Springerville School Rehabilitation Project Received Grand Award

(Phoenix, AZ - June 23, 2014) - Awards for historic preservation achievements were recently presented at the 2014 Arizona Governor's Awards in Historic Preservation Ceremony on June 13, 2014 as part of the 12th Annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference. Nearly 300 attended the awards luncheon held in Rio Rico, Ariz. and hosted by the Arizona Preservation Foundation and the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is part of Arizona State Parks.

At the Governor's Awards in Historic Preservation presentation, awards are given in two areas. One is the 33rd annual Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards and the other is the 28th annual Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission Awards in Public Archaeology.

Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards

A committee of historic preservation professionals selected the nine award recipients. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer selected one of the nine to be the Grand Award Winner. Presenting the awards were Representative Demion Clinco, District 2, Arizona State Legislature and member of the Arizona Preservation Foundation, and Bryan Martyn, director, Arizona State Parks.

The 2014 honorees are:

· Springerville School Rehabilitation Project (Grand Award Winner)

· Camp Naco Preservation Team for the Rehabilitation of Camp Naco

· Garfield Commons, Phoenix

· Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish for the Chapel of the Gila, Florence

· Dr. David Doyel

· ASU Student Center at the U.S. Post Office, Phoenix

· Bob Frankeberger

· Wagon Wheel Lodge

· Chase Bank Historic Banks Brochure

Springerville School Rehabilitation Project (Grand Award Winner)

In 2004, the Springerville Schoolhouse was slated for demolition. Built in 1928 to replace the original 1884 school, the Springville Schoolhouse had served the community for decades but due to a downturn in the local economy it suffered from years of benign neglect and eventual abandonment. Its proposed demolition rallied the citizens of Springerville and a committee - led by Phelps and Kay Wilkins, Mayor Kay Dyson, and hotelier/rancher Roxanne Knight - was formed to find a way to save the school. Over the next decade the committee was awarded state and federal grants as well as received substantial contributions from private funds from brick sales and donations from the Emma Udall Johnson family, the Becker Family, the Wilkins Family, and the Hunt Family. Today it serves as the Springerville Heritage Center, home of the Renee Cushman Museum, Becker Family History Museum, Casa Malpais, Springerville-Eagar Chamber of Commerce, and an art gallery.

Camp Naco Preservation Team for the Rehabilitation of Camp Naco

Built in 1919, Camp Naco was part of a thousand-mile long "human fence along the border." The only Western camp made of adobe - and, ironically, the only one that remains fairly intact - Camp Naco has suffered tragic vandalism, severe erosion, and disastrous arson. In 2006, the remaining complex of 20 buildings, located just 700 yards from the international border, was threatened with imminent demolition. In 2008 Huachuca City offered to buy the site for $10 and Camp Naco became part of a community over 20 miles away. Thus far more than $600,000 in grants and donations have been acquired for its preservation not including more than $100,000 in donated time and labor.

Garfield Commons, Phoenix

Garfield Commons Apartment Homes was originally built in 1960 for the Little Sisters of the Poor, a home providing are for seniors regardless of race, sex, or religious affiliation. After being vacant for more than 20 years, DESCO Arizona Affordable Housing, Butler Housing Company, Biltmore Architecture, and Adolfson & Peterson Construction set out to make it a state-of-the-art care facility for the less fortunate. The team worked with federal and state agencies to procure affordable housing and historic tax credits that made the financing of the project possible. Many of the 100 housing units will be for U.S. veterans living in Phoenix. Now after two decades, the property is once again serving the community.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish for the Chapel of the Gila, Florence

In a December 10, 1870 edition of a Tucson newspaper it was reported that a new Catholic church was being built in Florence. This was the Chapel of the Gila. Since then the adobe church has expanded and been used for many functions including indigent housing, recreation hall, parish hall, and of course, religious education. Throughout its history the church was rehabbed many times, the first time in 1949, and the last time in 2013. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish has repeatedly chosen preservation of the church over demolishing it. Architect Harris Sobin said, "While the chapel may have been originally constructed for the Catholic Church, the complex is at the same time an irreplaceable part of the historic heritage and patrimony of all the people of Arizona and the Southwest, irrespective of their religious adherence or belief."

Dr. David Doyel, Statewide

Dave Doyel has been working as an archaeologist for more than four decades. Although he started his graduate training in California, he finished it at the University of Arizona working with his mentor Dr. Emil Haury. For his dissertation, Doyel directed excavations at the Escalante Mound, located on the north side of the Gila River just downstream from Florence. Thereafter, as an archaeologist, he completed numerous archaeological data recovery projects, reports, exhibits, and conservation efforts in the Southwest. His conservation efforts include works at Pueblo Grande Cultural Park, Navajo Nation Museum and Salmon Ruins Museum and Park. One of his dedicated volunteer efforts, lasting several decades, is a project to save and renovate Gatlin Site National Historic Landmark, an early platform mound site outside of Gila Bend along the Gila River. Currently, Doyel works at Luke Air Force Base out on the Barry M. Goldwater Range East, and is involved in upgrading the cultural resources program there. Besides authoring numerous reports, journal articles, book chapters, and books focusing on archaeology in the Southwest, his career includes public lectures, teaching and public archaeology programs.

ASU Student Center at the U.S. Post Office, Phoenix

The vision for the new ASU Student Center grew out of an opportunity to re-use and adapt portions of one of downtown Phoenix's most beloved historic buildings, its U.S. Post Office designed by Lescher and Mahoney, at the northernmost boundary of the university's newest campus. Part of an extensive federal building program initiated in the late 1920s, it housed the main post office of Phoenix for more than 30 years, as well as the offices of the judiciary and several federal agencies. In partnership with the City of Phoenix, ASU selected the building's loading dock, original sorting room, and basement for its new Student Center and hired architects Holly Street Studios to design it. Reviving this important downtown hub for the next generation of Arizona leaders reminds us that the physical environment must be valued and maintained as part of our continued story.

Bob Frankeberger, Phoenix

Bob Frankeberger has the distinction of being both second in his class and last in his class when he graduated from ASU's School of Architecture. There, prominent architects such as Paolo Soleri and architectural historians such as Marcus Whiffen taught him. During his early years as an architect, he worked with such midcentury notables as Ralph Haver and Benny Gonzales. He oversaw the first major restoration project in the City of Phoenix, the Rosson House, and won a National AIA award for design for his Lathe House. Since the mid-1990s Frankeberger has been the architect for the SHPO where he participated in hundreds of projects including the design of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge at Hoover Dam.

Wagon Wheel Lodge, Williams

The build date of the Wagon Wheel Lodge, east of Williams, is not known but is thought to date from the late 19th century. What is known is that in 1937 it became the McHat Inn where it evolved over the next nine years into the Wagon Wheel Lodge. Vacant for a number of years, the property was purchased in 2012 by Rotter Family Trust representatives Ann Wren-Serna and Louie Serna who, along with architect Doug Stroh, restored the property back to how it looked in the earliest known photograph of the building: a Frasher postcard from the 1940s. The project included reconstruction of the front porch, the front dormers, and much more. The property will be the centerpiece of the new winery.

Chase Bank Historic Banks Brochure, Phoenix

Chase Bank created an educational brochure regarding their mid-century buildings throughout the state, compiled a video of architectural renderings of their historic banks, and is adopting a program that recognizes and encourages preservation of their banks in Arizona, which could become a model project for other western states. This effort is an outgrowth of their recognition for the passing of Frank Henry, architect of the iconic "mushroom bank" at 44th Street and Camelback in Phoenix, designed early in his career when he worked for the architectural firm of Weaver & Drover. Chase's aim was to raise awareness of these historic banks, many of which are only just turning 50 years old, that represent the spectrum of mid-century modern design.

Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission (GAAC) Awards in Public Archaeology

The GAAC is a statutory Commission that is composed of 11 members appointed by the Governor of Arizona with expertise in prehistoric or historic archaeology, anthropology and/or ethnography, as well as tourism, public education, economic development, business and Native American affairs. Presenting the awards were Connie Stone, Ph.D., GAAC chair, and Bryan Martyn, director, Arizona State Parks.

The 2014 honorees are:

· James W. Garrison, Phoenix (Lifetime Achievement)

· Everett Murphy and Lee Dewester, Safford (Avocational Archaeologist)

· Jon Czaplicki, Phoenix (Professional Archaeologist)

· Chris Schrager, Tucson (Professional Archaeologist)

· City of Phoenix Aviation Department for "Seeds of Growth: Neighborhoods on the Salt River Floodplain" (Government Agency)

· Four Southern Tribes Cultural Resources Working Group (Tribe)

· Verde Valley Archaeology Center (Private Non-Profit Entity)

· "Rock Art of the Grand Canyon Region" (Don Christensen, Jerry Dickey and Steven Freers, Special Achievement Award)

· Chris Tetzloff, Payson (Site Steward)

James W. Garrison, Phoenix (Lifetime Achievement)

Garrison currently serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He has been a registered architect in Arizona since 1974 and has practiced in the field of historic preservation all of his architectural career, specializing in the inspection and rehabilitation of historic buildings, and in the stabilization and conservation of adobe.

Garrison was hired as a historical architect by the SHPO in 1990 to oversee the Certified Local Government Program that develops preservation programs at the local level. On November 5, 1992, Arizona's Governor designated Garrison as the State Historic Preservation Officer. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, and is active in the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. Garrison is the longest serving SHPO in Arizona.

In his 22 years in this role, Garrison has been a strong supporter of public archaeology programs. He has always ensured that funding was available for the promotion of the annual celebrations of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month and the Archaeology Expo. This included using some of the SHPO budget to make up the shortfall when funds from the Arizona Heritage Fund were no longer available for these educational programs. He's always supported his professional staff's public speaking engagements and other endeavors to help create an educated and sensitive citizenship in Arizona.

Garrison has been an ardent supporter of the Arizona Site Steward Program. He's worked diligently to keep the Program afloat through the past two decades as it faced numerous funding threats and staffing issues. He also enjoys writing an educational column for the Site Steward Program newsletter to inform the Stewards about important issues in historic preservation.

Garrison is also responsible for creating the Arizona Historic Preservation Conference venue, when he opted to replace the Certified Local Government regional training workshops with a conference that embraced all aspects of historic preservation. In 12 short years, he has made the Historic Preservation Conference one of the nation's largest state conferences focused on heritage preservation.

Jim Garrison has undertaken many special projects and contributed his valuable knowledge and expertise to a multitude of important historic preservation undertakings. However, the Commission especially wants to recognize him for the years of dedicated service that he has provided, and has allowed his staff to provide, to making Arizona's public archaeology program one of the best in the nation. Arizona's public archaeology programs continue to serve as an exemplary model for other states, and much of this is a result of Garrison's faithful and consistent support.

Everett Murphy and Lee Dewester, Safford (Avocational Archaeologist)

Everett Murphy and Lee Dewester receive the Avocational Archaeologist award. Working as volunteers for the Bureau of Land Management in the Safford region, they've made significant contributions to scientific research, archaeological site protection, and public education. They've worked to restore and stabilize historic cabins and prehistoric cliff dwellings. Everett and Lee helped to create and interpret replicas of prehistoric dwellings at the Dankworth Archaeological Village at Roper Lake State Park. Both served as docents at the Museum of Anthropology at Eastern Arizona College. Widely regarded as regional experts, they've been key members of university research teams. With more than 30 years of service, Everett Murphy has provided knowledge and continuity to the BLM's cultural heritage program. His accomplishments include co-authoring a book by the University of Texas on "Prehistoric Gila River Canals of the Safford Basin." Lee Dewester has more than 20 years of service to the BLM. His notable accomplishments include assisting the University of Texas in archaeological investigations of Lefthand Canyon.

Jon Czaplicki, Phoenix (Professional Archaeologist)

For 25 years, Jon Czaplicki has overseen the archaeology program of the Phoenix Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation. Czaplicki managed many of the largest research projects in the Southwest. He promoted public understanding of archaeology through creative approaches, transforming complex technical reports into educational publications and exhibits accessible to a wide audience. An example is the "Modern Rivers, Ancient Times" program for the Central Arizona Project. Czaplicki assisted Indian tribes in developing educational programs and museums. An award-winning film, "Our Elders Knew How to Farm," focused on a historic irrigation system and showed how farming was important to the Navajo people. He is widely recognized for his efforts to ensure effective curation of archaeological collections for future use and long-term preservation.

Chris Schrager, Tucson (Professional Archaeologist)

The Bureau of Land Management and Coronado National Forest benefit from Chris Schrager's talents as an archaeologist, teacher and brick mason. Schrager uses these skills to forge partnerships that engage the public in preserving historic buildings. The Friends of Kentucky Camp, Cienega Watershed Partnership, Boy Scouts, and others have worked with Schrager to restore and preserve such important places as the Empire Ranch, Kentucky Camp, Fairbank Town Site and Brown Canyon Ranch. Hes uses these projects to develop school programs that meet educational standards for math and science. Schrager received the national "Windows on the Past" award for an educational program with a local charter school. His projects benefit communities through the adaptive re-use of historic buildings to host activities and events. Schrager's efforts allow the public to directly experience and appreciate the importance of historic places in our shared heritage.

City of Phoenix Aviation Department for "Seeds of Growth: Neighborhoods on the Salt River Floodplain"

"Seeds of Growth" is a popular report that brings alive the history of seven residential neighborhoods within the voluntary relocation area covered by the Community Noise Reduction Program. Law required archaeological studies. However, the City went beyond the legal mandate to create a publication that offers historical accounts and photos of the individuals and families who shaped these thriving neighborhoods. The story spans the time from prehistoric Hohokam villages to historic neighborhoods and important leaders of the African-American and Hispanic communities, such as Lincoln Ragsdale, Calvin Goode and Silvestre Herrera. From its inception, community members participated in the project and helped to shape its content.

Four Southern Tribes Cultural Resources Working Group

The Four Southern Tribes Cultural Resources Working Group includes staff, elders and members of cultural committees from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Tohono O'odham Nation and Ak-Chin Indian Community. For more than 20 years, the group has conducted meetings to share information and facilitate consultations with governments, agencies and organizations. The meetings involve early notification of proposed projects and collaborative resolution of issues related to archaeology. These opportunities enhance understanding of tribal cultural values associated with archaeological sites. Beyond legal compliance for specific projects, the group offers advice on such matters as land use planning and the development of educational programs by parks, museums and the Phoenix Zoo. The Four Southern Tribes have benefited the public in cooperative efforts to protect Arizona's archaeological heritage.

Verde Valley Archaeology Center

The Verde Valley Archaeology Center receives the award for a Private Non-Profit Entity. Its mission is to preserve archaeological sites and collections; to maintain collections locally and make them available for research and education; and to foster a deeper understanding of archaeology and American Indian history in the Verde Valley. In only four years, the Center has forged partnerships with the Town of Camp Verde and others; established a museum, library, and curation facility; created public education programs; and grown to 350 members. Its members volunteer on fieldwork, analysis and interpretive projects in the Prescott and Coconino National Forests. In 2012, the Center hosted the Verde Valley Archaeology Conference. Public programs include lectures, site tours, film festivals, a YouTube channel and festivals of archaeology and Native American culture. The Center also presented programs to more than 650 students at 10 schools and public libraries.

"Rock Art of the Grand Canyon Region" (Don Christensen, Jerry Dickey, and Steven Freers)

A Special Achievement Award was presented to three avocational archaeologists for their publication, "Rock Art of the Grand Canyon Region." Don Christensen, Jerry Dickey and Steven Freers spent more than two decades recording hundreds of sites in and around the Grand Canyon. The result is a beautiful book that integrates current research to serve as a key reference, while also describing archaeology to the public in an accessible manner. The book highlights the fragile nature of prehistoric rock art and the importance of protecting its scientific, artistic and heritage values. The authors devoted more than 10,000 hours to the project, which involved arduous hikes into remote areas. They also maintained databases in coordination with the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon National Park and Bureau of Land Management. "Rock Art of the Grand Canyon Region" is a truly monumental contribution to Arizona archaeology.

Chris Tetzloff, Payson (Site Steward)

Chris Tetzloff is the recipient of the award for service to the Arizona Site Steward Program. Tetzloff serves as the regional coordinator for the Payson region. In more than a decade of service, she's contributed more than 1,000 hours to the program. In 2012, she was honored as assistant regional coordinator of the year. Tetzloffs uses excellent administrative, organizational and social skills in sustaining an effective and tight-knit community of site steward volunteers. She hosts field trips and other activities to maintain their enthusiasm and knowledge. The program managers at Arizona State Parks, as well as her volunteer stewards, recognize her leadership skills and know that they can rely on Chris Tetzloff.

The Arizona SHPO, a division of Arizona State Parks, assists private citizens, private institutions, local governments, tribes, and state and federal agencies in the identification, evaluation, protection, and enhancement of historic and archaeological properties that have significance for local communities, the State of Arizona, or the Nation. The role and function of the SHPO is defined in both state law (Arizona Historic Preservation Act) and federal law (National Historic Preservation Act, as amended).

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite and Cave Tour reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.