By Mark Cowling | Pinal Central
FLORENCE — When work is finished on the historic Francisco Cuen House and Butcher Shop next month, it should be nearly 90% of what it was originally on the Main Street side, the general contractor said.
The living quarters, which were built later along 11th street, should be close to 70% of what they were originally. Only the 20th-century addition to the rear, which closed up the L-shape, is completely new and includes a modern restroom, coincidentally over the spot where the Cuens had their outhouse.
Preservation specialist Reggie Mackay discussed the journey of saving the simple little 138-year-old adobe in an interview with PinalCentral. Historic preservation projects aim to restore a building to a particular era, not necessarily to when it was new.
“This structure was my first case in Pinal County – to expand the then Qwest Switching facility over 20 years ago.”
–Jordan Rose, Rose Law Group founder and president
