Posted on 01/31/2006 3:26:06 PM PST by SandRat
PHOENIX — The World War II-era black officers’ club on Fort Huachuca has been listed as one of 12 Arizona’s Most Endangered Historic Places by the Arizona State Preservation Foundation.
The listing on Jan. 24 is seen as an additional positive step by the president of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers in the organization’s attempt to save Building 66050.
“It (the listing) brings us more publicity and will help in fund-raising,” Tom Stoney Sr. said Monday.
SWABS has also applied to the National Trust for placing the black officers’ club on its annual list of historic places in danger, he said, adding, the national list is expected to be out in May.
Jim McPherson, president of the nonprofit Arizona Preservation Foundation, agrees that being listed in the state will help organizations raise money to save facilities with significant historic ties to the state.
The foundation has existed since 1979. Every year 11 or 12 historic places are listed, he said.
Vince Murray, the foundation’s vice president and chairman of the organization’s Most Endangered Historic Places review committee, said, “All the properties we have named are important historic sites in Arizona, but unfortunately are in grave danger of collapse, demolition or destruction.”
The action of SWABS and others saved the Mountain View Black Officers’ Club from the wrecking ball and by working with the Army, including the garrison commanders and the Corps of Engineers, have entered into an agreement to help save the building. However, all the funds to restore the facility must come from private sources.
In the listing, the Arizona Preservation Foundation, it is stated: “High on a hill overlooking Fort Huachuca Army base in Sierra Visa sits a dilapidated building that once echoed with the sublime song stylings of Lena Horne during World War II.”
The famous black singer entertained black soldiers on the post in a facility that was the only club specifically constructed by the Army to be used as a back officers’ club.
The write-up concludes, “A plan is on the drawing board, but an estimated $3 million is needed to save and convert the club.”
SWABS is working with the University of Arizona in developing a management plan, along with having architectural renderings done.
The association has also sent the Corps of Engineers a check for more than $10,000 for a lease to the building.
Murray said, “It is critical that residents and government officials act now to save these elements of their cultural heritage before it’s too late.”
---snip--- (information provided by the Arizona Preservation Foundation)
Herald/Review senior reporter Bill Hess can be reached at 515-4615 or by e-mail at bill.hess@svherald.com.
Diva look!!!!
A little closer!
>The write-up concludes, “A plan is on the drawing board, but an estimated $3 million is needed to save and convert the club.”<
Is this using American documented workers or illegals.
No really, because of the historical nature and the fact that it physically resides on a military installation it will be volunteers from the community and restoration contractors that have fully, correctly documented workers IAW the law.
BTTT
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