By Philip Haldiman
The Arizona Republic
The owners of a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in east Phoenix that has been the focus of a controversial city-preservation effort have allowed a city-issued demolition permit to expire and will instead focus on finding a buyer.
However, the threat of a lawsuit against the city by the owners of the David and Gladys Wright House remains as the city presses forward with an effort to designate the structure a historic property to stave off redevelopment on the site.
The Phoenix City Council will vote on the historic designation Nov. 7. Both the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission and the city Planning Commission have recommended approval.
Steve Sells, a co-owner of the 8081 Meridian partnership that owns the house, said the company allowed the demolition permit to expire on Tuesday and will not seek an extension. That will allow more time to find a buyer who will preserve the house.
“We have no intention of pursuing an extension of or acting on our current demolition permit,” Sells said.
