Other Mesa Preservation Projects
Highlighting other preservation projects happening throughout Mesa
The Sirrine House
The Sirrine House
History
Built in 1896 by Joel E. Sirrine for his bride, Caroline Simkins Sirrine, the Sirrine House stands as a testament to Mesa’s early architectural and cultural history. Joel Sirrine, who arrived in Mesa in 1878 with the original settlers, constructed this Queen Anne-style cottage using Ponderosa pine lumber transported from Prescott and bricks crafted by the Shill family of Lehi . The home features high ceilings, a spacious wooden porch, and handcrafted woodwork, reflecting the design sensibilities of the late 19th century.
In February 1986, after six years of dedicated community efforts, the Sirrine House was opened to the public as the Sirrine Historic House Museum. The restoration aimed to accurately reflect the home’s original state, with extensive research conducted by the Museum and the Southwest Archaeology Team. The interior was furnished with period-appropriate antiques and collectibles, many acquired through donations and support from the Arizona Museum of Natural History Guild, offering visitors an immersive experience of early 20th-century Mesa life.
Revitalizing a Landmark
Currently, the Sirrine House and its adjacent carriage house, situated on a 0.60-acre site at 160 N. Center Street, are undergoing significant restoration efforts led by the City of Mesa. The project encompasses essential repairs, including porch renovation, brick repointing, structural reinforcements, painting, and grading adjustments to ensure proper drainage.
Beyond preservation, the city’s vision for the Sirrine House includes transforming the site into a vibrant community hub. Plans are underway to introduce on-site agricultural production, educational programs, and spaces for events and gatherings. Conceptual designs feature urban farming areas, a demonstration kitchen, and venues for food, music, and art events, aiming to blend historical preservation with contemporary community engagement.
Funding for the comprehensive restoration and activation of the Sirrine House site is included in the recreation and culture bond, which Mesa residents voted on in the November 2024 election . This initiative represents a commitment to honoring Mesa’s rich history while fostering a dynamic space for education and community connection.
More information: https://downtownmesa.com/invest/sirrine-house-project
Lehi Auditorium
Lehi Auditorium
History
The Lehi Auditorium, located on the grounds of the Mesa Historical Museum, is a WPA-era building constructed in 1939 during the Great Depression. It was built as part of the Lehi School campus, which served the local community for decades. The original school on this site dates back to the 1880s and was replaced in 1913 by the current structure, with expansions in the 1920s. During the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration added the auditorium and an annex, providing valuable space for school and community use.
Over the years, the auditorium hosted school events, community meetings, dances, and reunions. Its concrete construction was so substantial that it was designated a community bomb shelter during the Cold War. After the school was closed in 1976, the property was purchased by the City of Mesa and eventually transferred to the Mesa Historical Society. The Mesa Historical Museum opened to the public in 1987, using both the school building and the auditorium until the early 2000s, when changing building codes required the auditorium to close. In 2001, both buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoration and Future Plans
In 2024, the Mesa Historical Museum launched a capital campaign to restore the Lehi Auditorium and return it to public use. Plans include essential repairs such as roof replacement, structural improvements, electrical upgrades, exterior painting, and accessibility enhancements. The restored building is planned to house The Arizona Baseball Museum, an exhibit focused on the history of baseball in Arizona. The space will also be available for community events and private rentals, offering both exhibit and gathering space.
The Mesa Preservation Foundation supports the restoration of the Lehi Auditorium as a project that preserves historic architecture and continues the tradition of community use for future generations.
More information on the restoration plans and ways to help: www.mesahistoricalmuseum.com/capital-campaign