Smaller towns’ historic sites often go vacant, which escalates the cost to fix them up
By John Yantis
The Arizona Republic
The wrecking ball often swings faster in smaller cities trying to save history, preservationists and local leaders say.
Money, know-how, constantly changing priorities and new residents with shallow roots in the community often hinder efforts to protect historic architecture and cultural sites.
The dilemma leaves longtime residents disappointed and frustrates efforts to save local landmarks.
In June, former students failed to save an auditorium-turned gymnasium in Litchfield Park. Constructed in 1928, the gym was a reminder of the city’s early days.
A month later, Buckeye officials voted to demolish a cotton gin that was also built in 1928. After the decision, a town councilman wondered aloud why Buckeye bothers to advertise its historic past.
