A conversation with the monument protection officer of Phoenix

PHOENIX — How well do you know the history of Phoenix?

The city is searching for its next Historic Preservation Officer because Michelle Dodds, who held the title for a decade, is retiring soon.

This is only the second time the position has been open since its inception.

“I’ve worked for the City of Phoenix for 25 years, I’ve been with the Historic Preservation Office for 10 years,” Dodds said. “I’ve set myself some goals and it was only in October that I reached my final goal, so I think it’s time to pass the baton to someone else.”

Before she resigns, Team 12’s Jess Winters asked her to think about her career.

winter: “What was one of the biggest wins?”

dodds: “One of the first challenges I faced was the David & Gladys Wright House. It was threatened with demolition and it wasn’t designated, it wasn’t protected. We delayed the demolition and eventually a new buyer bought it and saved it from demolition. It would have been a terrible loss for the city, it’s a really beautiful home.”

winter: “What was one of the biggest losses you experienced as a monument conservator?”

dodds: “It was with another property that is not on the Phoenix register and is not protected. We had two hotels, the Madison and the St. James Hotel, that were threatened with demolition. We didn’t have the 30 day demolition process that we have now, we didn’t have that available until 2016. So the Madison was demolished and the St. James Hotel, most of it was demolished.

RELATED: Downtown Phoenix looks completely different in these vintage photos

How can we move forward while preserving the past? Lots of new construction in downtown Phoenix while some historic buildings face demolition. I spoke to preservationist Michelle Dodds before she retires. It’s all coming this morning on @12News #TodayinAZ pic.twitter.com/0nBuaOT774

— Jess Winters (@JessWintersTV) January 19, 2022

She understands she can’t keep everything and says it’s part of the job and part of life. The old must exist alongside the new.

dodds: “We have had many success stories and also many demolitions that have happened over the years. I don’t think you have to be ‘out with the old’, keep the old and bring in the new. Both of them can work side by side so we can create a real sense of place!”

She plans to train the next monument conservator.

dodds: “It is a challenging task, there is always a risk that the historical resources of our cities will be lost. The challenge lately is that we no longer have historic preservation bond funds. Hopefully we’ll have another bond election and more money for significant grants to save these properties. Hopefully the new person who will replace me comes at a time when more money is available.”

Her last day is scheduled for February 15th.

RELATED: Historic Camelback Mountain photos show Phoenix’s drastic transformation

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