an addition should
be visually subordinate, or secondary, to the original
contributing building. This can be achieved by limiting
the addition’s size, visibility from the street, and the
complexity of its design. Additions to noncontributing
structures are also required to be compatible with the
scale and proportion of the contributing buildings in
the context area. This applies to the building overall, as
well as to individual building elements:
Additions in historic districts should be designed
carefully to respect the existing patterns and context
of the district in which it is located and with the
following considerations in mind:
• Size - the dimensions of a building or structure
• Scale - the proportional relationship between the
size of the building and its different elements
• Massing - the overall shape and form of the
building
• Fenestration - the placement, style, and materials
of windows and doors
• Rhythm - the relationship of solids and voids,
fenestration, recesses, and projections
• Siting - addition should be setback from the facade
or located at the rear of the existing building
• Materials - the materials do not have to match but
should be compatible
• Context - the overall relationship of the building
and project to its surroundings.
In addition to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties regarding
additions, property owners and design professionals
should follow these four principles in project planning:
PRINCIPLE #1: ENSURE THE INTEGRITY
OF EXISTING HISTORIC BUILDINGS WHEN
CONSIDERING NEW ADDITIONS.
Any new addition must respect and be harmonious
with a historic building’s materials, features, size,
scale, proportion, and siting to preserve and maintain
the building’s historic and architectural integrity. New
additions or related new construction shall not destroy
original or historic building materials that characterize
the historic property.
The use of complimentary, but differentiated, materials
is the preferred way to visually differentiate additions
from original construction. Any new addition must
also differentiate from the historic building in some
method or fashion so that one can visually understand
the building’s architectural change and evolution
over time.
PRINCIPLE #2: PROMOTE NEW ADDITION
DESIGN REFLECTIVE OF ITS TIME.
Additions should be of its time and not project a sense
of false history with the exact replication of features
and ornamentation of past historic architectural
styles. Instead, historic styles may inspire or provide
identifiable design cues for additions within Mesa
historic districts and landmarks.
PRINCIPLE
#3:
USE
CONTEMPORARY
MATERIALS AND DESIGN CREATIVITY FOR
ADDITIONS.
When
designing
additions,
use
contemporary
building materials and architectural detailing in
creative ways that convey the dwelling or building is of
new construction. This construction may incorporate
abstract references to the architectural styles and
property type that are also compatible within its
immediate setting or neighborhood.
P R O P E R T Y L I N E
S I D E A D D I T I O N
S T R E E T
S E T B A C K
S T R E E T
R E A R A D D I T I O N
P R O P E R T Y L I N E
Figure 4.1: Side and Rear Residential Additions
ADDITIONS
S E T B A C K
PRINCIPLE #4: DESIGN ADDITIONS WITHOUT
DAMAGING HISTORIC MATERIALS.
Design and undertake any additions to historic
buildings in historic districts in a manner that, if
removed in the future, would not impact or effect
historic building materials, the essential integrity
of historic buildings, or the surrounding site or
neighborhood.
4.1 ADDITION PLACEMENT
For many properties, an addition to the rear or side
of the historic building is the best approach to gain
additional living area. A compatible addition allows the
general appearance and character defining features
of the historic building to be retained and preserved,
especially when viewed from key public vantage points.
4.1.1 Location of an Addition
• The addition should be subordinate to the
original structure.
• Additions should have minimal visual impact to the
existing structure.
• An addition should be the same height or lower
than the existing structure whenever possible.
• Place an addition to the rear or below grade of the
original structure whenever possible.
• Consider a compatible side addition if a rear
addition is not possible.
4.1.2 Building Footprint and Lot Consistency
• The footprint of the addition should be compatible
with the size of the lot, yard, and setback
characteristics of the neighborhood.
• Location of addition should be compatible with
character of neighboring properties.
• Retain original open space at the front and sides of
the existing structure.
• Avoid the excessive loss of existing open space.
4.1.3 Addition of Second Story
• Second-story additions should only be considered
in districts where homes were originally constructed
with two stories.
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• When appropriate, two-story additions proposed
to a one-story structure should be set back
and
located
behind
the
original
existing
historic structure.
• Second story additions should not result in
the removal of historic material or character
defining features.
• Second-story
additions
are
generally
not
appropriate for most historic homes as they
adversely impact the historic architectural integrity,
character, and massing of the structure and district.
4.2 DESIGN OF AN ADDITION
Additions should be compatible with the context of
the historic neighborhood. Consider how the building
will convey similar design attributes than that of a
historic building.
The addition must differentiate in some way from
the historic building in order to convey the building’s
change over time. This is to visually communicate the
addition as separate from the historic volume while
remaining [appearing] in scale and expressing its
true age.
4.2.1 Contextual Design
Additions should be recognized as new construction,
while respecting key features of the historic structure
and architectural characteristics of the surrounding
block and neighborhood.
• An addition should not project a sense of false
history with replicative ornamentation; details on
additions should be reflective of existing historic
characteristics but remain simplified.
• Additions may include characteristic features that
are common to the surrounding structures and
neighborhood block (such as front porches, etc.).
• Massing and scale of the addition should be
compatible with surrounding historic structures
within the district.
• At a minimum, a design should be neutral and not
detract from the original character, features, scale,
and context of the historic structure.
4.2.2 Differentiation
• Differentiate the new addition from the historic
house by insetting the addition from the main wall
plane of the historic building.
• Provide a change (even subtle) in building materials
so the addition is visually distinct from the
historic home.
• Install trim or other architectural detailing to clearly
delineate a distinction between the historic building
and addition.
• Use a simplified interpretation of historic designs
found in the neighborhood or use a contemporary
design that is compatible with historic siting,
massing, and building forms found in the
neighborhood.
4.2.3 Architectural Style of Additions
• Design new additions to respect the historic house’s
architectural style and character-defining features.
• Design additions to be compatible with the scale,
massing, and rhythm of the historic building.
Additions should be subordinate to the original
building.
• Do not mimic the historic features, but use more
contemporary details, such as window moldings
and door surrounds, to create interest and convey
that the addition is modern construction.
4.2.4 Addition Roofing
• The roof of an addition may be the same or be
distinguished from the original by an overall lower
ridge height or a varied roof pitch.
• New roofing material may be the same as existing
or be compatible in appearance.
4.2.5 Dormer Design
• New dormers should not be constructed on the
front elevation.
• Dormer height should not extend above the existing
ridge line.
• Locate new dormers to the rear and/or the side (set
back from the facade).
4.2.6 Porch Addition
• New porches should be secondary and subordinate
to a historic house’s main and side elevations
in terms of scale and proportions. New porches
should not be constructed on the front without
substantiation of prior existence.
• A missing porch should be reconstructed based on
documentation if available, and be in keeping with
the house’s architectural style.
• A new porch must be appropriate to the architectural
style and building type of the historic home.
4.3 OTHER ITEMS
4.3.1 Fences and Walls
• New fences and walls should complement the
historic building’s architectural style and the
neighborhood’s overall historic character.
• Use materials such as wood, brick, metal, or in some
cases, concrete masonry units that are compatible
with the materials and scale of the property and
surrounding neighborhood.
• Use high-quality and long-lasting materials and
avoid vinyl or plastic fencing.
• Front yard fences should be limited to 3½ feet in
height and should not obscure the view of the
historic structure.
4.3.2 Mechanical Equipment
• Place mechanical equipment where it is not visible
from the street or public right-of-way.
• Place rooftop mechanical equipment on the
rear roof sloped away from the street and public
right-of-way.
• Mechanical equipment, whether on a roof, the side
of a building, or on the ground, should be screened
from public view.
• If mechanical equipment cannot be placed in
a suitable location, use appropriate screening
techniques like privacy fencing, walls, or vegetation,
ensuring screening materials are compatible with
the primary house and historic district.
• Equipment enclosures should be painted the same
color as predominately found on the house.
4.3.3 Solar Panels
•
Minimize visual impacts by locating solar panels
back from the front facade on the primary building.
•
Avoid placing solar panels in locations that obscure
characteristic architectural features and details
or change the overall character of the dwelling
or building.
•
Install solar panels on additions or detached
outbuildings when possible.
•
Locate solar panels where it will not damage
significant features or materials and install
panels in such a way that they can be removed in
the future.
Figure 4.2: New Dormer
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CHAPTER 5:
GUIDELINES FOR NEW
CONSTRUCTION
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New construction in a historic district means an entirely
new building or structure, rather than an addition. The
construction of any new building or structure within a
historic district requires a Certificate of Appropriateness
(COA).
These guidelines for new construction are not
aimed at preventing change or dictating a particular
architectural style or an exact historic duplication.
Rather, the guidelines aim to ensure that new buildings
achieve compatibility with existing historic buildings
that define the character of the historic district in which
it is located.
New construction in a historic district should be “of its
own time.” The design should not mimic existing historic
buildings but rather should relate to historic buildings in
the area through mass, form, scale, proportion, siting,
and materials.
New construction can be compatible with the
historic district even when more contemporary in
design and construction, if there is a focus on overall
design elements rather than the details of individual
architectural styles.
Similar to additions, new construction in historic
districts should be designed carefully to respect the
existing patterns and context of the district in which it is
located and with the following considerations in mind:
• Size - the dimensions of a building or structure
• Scale - the proportional relationship between the
size of the building and its different elements
• Massing - the overall shape and form of the building
• Fenestration - the placement, style, and materials
of windows and doors
• Rhythm - the relationship of solids and voids,
fenestration, recesses, and projections
• Setback - how far a building or structure or element
is placed from a road, sidewalk, or property line
• Materials - existing building
• Context - the overall relationship of the building and
project to its surroundings.
In addition to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties, property
owners and design professionals should follow the
general principles outlined below.
PRINCIPLE #1: ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF
THE HISTORIC DISTRICT BUILDINGS WHEN
CONSIDERING NEW CONSTRUCTION.
In order to preserve and maintain the historic and
architectural integrity of the district, the materials,
features, size, scale, proportion, and siting of any
new buildings must respect and be harmonious with
other structures within the historic district. The use
of complimentary, but differentiated, materials is the
preferred way to visually differentiate new construction
from original construction.
Figure 5.1 Building and Entrance Orientation
New Construction
5.1.3 Materials
• New residential dwellings should utilize construction
materials consistent with adjacent homes and those
found in the historic district.
• Use materials that are similar in scale, proportion,
texture, and finish to existing historic structures
within the district.
• Variation in material type, color and texture is
encouraged for new construction as long as the
materials are complementary or compatible with
those of adjacent homes.
• Contemporary high-quality materials such as fiber
cement board or simulated stone veneer may be
appropriate in some locations if they are visually
similar to materials found in adjacent homes.
5.1.4 Roof Materials
• A new residential building should use roofing
materials, roof lines and roof profiles compatible in
design and appearance with adjacent homes.
5.1.5 Doors and Windows
• Windows and doors are important character defining
features of historic and new buildings. They provide a
sense of scale and visual interest to the composition
of a facade. These elements should be designed
to be compatible with the surrounding context and
their materials should be durable.
5.1.6 Door Orientation
• Main entrances should be placed according to the
orientation of other historic buildings within the
historic district.
• In traditional residential neighborhoods, main
entrances are often oriented to the primary street.
5.1.7 Door and Window Proportions
• Install doors, trim, windows, and any architectural
detailing at the same proportion as those on the
existing building within adjacent homes.
PRINCIPLE #2: PROMOTE NEW
CONSTRUCTION DESIGN REFLECTIVE OF
ITS TIME.
New construction should be of its time and not project
a sense of false history with the exact replication
of features and ornamentation of past historic
architectural styles. Instead, historic styles may inspire
or provide identifiable design cues for additions and
new construction within Mesa historic districts and
landmarks.
PRINCIPLE #3: USE CONTEMPORARY
MATERIALS AND DESIGN CREATIVITY FOR
NEW CONSTRUCTION.
When
designing
new
infill
construction,
use
contemporary building materials and architectural
detailing in creative ways that convey the dwelling or
building is of new construction. New construction may
incorporate abstract references to the architectural
styles and property type that are also compatible within
its immediate setting or neighborhood.
5.1 NEW CONSTRUCTION DESIGN
5.1.1 Building Height
• New residential buildings should be designed with
heights and massing compatible with historic
buildings in the district.
• Design a new building to be within the height range
of the lowest and tallest heights of the buildings in
the surrounding historic district.
• When a new building must exceed the height of
adjacent homes by one story or less, use wall
articulation or setbacks in massing to provide an
appropriate transition.
5.1.2 Building Scale
•
Locate and proportion building features to reference
similar features on historic buildings. For example,
match window heights, door height, porch height,
etc. to those on nearby historic buildings.
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5.1.8 Door and Window Design
• Install windows, doors, and other features to be
compatible with the historic context.
• Use simplified configurations of historic doors
rather than replicating a particular historic
door exactly.
• Maintain a similar solid-to-void ratio between
window/door openings and solid wall surfaces on
walls that will be visible from the street.
• Select windows and doors that are similar in scale
and proportion to those in the context area. Other
sizes and shapes may also be acceptable.
5.1.9 Porch Design
• Keep the scale, proportion, and character of the
new porch compatible with the historic structures
within the district.
• If houses within the district predominantly feature
front porches, any new construction should also
feature a functional front porch.
• Use materials that are similar in scale, proportion,
texture, and finish to existing porches within
the district.
5.2 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND BUILDINGS
5.2.1 Location
• Accessory buildings and Accessory Dwelling Units
(ADUs) should be located at or near the rear of the
property, generally out of view from the right-of-way.
• If attaching an ADU to the rear of the main house,
do not remove or destroy original or historic
architectural features and materials.
5.2.2 Scale
• Accessory
buildings
and
ADUs
should
be
subordinate to the primary historic building in
terms of scale, massing, and character.
• Design the mass, form, and roof shape of a new
accessory building and/or ADUs to be compatible
with the primary building and surrounding
historic context.
5.2.3 Design
• New accessory buildings and ADUs should use
materials that are compatible in scale, proportion,
texture, and finish to materials of the primary
building and the surrounding buildings within in the
historic district.
• Use simplified versions of the primary building’s
features or other complementary details found
in the surrounding historic district rather than
duplicating exactly.
5.3 OTHER ITEMS
5.3.1 Fences and Walls
• New fences and walls should complement the
historic building’s architectural style and the
neighborhood’s overall historic character.
• Use materials such as wood, brick, wrought iron
or, in some cases, concrete masonry units that
are compatible with the materials and scale of the
property and surrounding neighborhood.
• Use high-quality and long-lasting materials and
avoid vinyl or plastic fencing.
• Front yard fences should be limited to 3½ feet in
height and should not obscure the view of the
historic structure.
5.3.2 Mechanical Equipment
• Place mechanical equipment where it is not visible
from the street or public right-of-way.
• Place rooftop mechanical equipment on the
rear roof sloped away from the street and public
right-of-way.
• Mechanical equipment, whether on a roof, the side
of a building, or on the ground, should be screened
from public view.
• If mechanical equipment cannot be placed in
a suitable location, use appropriate screening
techniques like privacy fencing, walls, or vegetation,
ensuring screening materials are compatible with
the primary house and historic district.
• Equipment enclosures should be painted the same
color as predominately found on the house.
5.3.3 Solar Panels
•
Minimize visual impacts by locating solar panels
back from the front facade on the primary building.
•
Avoid placing solar panels in locations that obscure
characteristic architectural features and details
or change the overall character of the dwelling
or building.
•
Install solar panels on additions or detached
buildings when possible.
•
Locate solar panels where it will not damage
significant features or materials and install panels in
such a way that they can be removed in the future.
1 3 5 W . 2 n d S t . ( H i s t o r i c g a r a g e c o n t a i n i n g a n A D U )
Figure 5.2: Solar Panel Placement
B A C K YA R D
S O L A R P A N E L S P L A C E D O N
T H E B A C K S I D E O F T H E H O M E
F R O N T YA R D
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CHAPTER 6:
GUIDELINES
FOR HISTROIC
SIGNAGE
Historic signs may be eligible for inclusion on the Mesa
Historic Sign Register as a Historically Designated
Sign. This designation recognizes Mesa's historic
character through the preservation of its distinct,
colorful roadside historic signage. To be listed on the
Mesa Historic Sign Register, a sign must be at least
50 years old with an appearance that has remained
substantially the same as its historically significant time
period. Upon designation, a Historically Designated
Sign needs to be maintained, modified and/ or repaired
consistent with the Historic Preservation Board’s
findings and conditions of approval.
Property owners are responsible for obtaining all
necessary building permits, including a Certificate
of Appropriateness from the City of Mesa Historic
Preservation Officer.
removal or alteration that would diminish their historic
character or obscure significant architectural features.
When adaptive reuse or code compliance requires
modifications, alterations should be minimally invasive,
reversible where possible, and compatible with the
historic materials, scale, proportions, and design of the
existing resource.
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Following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
the Treatment of Historic Properties, these guidelines
emphasize identifying, retaining, and preserving
historic
signs
through
routine
inspection
and
maintenance, extending their lifespans, and avoiding
future replacement. In addition, the guidelines outline
recommendations for installing new signs compatible
with the character of historic commercial buildings and
streetscapes in Mesa.
Although these guidelines provide information to
property owners, design professionals, and other
decision-makers, they do not intend to substitute
consultation with qualified historic sign experts and
fabricators, qualified design professionals, preservation
architects, landscape architects, and contractors when
planning and executing a rehabilitation project.
6.1 GENERAL SIGNAGE PRESERVATION
AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
In addition to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for Preservation and Rehabilitation, and the guidelines
presented in this section, property owners and
design professionals should follow these principles
in the ongoing maintenance and preservation of
historic signs, as well as the design and installation of
new signage.
Principle #1: Design Signage Compatible with
Historic Building and Streetscape Character
Signage is an important component of a historic
commercial building. Collectively, in a downtown
environment, historic signs convey a sense of
place, heritage and authenticity. New signs that are
compatible with a commercial area’s architecture
and building period also improves overall streetscape
design and character and contributes to a visually
appealing pedestrian environment.
Principle #2: Preserve Historic Neon Signs
Beginning in the 1920s and extending through the
1950s, neon signs made a unique contribution
to the character of Art Deco and Mid-Century
commercial architecture in Mesa. Many businesses,
including restaurants and diners, downtown retail
establishments, and motels, utilized neon signs as
advertising, and often incorporated such signs as
part of the building’s architectural design. Maintaining
and preserving neon signs in place, or protecting and
storing them for future reuse, will ensure that these
significant building and streetscape elements remain
a part of Mesa’s historic commercial landscape.
Principle #3: Preserve Historic Signs
Beyond neon, typical historic sign types include
painted wall signs, projecting blade signs, hanging
signs, marquee signs, window lettering, awnings,
roof signs, freestanding signs, and monument signs.
Retention, repair, and rehabilitation is encouraged over
replacement whenever feasible. Existing historic signs
should be maintained in place and protected from
Guidelines for Historic Signage.
Please consult with the City's Historic Preservation
Office for additional information on permitting.
6.2 SIGNAGE GUIDELINES
The following section focuses on signage types and the
maintenance and preservation of historic signs found in
Mesa.
SIGNAGE TYPES
Mesa’s
traditional
commercial
districts
as
well
as its historic neighborhoods contain a variety of
signage types. The type of sign found on a historic
commercial building – including its scale, materials,
color, and location – plays an important role in
reinforcing the character of the building and the
surrounding streetscape.
HISTORIC SIGNS
Traditionally, most historic commercial buildings
included one or more signs, sometimes applied to a
storefront window, painted on a side elevation, placed
on the wall surface above the storefront, or installed as
a free-standing sign on edge of the lot. Free-standing
signs are common in the roadside architecture of
the early 20th century and thereafter, such as motels
and gas stations. Historic signs come in a variety of
shapes, sizes, and materials, including wood, metal,
masonry, and neon. Historic signs play a significant role
in the historic character of older commercial properties
and districts and maintaining and preserving them
contributes to Mesa’s distinct architectural and cultural
flavor. In Mesa, a historic sign over 50 years old may be
eligible for official designation by the City of Mesa and
entered on to the Mesa Historic Sign Register.
AWNING AND CANOPY SIGNS
Awnings and canopies are common features of
historic commercial buildings used to provide shade
over storefront windows and door openings. They also
contribute to a building’s overall visual interest and
design. Awnings come in either fixed or retractable
formats, slope away from the storefront, and are made
of fabric materials. Historically, most awnings were
retractable. Canopies are typically one-story, fixed roofs
constructed in metal and projecting over the storefront.
In some cases, posts may support the canopy. The
awning edge and canopy edge are common locations
for signage.
WALL-MOUNTED AND PROJECTING SIGNS
Wall mounted and projecting signs are ideal for
retail and other businesses in high-traffic traditional
commercial areas; this type of signage is easily visible
for pedestrians and those traveling by car or transit.
Wall-mounted signs attach to a building façade facing
the street, often in a sign band just above the storefront.
Projecting signs — sometimes called blade signs —
are perpendicular to the building façade, attached
by poles, and mounted just above the storefront.
Such signs feature wood, metal, and neon materials.
Retain and preserve existing historic wall or projecting
signs wherever feasible. Encourage the design and
installation of such sign types to help enhance the
streetscape environment, as well as the image and
brands of local businesses.
FREE-STANDING SIGNS
While most historic commercial buildings found in
traditional pedestrian-oriented downtown districts
feature building-mounted signage, free-standing signs
are common for commercial buildings and districts
developed in the advent of the automobile. Such
signage is meant to attract the automobile traveler
rather than the pedestrian. Free-standing signs may
include signs projecting from poles or other structures,
as well as those attached between two posts. Both
examples require signage secured to masonry or metal
bases. Historic free-standing signs, including neon
and other Mid-20th Century signage types, play an
important role in conveying Mesa’s historic character.
Preserving these signage types, often found outside of
Downtown Mesa on properties such as motels, adds
variety and allows Mesa's significant automobile and
tourism history to remain alive today.
GHOST SIGNS
Particular consideration should be given to the
preservation of “ghost signs,” which are faded or
partially obscured historic painted advertisements or
business signs that remain visible on exterior building
walls. Ghost signs are significant as surviving historic
artifacts that document earlier commercial activity,
community development patterns, and historic graphic
design practices. Preservation treatments for ghost
signs should emphasize stabilization and conservation
of remaining historic paint surfaces rather than over-
restoration or complete repainting, in order to retain the
aged character and material authenticity of the feature.
WINDOW SIGNS
Window
signs,
attached
or
incorporated
into
commercial storefront windows or doors, typically
identify the business at the ground floor storefront
level and were common on historic commercial
storefronts. Window signs often feature business logos
and symbols, text, or some combination thereof to
communicate information about a business and its
services visible from the exterior. Traditional window
signs applied individual lettering to the interior or
exterior glazing. Retaining and preserving historic
window signs where they exist assist in communicating
the building’s or business’s history. New window signs
should be simple in design and cover a limited area to
avoid visual clutter and to allow pedestrian views into
the storefront.
6.3 GUIDELINES FOR PRESERVATION,
REHABILITATION AND DESIGN
HISTORIC SIGN PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE
Maintain and preserve historic signs, including ghost
signs, window signs, wall-mounted, projecting signs,
neon signs, and others that contribute to the historic and
architectural character of Downtown Mesa and other
districts and neighborhoods.
• Retain and repair historic signs, parts and structures
using like or in-kind materials.
• Do not repaint or paint over ghost signs to 'restore'
them; if a ghost sign is deteriorating rapidly, consult
with a historic sign expert and explore using a clear
coat or sealant to preserve it.
• Illuminate wall-mounted and projecting signs historic
signs using gooseneck or other lighting appropriate
to the sign, storefront, and building.
• Reuse existing historic signage by restoring and
retrofitting existing materials for updated messaging.
• Retain and carefully store historic signs which cannot
remain in place for future use.
NEW SIGNAGE DESIGN
In general, create a signage plan for a historic commercial
building based on any documentation and photographs
of past signage types. Alternatively, base the signage
plan on recommended signage placement on the type of
signage desired and other guideline recommendations
made in this section.
• New signage design must respect the building’s
architectural character, scale, proportions, storefront
arrangement
and
openings,
and
the
overall
streetscape visual environment.
• Signs should identify the business tenant(s) using
high quality graphics and materials.
For additional information and details, please see The
Preservation of Historic Signs, Preservation Brief 25, by
Michael J. Auer.
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CHAPTER 7:
HISTORIC
BUILDING TYPES &
ARCHITECTURAL
STYLES
Many of Mesa's historic districts exhibit multiple
building types and styles that show the evolution of
Mesa's growth. While most buildings in the districts are
single-family residences, some districts also include
commercial or institutional properties. Some districts
feature a cohesive building type, while others feature
multiple distinct building types. It is important to assess
the appropriateness of proposed modifications for both
the building type/style as well as for the characteristics
of the district.
While the information below is intended to give general
guidance on stylistic features, it is recommended
that property owners consult with the Mesa Historic
Preservation Office to determine character-defining
features on a case-by-case basis.
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Architectural Context
The
following
section
highlights
the
common
residential building types and architectural styles
found in Mesa's historic districts and places. A building
type refers to its form: the overall shape, determined
mainly by its massing, wall elevations, ground floor
plan, and configuration of interior spaces. In contrast
to building type, an architectural style refers to the
specific materials, roof shapes, exterior ornamentation,
window characteristics, and other features associated
with the style during its period of popularity. In some
instances, a historic building may feature only some
aspects of a style, adapted to local property types in
ways that provide a more or less modest architectural
expression, while other historic buildings may not have
an architectural style at all. It is important to note that
some buildings may express a combination of styles.
Cottage (1880-1930)
Cottages are typically asymmetrical, one-to-one-
and-a-half-story homes with low-pitched gable roofs,
prominent chimneys, and small covered porches.
Cottages became popular in the United States during
the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cottage-type homes
were particularly popular in rural areas and small towns,
where they provided affordable and practical housing
for working-class families.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One or one- and one-half stories in height
• Small to medium-sized, emphasizing a cozy and
intimate atmosphere
• Frame or masonry construction
• Often feature a combination of natural materials
• Low-pitched gabled roof
• Small covered entryway or porch
• Asymmetrical building form
National Folk refers to a modest housing style found in
communities across the US, especially those located
along railroad lines. These housing styles, mostly built
with inexpensive, mass-produced materials, feature
little to no ornamentation and relatively simple forms
and shapes with gable fronts.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One or two stories in height
• Box-like massing with horizontal emphasis, one or
two rooms deep
• Rectangular, square, or L-Plan in form
• Wood frame with stucco or wood siding finish
• Hip or gable roof, or gable-on-hip (Dutch gable)
roof forms
• Flat window and door openings
• Wood double-hung windows
• Large front verandas supported by wood posts
National Folk (1870-1940)
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Queen Anne (1880-1910)
Popular during the Victorian era, the Queen Anne
style was among the most popular in the country
and is characterized by irregular shapes and complex
arrangement of massing and features. The exterior of
the house is often quite elaborate in its use of surface
materials and detailing, and a complex color scheme
further enhances the variety of materials used.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One or one- and one-half stories in height
• Symmetrical and asymmetrical facades
• Full-width/wrap-around porches with spindle work
• Stained glass widows
• Square or rounded towers
• Decorative shingling patterns on wall surfaces
The Mission Revival style, drawn from the inspiration
of the Catholic Missions, was popular in the early 20th
century and spread eastward from California under
the influence of well-known architects and national
builder magazines. Mission Revival houses in Mesa
typically feature stucco wall surfaces and their curved
decorative parapets are the main identifying feature.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• Square or rectangular floor plan
• Curved , decorative roof parapet
• One-story full or partial width porches, some with
arched openings.
• Symmetrical or asymmetrical facade
• Double-hung windows
• Smooth stucco wall surface
Mission Revival (1895-1940)
Originating in California and made popular through
architectural pattern books during the early decades of
the 20th century, Craftsman houses emphasized hand
craftsmanship, natural materials and simplicity in
design and ornamentation. Popular for smaller houses,
the style adapted readily to the bungalow house type.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One to one- and one-half stories
• Rectangular, square or L-Shaped in form
• Frame, brick, or stucco construction, often in
combination
• Deep overhanging eaves
• Roof rafter tails or knee brackets
• Gabled roof forms
• Square or tapered porch columns or posts
• Double-hung windows with divided light upper
sash
Craftsman (1905-1930)
Colonial Revival (1880-1940)
Colonial
Revival
homes
stem
from
residential
architecture of New England in the 17th and 18th
centuries. Colonial Revival homes in Mesa are
distinguished by a general symmetry in the arrangement
of their parts and restraint in ornamentation. Although
popular throughout the country starting in the 1880s,
Colonial Revival housing style began appearing in
Mesa after 1915.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One-story in height
• Rectangular or L-Shaped with the long side facing
the street
• Symmetrical front facade with center door entry
• Low-to medium pitched gabled roof with
broadside facing the street and hipped dormers
• Front portico with porch columns and pediment
• Entryway fan or sidelights
• Double-hung windows with multiple panes are
common
• Paired windows are common
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Noted for its steeply pitched gables and roof forms,
the Tudor Revival became popular in the United States
during the 1920s and is loosely based on late medieval
English prototypes. A variant of the Tudor Revival is
the English Cottage style, which typically features an
asymmetrical floor plan with plain wall surfaces and
cross-gabled roof forms.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One story in height
• Rectangular or L-Shape in form
• Steeply pitched and cross-gabled roof forms
• False half-timbering and arched fenestration
openings
• Multiple front-facing gables or one dominant gable
• Multi-pane windows, sometimes tall and narrow
and arranged in groups
• Large chimney stacks
• Small portals or vestibules rather than large front
porches
Tudor/English Cottage Revival
(1915-1940)
A Bungalow is a small, typically one-story building with
a covered front porch. In the early 1900s, the Bungalow
garnered an enormous following among the middle
class because of its simple style and practical features
and was popular in Mesa from 1910-1940.
The houses were modest in height and often featured
covered porches to provide shade from the sun. A
Bungalow typically features gently sloping gable or hip
roofs with wide overhanging eaves with gable ends
facing the street. Roof beams and rafters are almost
always exposed. Porches typically have tapered wood
columns on brick piers.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One to one- and one-half stories,
• Box-like massing
• Wood, brick, or stucco wall surfaces
• Medium pitched hipped or gabled roof, often with
dormers
• Deep overhanging eaves
• Prominent, open front porch
Bungalow (1905-1935)
The Pueblo Revival style, derived from late 18th and early
19th century Southwest Pueblo of the Rio Grande Valley,
New Mexico, and northern Arizona, blend aspects of
both Native American pueblos and structures built
by Spanish colonists in Mexico. Pueblo Revival style
homes were built in Mesa during the late 1920s through
the modern-era.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One story
• Rectangular with asymmetrical facade, some with
recessed entry
• Flat roofs sometimes concealed behind irregular
plastered parapets
• Front entry porches with tile roofs
• Adobe or stucco construction or wall finish
• Squared window openings with casement or
double-hung windows
• Little to no wall surface ornamentation
• Decorative elements such as exposed log beams
(vigas), hewn timber beams, post and lintels, and
water scuppers (canales)
Pueblo Revival (1915-1940)
Spanish Revival (1915-1940)
Popular during the 1920s and 30s and common in
California and the American Southwest, the Spanish
Revival style stems from an interest in the region's
heritage, including its historic links to Spain, Mexico,
and indigenous American cultures.
Spanish Revival is characterized by stucco walls;
tile roofs; arched window, door, and porch openings;
and asymmetrical facades. Spanish Revival homes
incorporate a number of architectural elements and
ornamentation from different Spanish architectural
traditions emanating from Moorish influence.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One to two stories in height
• Rectangular and asymmetrical floor plans
• Stucco wall surfaces
• Low-pitched, Spanish tile roofs
• Round towers in some examples
• Arched door or window openings
The International Style evolved in the 1930s in Europe
as a rejection of ornament and previous architectural
styles. Principally used for office buildings, residential
dwellings designed in the International Style feature
smooth concrete or stucco wall surfaces devoid of
ornamentation, narrow bands of steel casement
windows, flat roofs with parapets, and, in some cases,
projecting canopies, especially over entries.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One to two stories in height
• Rectangular or asymmetrical in form
• Smooth wall surfaces of concrete or stucco
• Narrow window bands, floor-ceiling windows in
some cases
• Flat roofs and canopies, sometimes overhanging
or projecting
International Style (1930-1960)
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Streamline Moderne (1920-1940)
Popular during the 1920s and 1930s, the Streamline
Moderne style features smooth and rounded wall
surfaces, mostly in stucco but also in brick, flat roof
surfaces, and glass block windows. While less common
in residential dwellings, Streamlined Moderne was a
popular style used for transportation facilities such
as bus and airport terminals, and car garages and
dealerships. Streamlined Moderne was a departure
from the more decorative Art Deco style of the same
time period.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One to two stories in height
• Horizontal orientation
• Stucco or brick wall surfaces
• Flat roofs
• Smooth asymmetrical facades often curved walls
• Steel casement and glass block windows
• Round porthole windows
Mid-century Modern
(1933 -1965)
Mid-century Modern architecture is characterized by
clean, minimalist design, the use of diverse materials
and a lack of ornamentation in favor of geometric
shapes and angles. The style, prevalent in the City of
Mesa, was used in both commercial and residential
construction and gained prominence in the post World
War II era when demand for new construction was
high and architects began exploring the use of new
materials like steel, concrete and insulated glass. The
style influenced much of Mesa's development.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• Angular or curved roof forms
• Use of breeze block
• Decorative brick grills
• Masonry with stacked bonds
• Off-center entries
• Frame, brick, or stucco wall surfaces
The Ranch home, is single-story house with a low-
pitched roof and rectilinear or elongated form. The Ranch
homes' open layouts, functional design, and affordability
made them an attractive choice for middle-class families
looking to settle in the expanding suburbs. Over time,
the Ranch became a symbol of American suburban
living, embodying a blend of practicality, simplicity and a
connection to the surrounding landscape.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• Single-story with a horizontal orientation
• Rectangular or L-shaped
• Wood frame, brick, or stucco wall surfaces
• Long, low roof lines
• Low-pitched roof, sometimes cross-gabled
• Off-center front door entry, often recessed
• Steel casement windows and picture windows,
often with multiple lights
• Attached garage or carport
• Minimal embellishments and symmetrical designs
Ranch (1935-1975)
Minimal Traditional (1935-1960)
The Minimal Traditional style emerged in the U.S.
during the late 1930s and became popular in the
1940s and 1950s. It was a response to the econom
ic and social conditions of the time, particularly the
shortage of materials and labor during World War II
and the subsequent housing demand for returning
veterans and their families. The Minimal Tradition
al style is characterized by its simplicity, efficiency
and compactness.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One story in height
• Small size
• Rectangular form
• Stucco, wood, or brick wall surfaces
• Minimal ornamentation
• Basic materials
• Functional floor plans
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Prairie Ranch (1935-1975)
Prairie Ranches are meant to blend in with the flat,
open landscape, spreading out horizontally across
large lots, rather than building upwards. Prairie-Ranch
houses often have flat or minimally pitched roof
lines with overhanging eaves, and low profile exteri
ors composed of flat lines and planes. They are built
with materials with roots in the natural world, with
wood, stucco, stone, and rustic brick commonly used
for siding.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• Single-story with a horizontal orientation
• Rectangular or L-shaped
• Low-pitched hip or modified hip roof broadside to
the street
• Broad overhanging eaves
• Decorative elements to create door surrounds,
planters, and low walls
• Decorative door and window treatments including
sidelights, craft-style front doors, and corner
windows
• Often lacks a defined front porch
Early Ranch (1935 -1953)
The Early Ranch or Transitional Ranch evolved from
the earlier Bungalow and Cottage buildings common
during the Great Depression. Early Ranch homes
provided an affordable housing option for many people
both before and after World War II and set the stage for
the subsequent evolution and popularity of the Ranch-
style home in the United States.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One story, rectangular or L-shaped form
• Low-pitched gable or hip roofs
• Small wood framed porches occurring over the
entry or the juncture of the intersecting roofs
• Square or rectangular windows/doors
• Metal-framed windows with small window panes
• Corner or bay windows
Rambling Ranch (1950-1970)
Rambling Ranch homes, also known as sprawling
Ranch homes, represent a unique architectural style
that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. The
term "rambling" aptly describes the sprawling nature
of these homes. They typically feature a single-story
design with a long, horizontal footprint that stretches
across the property. Rambling Ranch homes, most
ly found in Fraser Fields in Mesa, are often nestled on
large lots, allowing for expansive outdoor spaces and
landscaping opportunities.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• Long, horizontal building footprint
• Expansive windows, picture windows common
• Low-pitched roof line
• Multiple outdoor spaces
• Combination of materials
Polynesian Ranch (1950-1970)
Polynesian-style ranch homes are rare mid-century
variation blending the low, horizontal layout of classic
ranch houses with tropical-inspired design elements
adapted for the desert climate. Influences came from
postwar fascination with Hawaii, Polynesian pop cul
ture, and resort architecture.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• Low-pitched or dramatically extended rooflines
with deep overhangs and exposed beam gable
accents
• Dominant hip roof with dramatic front-facing
gables or outward angled side-facing gables
• Exposed beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings
• Lava rock, breeze block, or rough stone accents
• Courtyard-style entries and indoor-outdoor living
spaces
• Large picture windows facing patios or pools
• Tropical landscaping mixed with desert plants
• Decorative tiki or island-inspired details
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Classic Ranch/California Ranch
(1955-1965)
The California Ranch is characterized by an L- or
U-shaped structure built low to the ground. This sprawl
ing, single-story style is designed to blend with nature.
A patio and front lawn are key features of the California
Ranch style.
TYPICAL FEATURES
• One story, elongated rectangular or L-shaped
• Variety of low-pitched roof types including gable,
hip, or intersecting gables and/or hips
• Minimal porch, usually in the form of an extended
eave, with or without posts over the junction of the
two wings
• Attached carport or garage
• Steel casement windows with no trim
APPENDIX A - CITY OF MESA HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM
APPENDIX B - CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS REVIEW STANDARDS
APPENDIX C - CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES
APPENDIX D - HISTORIC DISTRICTS & HISTORIC LANDMARKS
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Mesa’s local historic preservation efforts trace back
to the 1960s when a group of local citizens formed
the Mesa Historical and Archaeological Society, an
organization that helped establish the Mesa Museum
of Archaeology and History in 1978, now the Arizona
Museum of Natural History. However, it was not until
1993, following advocacy from concerned citizens,
that the Mesa City Council adopted the community’s
first historic preservation ordinance, establishing
procedures for designating landmarks and historic
districts, as well as reviewing permit applications for
exterior design changes and building demolitions.
In 1995, Mesa became a Certified Local Government
(CLG) through the National Park Service of the U.S.
Department of the Interior, allowing the City of Mesa
to participate in federally funded grant and technical
assistance opportunities. Today, the City of Mesa
Historic Preservation Office administers the local
historic preservation program in conjunction with
the Historic Preservation Board (HPB). The HPB,
comprised of seven appointed members, makes
recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Board,
the Design Review Board, and the Mesa City Council on
various preservation related matters.
Mesa’s Historic Preservation Office has grown to
include staff support for local and National Register
designation of historic properties and Heritage
Neighborhood recognition, assistance with regulatory
compliance, preservation of Mesa's cultural heritage,
and programs for the enhancement of public
knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the
City's rich history.
8.1 City of Mesa Historic Districts and
Historic Landmarks
Historic Districts and Historic Landmarks within the
City of Mesa can be listed on the National Register,
locally designated, or both. Both National and local
designation can be used as effective preservation
planning tools, either independently or together,
to help preserve a community’s historic resources
and character.
The City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office maintains
the Mesa Historic Property Register, which includes all
historic property designations in the City and is made
available to the public.
Local historic preservation is the process of protecting
significant areas or buildings in a community through
local laws and organizations. Most legal power to
protect historic places rests with local government.
In Mesa, locally designated historic resources meet
criteria for significance outlined within the Mesa Zoning
Ordinance and may be subject to review by the Historic
Preservation Office and/or Historic Preservation Board.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official
list of the nation's historic sites worthy of preservation,
authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966. Managed by the National Park Service, it is part
of a national program to coordinate and support public
and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect
America's historic and archaeological resources.
The National Register includes districts, sites, buildings,
structures, and objects significant in American history,
architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture.
Nominations are submitted by State, Federal, and
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, as well as private
individuals, organizations, and local governments.
A professional review board in each state evaluates
nominations and makes recommendations.
Listing on the National Register of Historic Places is
honorific and generally does not restrict the use or
disposition of a historic resource, unless the property
is federally owned or involved in a federal undertaking.
National Register listing may make available state and
federal financial and technical assistance programs
to property owners.
their ancestors, who have inhabited this landscape
since time immemorial. Mesa is home to hundreds
of archaeological and cultural sites that represent
these early origins, spanning thousands of years
and many voices. Projects should be sensitive
to the potential presence of these resources, are
encouraged to coordinate with qualified professionals,
descendant communities, Tribal Nations, Mesa's City
Archaeologist, and must comply with applicable
local, state, and federal regulations governing cultural
resources.
8.6 Sharing Community History
The
Historic
Preservation
program
promotes
awareness of Mesa’s architectural and cultural
heritage, collaborates with residents and business
owners to preserve this history, and foster civic pride,
ensuring that future generations can appreciate and
understand Mesa’s unique cultural legacy.
8.7 Historic Preservation for the Future
Historic preservation plays a crucial role in shaping
vibrant, sustainable commnuities. By protecting
and revitalizing historic buildings, neighborhoods,
and cultural landmarks, cities maintain a tangible
connection to their identity and heritage, while
fostering community pride and a sense of place.
Preservation
encourages
adaptive
reuse,
transforming older structures into functional spaces
like housing, offices, or cultural centers. Saving these
historic resources reduces environmental impact
when compared to new construction.
Historic preservation can also support local economies
by encouraging tourism, attracting investment,
increasing
property
values,
and
strengthening
neighborhood character. Revitalized historic districts
often become hubs of small businesses, arts, and
culture, attracting both locals and visitors alike.
8.2
Heritage
Neighborhood
Recognition
Program
The City of Mesa Heritage Neighborhood Recognition
Program was created to help recognize and give
status to neighborhoods in Mesa that have a unique
history that do not have historic district designation.
This honorary regonition does not impose additional
regulations, but Heritage Neighborhood areas may
be within other types of zoning districts with specific
standards and review criteria. The Washington-
Escobedo Neighborhood and the Lehi Neighborhood
are Mesa’s only Heritage Neighborhoods. Information
on this program and neighborhood history can
be
found
on
the
Mesa
Historic
Preservation
Office website.
8.3 Historic and Cultural Resource Surveys
Many times, significant buildings, structures, objects,
sites, and districts are identified through historic property
or cultural resource survey. These surveys identify
potential historic and cultural resources, explore historic
context , and may evaluate eligibility for listing in the Mesa
Historic Property Register and/or the National Register
of Historic Places. To date, surveys administered by the
City's Historic Preservation Office have inventoried more
than 3,000 properties.
8.4 Regulatory Compliance
Mesa's Historic Preservation Office supports the City
of Mesa in complying with local, state and federal laws
governing historic properties and cultural resources.
Some examples of this work include issuance of
Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for local historic
districts or landmarks, reviews required under Section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of
1966, and archaeological assesment for projects on land
owned or controlled by the City, where appropriate.
8.5 Preserving Mesa's Cultural Heritage
Mesa's cultural heritage includes not only standing
buildings and structures, but also archaeological
sites, cultural landscapes, traditional cultural places,
and other resources that may exist above or below
ground. The lands that comprise present-day Mesa
are culturally affiliated with the O'odham, Piipaash, and
Appendix A - City of Mesa Historic Preservation Program
To learn more about local designation or the
National Register of Historic Places:
Mesa Historic Preservation Office website
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Standards for Alteration, Rehabilitation, and/or
Additions to Existing Structures
1.
New additions and alterations must retain and
preserve the historical character of the property and
must contribute to the continued availability of the
property for contemporary use.
2. Construct new additions to the side or the rear of
a historic building to retain the streetscape façade
and the setback to the street. Remove existing non-
significant additions or nearby outbuildings to make
room for a new exterior addition if removal does not
affect the architectural or historical integrity of the
building.
3. Design new additions to complement and enhance
the historic building in size, scale, materials, and
detail. Additions must also be compatible with
the form, shape, proportion, and mass of the
historic building.
4. Replace or install new elements to buildings only
when missing or damaged beyond repair and which
are appropriate to the style and era of the building.
Use details, materials, and forms which reflect
those of the original building. Any exterior alteration
or addition must not destroy significant historical,
architectural, or cultural material.
5. Use new materials that are compatible with the
original features of the building and which reflect
the original or period style and era to preserve the
distinguishing qualities or character of the building.
Recognize the building as a product of its own time
and avoid alterations that seek to create an earlier or
later appearance.
6. Repeat the placement, spacing, shape, proportions,
orientation, materials, and details of the original
features.
7.
Verify zoning restrictions for heights, setbacks, and
building separation to define the buildable area
within the property. Take into consideration overhang
dimensions when determining the allowable building
envelope. Setback and lot coverage variances may
be difficult to obtain if zoning problems are self-
imposed by the applicant's own design.
Standards for Detached New Construction
1.
Design new buildings to reflect the character of
the property and/or district without replicating it.
Use compatible materials and colors which create
the same feeling produced by those found in the
neighborhood.
2. Locate new buildings on the site to fall in line
with the established setback from the street
and position buildings in the same general
orientation as the existing buildings of the property
and/or district.
3. Verify zoning restrictions for heights, setbacks, and
building separation to define the buildable area
within the property. Take into consideration overhang
dimensions when determining the allowable building
envelope. Setback and lot coverage variances may
be difficult to obtain if zoning problems are self-
imposed by the applicant's own design.
4. Respect the established rhythm of solid and
voids along the streetscape in the size, scale, and
placement of the new building on the property. New
building must also be compatible in form, shape,
and proportion.
5. Respect the height of adjacent buildings by
maintaining established massing and rooflines.
If additional height is required, use a "step-back"
massing approach to place upper stories further
back in the new building from the façade.
6. Complement
the
scale
of
the
neighboring
buildings by breaking up the overall mass of
the new building into elements of similar size
and shape.
7.
Design new features and landscaping as distinctive
but compatible with the building's historic style.
Standards For Demolition
A. The Building Official, in consultation with the
Historic Preservation Officer and the City Manager,
determines that the Historic Resource presents an
imminent hazard to the public safety, and that repair
or renovation would be impractical; or
B. The Historic Preservation Board determines that
both of the following are found:
i.
The
building(s),
structure(s),
object(s),
archaeological resource(s), or site(s) have
minimal historic significance because of its
location, conditions, modifications, or other
factors; and
Appendix B - COA Review Standards
ii.
Demolition of the building(s), structure(s),
object(s),
archaeological
resource(s),
or
site(s) would not have an adverse impact
on the preservation of historic properties in
the vicinity.
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CHARACTER DEFINING FEATURES OF
A BUILDING
Foundations
Foundations support and stabilize a house and usually
include a footing below ground and a stem wall above
it. The stem wall rises from the ground and supports
the exterior walls, usually stopping at the first floor.
Foundations may be made of concrete, brick, or stone,
and some homes have little or no footing at all. In Mesa,
some even include basements, which is uncommon in
much of Arizona.
Exterior Walls
The exterior walls of a historic residence often combine
traditional siding materials with layered construction
techniques that may include shiplap beneath or
as part of the structural system, providing a tight,
interlocking wooden barrier against weather. This type
of construction reflects earlier craftsmanship, where
durability and material efficiency were essential to
protecting the home from sun, wind, and seasonal
moisture. It is important to maintain these exterior walls,
including any original shiplap.
Articulation
Articulation refers to the way a building’s massing, form,
and structural components are expressed to create
depth, rhythm, and visual organization. This includes
the composition of volumes, setbacks, projections,
entrances, window groupings, roof forms, and the
relationship between horizontal and vertical elements.
Preserving historic articulation is important because it
maintains the building’s original scale and proportions.
Retaining historic articulation helps preserve the
integrity of the resource and the streetscape character.
Additions to historic buildings should be compatible
through
complementary
massing,
scale,
and
proportion. New additions should remain visually
subordinate to the historic structure while using
transitions, setbacks, and clearly defined forms
to distinguish new construction from the original
building without disrupting its historic character.
Roofs / Roofing
Roofs are are visually prominent elements of houses. In
Mesa, roof types vary greatly depending on the historic
styles. One may find materials such as wood shingles,
clay tiles, metal, asphalt shingles, and rolled-on built-up
roofing. Each roof type and material requires individual
care and maintenance. The watertightness of a roof
also is essential in maintaining the house's physical
condition.
Masonry
Many historic homes in Mesa were comprised of
masonry construction, usually brick, stone, adobe,
concrete, concrete block, terra cotta, hollow clay tiles, or
concrete masonry units (CMUs), which are standardized
pre-cast concrete blocks commonly used in structural
and decorative construction. Breeze blocks were also
commonly incorporated into Ranch and Modern-era
buildings to provide shade, ventilation, privacy, and visual
texture. In general, masonry walls of historic houses
were not originally painted except in some examples of
Period Revival and Ranch styles. It is not appropriate to
paint previously unpainted masonry.
Stucco
The use of stucco on masonry and wood frame walls
is very common in Mesa, especially on bungalows and
Period Revival houses. The terms "stucco" and "plaster"
are used interchangeably in common usage. However,
"stucco" actually refers to a trowel-applied, non-structural
exterior plaster made primarily of cement.
Adobe
Historic adobe homes in Mesa reflect the region’s early
desert architecture, using thick sun-dried mud brick
walls to keep interiors cool during intense Arizona heat.
Many of these homes, especially those connected to
early farming communities and pioneer settlements,
showcase Southwestern craftsmanship and preserve
an important part of Mesa’s cultural heritage.
Wood
Historic wood siding reflects early building practices
in which locally available timber was used to protect
structures from sun and seasonal weather while
providing an economical and easily repairable exterior
material. In many older neighborhoods, wood siding
was preferred over stucco or masonry because
individual boards could be replaced without extensive
reconstruction.
Common siding types include clapboard (lap), shingle,
and board-and-batten siding, where thin vertical wood
strips, or battens, cover the seams between wider
boards to create strong vertical articulation, shadow
lines, and texture on the building exterior. The “reveal,”
or visible space between adjacent rows of siding, is an
important aspect of historic wood cladding.
Chimneys
A chimney is an architectural structure built to vent
smoke and heat from fireplaces, stoves, or furnaces.
Historic chimneys often feature traditional materials
such as brick, stone, or adobe and help reflect the
construction styles and daily life of a community’s past.
Windows and Doors
Historic buildings contain a variety of window and door
types and materials that reflect the city’s architectural
development from the late nineteenth through the
mid-twentieth century. Common window types include
double-hung wood sash windows, casement windows,
steel-framed industrial and Modern-style windows,
fixed picture windows, and grouped horizontal windows.
Historic doors similarly vary by architectural style and
period, including paneled wood doors, glazed entry
doors, recessed entries, and decorative screen or storm
doors common in residential neighborhoods.
Original materials were typically wood or steel, selected
for their durability and compatibility with regional
architectural traditions. The size, proportions, glazing
patterns, and placement of windows and doors
contribute significantly to the historic character and
articulation of buildings within Mesa’s historic districts
and historic landmarks. Retention and repair of original
materials and configurations are encouraged, while
replacements should match the historic openings,
profiles, and overall visual character of the structure.
Appendix C - Character Defining Features
Porches
Porches help to define the character of a house's historic
style. As important elements of architectural design they
should be retained and maintained.
Awnings and Shades
Shade is a precious commodity in Mesa, Arizona. In
the early years of settlement, Vernacular houses were
built with deep porches and canvas awnings to help
keep them cool. With local trends in housing turning
more toward nationally popular architectural styles and
with the advent of evaporative cooling in the 1930s, the
porches and awnings began to disappear. Awnings were
predominantly relegated to commercial structures.
Landscaping
Early Mesa was promoted as a green oasis in the desert,
supported by canal irrigation that brought water to
homes. Many residents planted lawns, trees, and flowers
to recreate the look of Midwestern neighborhoods,
even though desert plants would have used less water.
Over time, they relied on flood irrigation and non-native
plants, creating the lush, grassy yards still seen in older
neighborhoods today. This landscaping remains a key
part of Mesa’s historic neighborhood character.
Porte-Cocheres and Carports
Many historic homes include features like porte-
cocheres or carports as key parts of their design.
Craftsman houses often feature porte-cocheres along
with prominent rooflines and porches that define their
look. Later Ranch-style homes may include attached
carports instead. These features are usually integrated
into the building and designed to match the home’s
overall style and details.
Painting
Virtually every historic house has features which were
painted, stained, or varnished to protect them from
deterioration from weathering. Occasional exterior
stucco may have been colored with pigment additives
rather than having been painted. The stucco of some
bungalows may have even been purposefully left a
natural cement color as an aesthetic expression and
as a low maintenance surface needing no paint. Brick
and stone are traditionally left unpainted to allow proper
function of these materials.
on earlier canals engineered by Ancestral O’odham
communities. A second group, known as the Mesa
Company, established Mesa in 1878 south of Lehi.
Mesa’s original townsite followed the “City of Zion” plan
developed by LDS founder Joseph Smith, featuring a
one-square-mile grid with wide streets, park strips,
and surrounding agricultural lots. As additional settlers
arrived from Utah, Mesa grew steadily and officially
incorporated in 1883.
Desert Farm Town (1884-1906)
During the 1880s and early 1900s, Mesa developed into
an agricultural center in the eastern Salt River Valley.
Growth was supported by expanding irrigation systems,
nearby mining activity in the Superstition Mountains,
and the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1895,
which improved access to building materials and
regional markets. Downtown Mesa expanded with
new banks, hotels, stores, and homes, while Mesa’s
population reached 722 by 1900.
This period also brought greater religious and cultural
diversity as non-LDS settlers established Baptist and
Methodist congregations. Severe droughts between
1898 and 1905 threatened agriculture and caused
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D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S - A P P E N D I X D
population decline, prompting valley residents to
advocate for a permanent water solution. Passage
of the National Reclamation Act in 1902 authorized
construction of Roosevelt Dam, which began in 1906.
Several buildings from this era survive today, including
the Sirrine House (1896), the Pomeroy Building (1891),
and the Alhambra Hotel (1893).
Growth and Expansion (1906-1945)
Completion of Roosevelt Dam in 1911, combined with
increased agricultural demand during World War I,
fueled significant economic growth in Mesa. New
subdivisions expanded beyond the original townsite,
introducing narrower streets, sidewalks, curbs, and
residential lots characteristic of early twentieth-century
neighborhoods. Popular architectural styles included
Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Spanish Revival, and Pueblo
Revival homes. By 1920, Mesa’s population had grown
to more than 3,000 residents.
New communities, including African American and
Latino residents, also settled in Mesa during this
period, though segregation policies and discriminatory
practices limited housing opportunities and contributed
to the formation of culturally distinct neighborhoods.
The construction of a Southern Pacific Railroad
branch and the Arizona Temple in 1927 encouraged
further growth. Although the Great Depression slowed
the economy, federal programs such as the Works
Progress Administration funded new infrastructure,
public buildings, streets, and sidewalks. By 1940, Mesa’s
population had reached 7,224. World War II further
boosted the local economy through the establishment
of Falcon Field and Williams Air Force Base.
Suburban Mesa (1945-1970s)
Following World War II, Mesa experienced rapid
suburban growth fueled by returning servicemen and
increasing demand for housing. New subdivisions
spread outward from the city center and reflected
postwar suburban planning trends, including larger
lots, curving streets, and automobile-oriented design.
Ranch-style homes became the dominant housing
type, featuring open floor plans, attached carports,
and garages designed for modern suburban living.
Mesa experienced its most dramatic growth between
1950 and 1980, expanding from a population of 16,790 to
more than 152,000 residents. Annexation of surrounding
subdivisions transformed Mesa from a small agricultural
town into a large suburban city with an increasingly
expansive urban form.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Historic Districts are groupings of historic properties that
share certain characteristics, such as a development
pattern or architectural style. Mesa features eight locally
designated historic districts. While all eight of these
historic districts are listed on the Mesa Historic Property
Register (MHPR), seven of the eight are also listed on the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Historic resources can also be individually significant.
Mesa features twenty-seven landmarks with historic
designation. Twleve of the twenty-seven historic
landmarks are listed on the MHPR, three exist on both the
MHPR and NRHP, and fifteen of the historic landmarks are
only listed on the NRHP.
Generally, properties must be at least 50 years old and
meet certain criteria to be eligible for designation as a
Historic Landmark or Historic District. For local designation,
this criteria is based on the Mesa Zoning Ordinance, while
National Register listing is based on criteria outlined in the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Appendix D - HISTORIC DISTRICTS & LANDMARKS
MESA'S HISTORIC CONTEXT
Understanding the significance of Mesa’s historic
buildings and neighborhoods requires placing them
in the context of Mesa’s growth and development
over time. Some key periods in Mesa’s history
include the era of indigenous and Native American
habitation, its early years of settlement by pioneers
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
and the evolution from a flourishing agricultural
community in the early 20th century to a rapidly
expanding and urbanizing city following World War II.
Mesa's Early Origins
The lands that comprise present-day Mesa are
culturally affiliated with the O'odham, Piipaash, and
their ancestors. Ancestors of these Indigenous
Communities were the first people to live in the area
now called Mesa. They flourished in these lands for
millennia and their direct descendants, the O’odham
people, remain here to this current day. Between
approximately 300 and 1450 CE a complex farming
society was established throughout the Salt River
Valley, with large settlements such as Sce:dagĭ Mu:val
Va’aki and S’edav Va’aki, and an advanced network
of irrigation canals. These communities produced
elaborate material culture including pottery, basketry,
stone tools, and shell jewelry.
Euroamerican Settlement (1877-1883)
Spanish missionaries first reached Arizona in the late
1600s, and over time the region became part of New
Spain, then Mexico following independence in 1821.
After the Mexican-American War and the Gadsden
Purchase, present-day Arizona became part of the
United States and was organized as the Territory of
Arizona in 1863 before achieving statehood in 1912.
Euro-American settlement in the Mesa area began
soon after the creation of the Arizona Territory. In 1877,
settlers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints (LDS) founded the community of Lehi along
the Salt River Valley, using irrigation systems based
H i s t o r y o f t h e C h u r c h o f J e s u s C h r i s t o f L a t t e r -
D a y S a i n t s . P e r i o d I . H i s t o r y o f J o s e p h S m i t h .
V o l u m e I ( S a l t L a k e C i t y : D e s e r t B o o k C o . , 2 e d .
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HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Designated Local and National Register Historic Districts in Mesa:
1.
Glenwood-Wilbur Street Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
2. West 2nd Street Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
3. Evergreen Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
4. Temple Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
5. Robson Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
6. West Side-Clark Addition Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
7. Flying Acres Local Historic District (MHPR)
8. Fraser Fields Historic District (MHPR and NRHP)
M ESA ST.
W. 1 ST AV E .
W. M AIN ST.
E . BROADWAY RD.
W. 1 ST ST.
E . 2ND AVE .
W. 2N D ST.
E . 2 ND ST.
3RD P L .
W. 9T H ST.
E . 8 T H ST.
E . U N IV ERSIT Y D R.
S. P O ME ROY ST.
H O RNE ST.
S. C ENTENN IAL WAY
S. H I BBERT ST.
C OU NTRY C LU B DR.
S. RO BSO N ST.
N. M E SA D R .
S. MESA DR.
S . HO BSO N ST.
N. GR AN D ST.
L E G E N D
N
Nationally-Designated
Historic Districts
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Map 1: Mesa Local Historic Districts and National Register Historic Districts
Locally-Designated
Historic Districts
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Encompassing a portion of the original Mesa town site, the district consists of 55 single-
family residences located along the north-south axis of the 100 blocks of North Pasadena,
North Hibbert, North Wilbur and North Pomeroy Streets between East 1st and East
2nd Streets.
The Glenwood/Wilbur Historic District includes two original townsite blocks and three
subdivisions that were platted between 1919 and 1922: the Wilbur Subdivision, Glenwood
Tract, and the W. R. Stewart Subdivision. The Southside Building and Loan Association
developed the Wilbur Subdivision and Glenwood Tract, while W. R. Stewart, a Mesa real
estate developer, subdivided the W. R. Stewart Subdivision.
The district is a good example of early 20th century redevelopment of the original townsite
from large lots to subdivisions with smaller lots reflecting the development evolution of
Mesa from a pastoral, agricultural community to a more urban growing community.
The district is significant for its association with the development of a cohesive neighborhood
of middle class working class families between 1911 and 1948 with the majority of homes
constructed between 1920 and 1930.
Glenwood-Wilbur Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 1996
National Register Historic District: Listed 1999
Period of Significance
1883-1948
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• Craftsman
• Tudor/English Cottage Revival
• Spanish Revival
• Pueblo Revival
• Minimal Traditional
• Early Ranch
• Colonial Revival
Building Types
• Bungalow
• Cottage
• Ranch
E . 2 N D ST.
3 R D P L .
E . 1 ST ST.
E . P E P P E R P L .
E . M A I N ST.
N. HIBBERT ST.
N. CENTENNIAL WAY
N. PASADENA ST.
N. WILBUR ST.
N. MESA DR.
N. POMEROY ST.
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Historic District
Buildings in the
Historic District
Map 2: Glenwood-Wilbur Historic District
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The West 2nd Street Historic District, located within the original Mesa town site, is bounded
by University Drive on the north, Center Street on the east, 1st Street on the south, and
Robson on the west.
Platted in 1883, the district reflects the "City of Zion" planning concept of LDS founders.
The district features large square blocks flanked by wide streets and a variety of lot sizes.
Medians introduced along the center of Robson and Macdonald reduce the scale of the
original town site street widths.
The district features some of the earliest homes in Mesa, including the homes of several early
pioneers, and was developed as a middle-class and upper-class residential neighborhood.
West 2nd Street Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 1996/Expanded 2001
National Register Historic: Listed 1999/Expanded 2003
Period of Significance
1883-1959
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• Queen Anne
• Tudor/English Cottage Revival
• Spanish Revival
• Craftsman
• Streamline Moderne
• Minimal Traditional
• Pueblo Revival
Building Types
• Bungalow
• Cottage
• Ranch
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Map 3: West 2nd Street Historic District
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The Evergreen Historic District represents a departure in its layout and physical design
features from the original town site layout. The rectangular district with narrower streets
and multiple deep lots provides a distinctly suburban character.
The district is composed of two subdivisions – North Evergreen and Vista Gardens, and
a section of lots developed separately over time. Homes in the original North Evergreen
Subdivision are the oldest in the District. They represent the first extension of Mesa outside
the original town site. The Vista Gardens Subdivision, platted at the end of WWII, represents
an era of rapid construction and population expansion that occurred in Mesa after WWII.
There are three streets that run along a north-south axis: North Macdonald, North Grand,
and North Robson Street, and six that run along an east-west axis: West University Drive,
West 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Streets, and West 7th Place.
The district’s 197 houses represent several periods in Mesa’s housing development from
the early to the mid-20th century.
Evergreen Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 1999
National Register Historic District: Listed 1999/Amended 2018
Period of Significance
1910-1948
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• Craftsman
• Tudor/English Cottage Revival
• Spanish Revival
• Pueblo Revival
• Minimal Traditional
• Early Ranch
Building Types
• Bungalow
• Cottage
• Ranch
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Map 4: Evergreen Historic District
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Known for its suburban design principles, the Temple Historic District, represents an early
neighborhood outside of the original town site. Beginning with the platting of the Kimball
Addition in 1910, the district is composed mainly of two later residential subdivisions,
Arizona Temple Addition in 1922 and Stapley Acres in 1924.
There are four streets that run along a north-south axis, South LeSueur, South Udall, South
Hobson, and South Mesa Drive, and six that run along an east-west axis, East Main Street,
East 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues, East Kimball Avenue and East Broadway Road. East 1st
Avenue was designed as a formal, tree-lined boulevard to terminate with a view of the
LDS Temple. Houses constructed along this stretch of 1st Avenue were marketed as being
prestigious for their visual association with the LDS Temple. The other streets in the district
are narrower extensions of the original town site and reflect a more efficient and profitable
pattern of land subdivision.
Temple Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 2001
National Register Historic: Listed 2000
Period of Significance
1910-1949
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• National Folk
• Craftsman
• Pueblo Revival
• Tudor/English Cottage Revival
Building Types
• Cottage
• Ranch
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Map 5: Temple Historic District
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The Robson Historic District consists of portions of the original town site that were later
subdivided into smaller parcels between 1910 and 1916. This process of subdivision was
an important development trend as Mesa evolved from a large lot rural community to a
modern residential community with small lots.
There are four streets that run along a north-south axis: North Robson, North LeBaron and
North Morris Streets, and North Country Club Drive, and three that run along an east-west
axis: West University Drive, West 3rd Place, and West 2nd Street.
The historic district developed as a cohesive early 20th century middle-class neighborhood.
The majority of the district’s 51 buildings are residential, with several commercial properties
along its north and south boundaries. While the earliest house dates to 1915, most homes
have construction dates between the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Robson Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 2001/Expanded 2003
National Register Historic: District Listed 2003
Period of Significance
1911-1959
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• National Folk
• Tudor/English Cottage Revival
• Colonial Revival
• Minimal Traditional
• Early Ranch
Building Types
• Bungalow
• Cottage
• Ranch
Map 6: Robson Historic District
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The West Side-Clark Addition Historic District was the first residential area to be developed
west of the original town site. There are two streets that run along a north-south axis: North
Date and North Meadow Lane, and four that run along an east-west axis: West 2nd Place,
West Clark Street, West 1st Street and West Pepper Place.
The district is comprised of four subdivisions: West Side Addition, Monte Vista Addition,
and Clark Additions Nos. 1 and 2. The district takes its name from the West Side Addition, the
earliest platted subdivision in the district, and from the Clark family that was associated
with the establishment of three of the four subdivisions.
The West Side-Clark Addition Historic District's 126 houses represent several periods
in Mesa’s neighborhood development from the early to the mid-20th century. It is an
example of community development during the middle of the 20th century to create
middle-income residential neighborhoods from agricultural land beyond the boundary of
the original townsite.
West Side-Clark Addition Historic District
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• National Folk
• Tudor/English Cottage Revival
• Spanish Revival
• Pueblo Revival
• Minimal Traditional
• Early Ranch
Building Types
• Bungalow
• Cottage
• Ranch
Map 7: West Side-Clark Addition Historic District Map
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HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 2017
National Register Historic: District Listed 2010
Period of Significance
1930-1958
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The Flying Acres Historic District is an example of a post-World War II residential subdivision
located north of the Evergreen Historic District and Mesa’s original town site. The historic
district is Mesa's smallest, comprised only of two city blocks along the 100 block of West
8th Place and West 9th Street between North Grand and North Macdonald.
The name Flying Acres is attributed to Major Jake L. Wilk, Jr. who, along with his wife Vivian
Mae Wilk, would subdivide a 5.5-acre plot of land on November 16, 1946, with assistance
from civil engineer W. T. Keplinger. Major Wilk was the training and operations officer with
the Army Air Corps at Williams Field during World War II. The City of Mesa annexed the
subdivision on December 6, 1948.
Originally comprised of 36 lots, the district now includes 34 lots following the merging of
four lots into two shortly after the creation of the subdivision. The neighborhood’s uniform
lots and broad streets convey a middle-class suburban character.
Flying Acres Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 2018
Period of Significance
1940-1957
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• Minimal Traditional
• International Style
• Early Ranch
Building Types
• Ranch
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Map 8: Flying Acres Historic District
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The Fraser Fields Historic District is a representative post-World War II subdivision developed
outside of the original town site. Originally part of an 80-acre farm, the historic district is
named for the early Mesa farmer and rancher who owned the land, John J. “Jack” Fraser.
There are three streets that run along a north-south axis: North Fraser Drive, North Fraser
Drive East, and North Fraser Drive West, with East 2nd Street bisecting the subdivision at
its center. North Fraser Drive East and West form an internal loop with North Fraser Drive,
providing only two access points into the subdivision from East Main Street and East
University Drive. The original subdivision plat, completed in 1946 and developed by the
Passey Investment Company comprised of William H. Passey, Samuel R. Maxcy and Ernest
D. Macdonald, included large lots that proved difficult to sell, resulting in a re-subdivision in
1950 to provide smaller, more affordable lots, and the neighborhood was substantially built
out by 1960.
The rectangular subdivision with broad streets and large, deep lots conveys an upper-middle
class suburban character. The original subdivision plat included large lots that proved
difficult to sell, resulting in a re-subdivision in 1950 to provide smaller, more affordable lots.
The neighborhood was substantially built out by 1960.
Fraser Fields Historic District
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic District: Designated 2003
National Register Historic: District Listed 2010
Period of Significance
1945-1962
Architectural Characteristics
Architectural Styles
• Prairie Ranch
• Early Ranch
• Rambling Ranch
• Mid Century Modern
Building Types
• Ranch
Map 9: Fraser Fields Historic District
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HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Mesa's historic landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Mesa
Historic Properties Register include the following:
1.
Alhambra Hotel (43 South Macdonald) (NRHP)
2.
Alma Ward Meeting House (809 West Main Street) (MHPR and NRHP)
3.
Angulo-Hostetter House (150 North Wilbur) (NRHP)
4. Buckhorn Baths Motel (5900 East Main Street (NRHP)
5. Dr. Lucius Charles Alston House (453 North Pima) (NRHP)
6. Falcon Field World War II Aviation Hangars (4800 East Falcon Drive) (NRHP)
7.
Federal Building (26 North Macdonald) (MHPR)
8. First United Methodist Church (15 East 1st Avenue) (MHPR)
9. Irving School (155 North Center Street) (MHPR and NRHP)
10. Isley (Phil) House (412 North Macdonald) (MHPR)
11. James Macdonald House (307 East 1st Street) (MHPR)
12. Larkin Fitch Farmhouse (945 North Center Street) (MHPR)
13. Lehi School (2345 North Horne) (MHPR and NRHP)
14. Mesa Grande (Address Restricted) (NRHP)
15. Mesa Journal-Tribune FHA Demonstration House/Charles A. Mitten House
(238 West 2nd) (MHPR and NRHP)
16. Mesa Public Library/Information Technology Building (59 East 1st Street) (MHPR)
17. Mesa Woman’s Club (200 North Macdonald) (MHPR and NRHP)
18. Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (430 North Lewis (MHPR)
19. Nile Theater (105 W. Main St.) (MHPR)
20. Park of the Canals (North Horne from Utah Ditch to Mesa-Consolidated Canal (MHPR and
NRHP)
21. Ponderosa II (602 South Edgewater Drive) (MHPR and NRHP)
22. Ramon Mendoza House (126 North Pomeroy) (MHPR)
23. Robert Scott House (2230 East Grandview Street) (NRHP)
24. Strauch Fuller House (148 North Macdonald) (MHPR and NRHP)
25. Spangler-Wilbur House (128 North Macdonald) (MHPR and NRHP)
26. Sirrine House (160 North Center Street) (MHPR and NRHP)
27. Williams Air Force Base (Multiple Resources) (NRHP)
Certain properties may be listed on both the NRHP and the MHPR, while others may only be on
one register. Only properties listed on the MHPR will require a Certificate of Appropriateness
prior to commencing a project, although property owners making modifications to properties
listed only on the NRHP are encouraged to follow best practices and work with the Mesa
Historic Preservation Office.
SEE MAP 11
Map 10: Mesa Local Landmarks and National Register Properties
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Map 11: Mesa Local Landmarks and National Register Properties
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Significant Features:
• Craftsman style home
• Symmetrical facade
• Medium-pitched gable roof
• Large front veranda supported with posts
• Large double-hung windows
The "Phil Isley" house was constructed in 1922 and was originally located at 643 E. Main
St. It is a classic example of a brick, craftsman bungalow. A motel was built on the site in
the 1940s, with the house serving as the office. In 2005, the house was purchased and
moved to the current site (412 N. Macdonald) within the Evergreen Historic District. The
house sits on a flag lot and is not visible from Macdonald.
Phil Isley (1886-1962) played an important role in Mesa's history. He served as president
of the Lions Club, the Hiram Club, and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. He was the
Maricopa County Treasurer, he served on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
and he was a member of Arizona's State Legislature.
Isley (Phil) House (412 N. Macdonald)
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2016
Construction Date:
1922
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HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2004
National Register of Historic Places: Designated 2006
Construction Date: 1908
Significant Features:
• Unique, well-articulated example of small, single-purpose post office building
type: 1-3 stories in height with first floor set on a raised platform
• Federal Moderne (can be referred to as “Starved Classicism”) architectural style:
flat facades with nominal articulation, cast paneling positioned to create fluting
on the central section of the front facade with recessed entry, symmetrical and
proportioned facades
• Strong Classical forms incorporated in the Great Seal medallions
• Symmetrically arranged windows
• Roof is either flat or hipped and typically terminates behind a low parapet
• 1960 addition (south side) upgraded to small, combined Post office and federal
building
Federal Building (26 N. Macdonald)
Two things
Alma Ward Meeting House (809 W. Main St.)
Significant Features:
• Asymmetrical “T” floor plan with the long axis in the north-south direction
• Exterior materials are brick and stucco
• Intersecting gable roof is finished with metal panels to resemble concrete shingles
• Simple wood window pediments, cornices, and shutters
• Upper level windows have vertical, rectilinear openings
• Smaller basement windows are at street level with square openings
• Stylistic ornamentation is achieved with large circular ventilators at the apex of the
gable ends
The Alma Ward Meeting House is a Colonial Revival style building located at the corner of
Main St. and Extension Rd. The Alma Ward is the namesake for Alma School Road. The two-
story meeting house is the most prominent and only contributing building among three that
were constructed on this property as part of a LDS Church complex in the early twentieth
century.
The Meeting House sits near the front of a flat .60 acre rectangular lot, within a suburban
setting with grass lawns, low shrubs, and trees between the buildings and the adjacent
arterial roads. A low decorative metal fence encloses the yard in front of the buildings and
patio. The southern and western property boundaries are marked with a high block wall.
Signage is a recent structure located on the northeastern corner of the property at the
street intersection.
The Federal Building was built, as part of the Works Progress Administration program, in
1936 becoming Mesa’s first 1st-class post office and one of the finest buildings in the City
upon its completion. The building was expanded in 1960 to include a two-story extension
and loading dock. Despite this expansion, it became necessary to move the post office's
operations in 1980. At that point, the historic former post office became a federal building
and housed offices for various federal agencies until the building was granted to the City
of Mesa in 2002.
In 2018, Mesa voters approved a $7.4 million bond issue to convert the building into a
dynamic community event space called The Post.
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2004
Construction Date: Constructed (as present form) ca. 1936
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Irving School (155 N. Center)
Significant Features:
• Symmetrical front facade, architectural ornamentation (Federal Moderne)
• Rambling E-shaped floor plan, gabled roofs
• Interior details - Concrete floors with integral coved baseboards
• Mature trees, shrubs, and lawns of the broad frontage of the Irving School serve to
unify it with densely landscaped West 2nd Street
Significant Features:
• Wood casement window with screens on the inside open to the outside
• Agricultural setting, rare remaining example of Mesa’s rich agricultural heritage
The Irving School is a surviving example of the Federal Moderne style of architecture. The
school building was constructed in 1936-1937 as a Public Works Administration (PWA)
project. It is historically significant as an example of federal depression-era public works
and for its role in educating Mesa residents prior to World War II.
The property was purchased by the City of Mesa in 1976 and converted into a performing
arts center, although the building retains its historic appearance and setting from its
period of significance, 1936-1949.
The Fitch Farmhouse was built in 1933 on farmland owned by Larkin Fitch. Larkin Fitch
played a prominent role in Mesa's farming industry in the first half of the 20th century.
Fitch was the president of the Mesa Farm Bureau and served as a member of the Council
and Board of Directors of the Salt Lake Project.
The Fitch Farm House is an example of a Tudor Revival style house which includes a
second story sleeping porch constructed with adobe bricks.
Larkin Fitch Farmhouse (945 N. Center)
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 1998
National Register of Historic Places: Designated 2000
Construction Date: 1936-1937
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2010
Construction Date: 1933
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Significant Features:
• Constructed between 1916 and 1918 (ca. 1925 two-story addition to the north)
• Wood framed construction with stucco sheathing
• Wood shingle, gable woof with a gable hip at the south side
• Exposed rafters and clapboard siding at gable heads
The James MacDonald house is a two-story building that was the home of James
MacDonald. MacDonald was an early Mesa pioneer as well as a police officer, farmer
and builder. James MacDonald assisted in the construction of the Arizona LDS Temple in
1919.
James MacDonald House (307 E. 1st St.)
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 1998
Construction Date:
1916-1918
Significant Features:
• Early example of Post-War modern formalism style of steel and pre-cast concrete
exposed structural systems
• “M”-shaped Mesa breeze block
• Two-story glass entryway with the unique floating terrazzo stairway and hanging
lights
Constructed in 1959, the building maintains most of its original features including a
floating terrazzo stairway in its lobby and original light fixtures. The north and south glass
facades were set back from the exterior wall of decorative masonry. Breeze block solar
screens provide protection from the harsh Arizona sun.
Mesa Public Library / Information Technology Building
(59 E. 1st St.)
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2013
Construction Date:
1959
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HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2002
Construction Date:
1961
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2014
Construction Date:
1960
Significant Features:
• Concrete masonry unit construction featuring a stepped parapet on the east and
west facades, covering the gable ends, entry is on east facade with a gabled porch
covering
• Tower located at southeast corner of building topped with a pyramidal spire
and cross
• Asphalt shingle roof
The Mount Calvary Baptist Church was built in 1961 and is the oldest predominantly Black
Church in Mesa. The church was initially established as a mission, and it was led by
missionaries who commuted several miles each week. Prior to the church's construction,
the congregation met under a tree in the front yard of the late Clara McPherson.
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (430 N. Lewis)
Ponderosa II (602 S. Edgewater Dr.)
The Ponderosa II House was built in 1960 by actor Lorne Greene, who played Ben
Cartwright, the patriarch of the Cartwright family in the popular 1960s TV series “Bonanza”.
The house is a replica of Bonanza’s Ponderosa Ranch House. The Lorne Green house was
the first home built in the community and was the flagship home used in promoting land
sales and new home construction in Apache Country Club Estates (now Golden Hills and
Arizona Golf Resort)
Significant Features:
• Log construction
• Stone wishing well and horse trough
M E S A D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S F O R H I S TO R I C P R O P E R T I E S
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D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S - A P P E N D I X D
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2001
Construction Date:
1944
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2001
Construction Date:
1944
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2014
Construction Date:
1951
The Ramon Mendoza House was built in 1944 and was the home of Ramon Mendoza,
Mesa's first Hispanic Chief of Police. Mendoza was born in Mesa in 1914, the son of pioneer
settler Ramon S. Mendoza (for which the Mendoza School is named) and graduated from
Mesa High School in 1932. In a time when segregation was still commonplace, Mendoza
became a police officer in 1942 and was appointed Police Chief in 1969 and served in this
capacity until his retirement in 1978. Mendoza purchased his home in 1946 and lived there
until his death in 1999.
Significant Features:
• Ranch home with covered porch
• Attached carport
• Low-pitched roof line
The First United Methodist Church holds the distinction as being Mesa's longest
continuously operating church, with the congregation in existence since the late 1800s.
The church's steeple has been a part of downtown Mesa’s skyline since the early 1950s.
The Historic Landmark site includes the sanctuary and steeple, Stewart chapel, and the
bell tower atop the columbarium. The bell tower was relocated from the former church to
the current columbarium.
Significant Features:
• Mid century architectural trend of monolithic form accentuated by a lesser ratio of
solids to voids, geometric shapes juxtaposed with the warm brick and curved walls,
simple decoration
• Minimal steeple tower expresses mid century details such as decorative brick grills,
reminiscent of breeze block walls, tower’s verticality emphasized by the stacked
bond brick within the inset portions leading up to the vent
• Main church building complemented by classrooms, designed similar to the finger-
plan used by many mid century schools – this plan was used to achieve a balance
between the classroom and natural environment in the form of a courtyard
• Mission style columbarium and bell structure, a style that was popular much
earlier than the 1950s campus, serving as evidence it was taken from an earlier
church building
Ramon Mendoza House (126 N. Pomeroy)
First United Methodist Church (55 E. 1st Ave.)
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HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Mesa Local Historic Landmark: Designated 2023
Construction Date:
1924
The Nile Theater was built in 1924 with locally kilned Lehi brick. It served as Mesa's first
movie house and was a pioneer in the state as the first "air-cooled" building. The theater
played a crucial role in inspiring the construction of other theaters in the Valley, includ
ing the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix, which was constructed four years after The Nile.
The Nile's architectural features, including its brick construction, glazed storefront and
historic windows make it a well-preserved example of 1920s design. While it now oper
ates as a music venue with a coffee shop, the building's rehabilitation in 2018 maintained
much of its original appearance, preserving a piece of Mesa's architectural history.
Significant Features:
• Brick (Lehi brick) construction with three bays which are accentuated by the varied
parapet
• The lower level features a glazed storefront
• The upper level features nine windows with three windows per bay
• All but the center window are 10-light casement windows
• Although the windows are not original, they are historic in age
• An awning has been added where the original marquee sign once hung
• The painted signage on the building has replaced previous electric, neon and
marquee signs
The Nile Theater (105 W. Main St.)
H I S T O R I C P R E S E R V A T I O N
D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S