We've been holding modern architecture bus tours in collaboration with Docomomo_US since 2010. Tune in to our Facebook for news on the next tour ticket release!

The Postwar Architecture Task Force of Greater Phoenix, ​Modern Phoenix, ​Preserve Phoenix, ​City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission, and ​Arizona Preservation Foundation are deeply sorrowed that the​ ​1954 Valley National Bank Branch on Willetta Street by leading Valley architects Weaver & Drover was demolished for condominiums by ​Tilton Development of Scottsdale, AZ. While the property was clearly marketed as having historic value in 2016, and documentation performed by North Wind Resource Consulting in 2017 demonstrated that the building was eligible for historic preservation under the ​U.S. ​Department of the Interior’s Criteria A (History of Banking) and Criteria C (Masterwork of High Artistic Values)​,​ the owner elected to neither place the former bank on the National Register ​of Historic Places ​nor incorporate aspects of the existing structure into new plans through adaptive reuse.

We urge all property owners of Phoenix’s Midcentury Marvels (from the book of the same name​ published in 2010​) to collaborate with civic and community leaders to determine thoughtful ways to adapt historic properties of high artistic value, conserve resources through greener building, and help maintain the integrity of our city’s fabric as a magnet for Midcentury Modernism.

M I S S I O N

The Postwar Architecture Task Force of Greater Phoenix promotes, protects and preserves our midcentury architectural heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.

Our all-volunteer Task Force is comprised of cultural leaders, historic preservation professionals, educators, architects, journalists, realtors, civic leaders and activists.

We partner with civic, cultural, educational and preservation-minded organizations on both a local and national level to further research, publishing, events, tours, activism, outreach and policy reform on midcentury architectural topics.

We promote the economic, civic, cultural, historical and ecological benefits of preserving the midcentury heritage of Greater Phoenix.

Our success will be measured on three dimensions

Legislation: We aim to repeal Proposition 207 and reverse the chilling effect it has had on the historic preservation of midcentury properties.

Prevention: We will act in fierce defense of over 200 midcentury commercial properties and take every available measure to protect our Top 25 from demolition. We will persuade the owners of midcentury buildings, homes and even entire neighborhoods to pursue historic designation as a proactive defense against permanent loss.

Designation: We will partner with property owners to nominate exceptional midcentury properties and neighborhoods for historic preservation overlay.

V I S I O N

Our vision is to protect and preserve Greater Phoenix’s midcentury modern buildings, neighborhoods and homes so future generations can grow up in, restore, appreciate and learn from exceptional architecture. As a result of our outreach, Greater Phoenix will rise as a top destination for architectural tourism and real estate investment, and inspire pride in its residents for their rich midcentury heritage.