Yuma Crossing Midpoint Progress Report

Bringing Projects and Programs to Life for the Yuma Community Contents

4 Introduction

District-by-District Reviews

6 • Yuma West Wetlands

10 • Yuma East Wetlands

16 • Historic Downtown Riverfront District

28 • Main Street Historic District

30 • Brinley Avenue Historic District

32 • Southern Pacific Rail Yards

34 • Century Heights

36 Proposed Priorities for the Coming Years

41 Appendix: Chart of Expenditures and Funding

42 Acknowledgements 4 Introduction 5

In October 2000, Congress authorized the Yuma Interior in December 2002. At the request of the GENERAL OBSERVATIONS vation/restoration and interpretation projects Crossing National Heritage Area through Public community, Congress adjusted the boundaries of • Despite low levels of funding from the Na- have had to be largely deferred. As you will note, Law 106-319. The legislation required the develop- the Heritage Area in 2005 to conform to the seven tional Park Service (NPS), the Heritage Area has almost no NPS Heritage Area funding has been ment and approval of a management plan and the districts created in the original plan. achieved considerable progress, primarily in the devoted to these districts. creation of a management entity. The legislation The year 2008 represents the midpoint of the riverfront districts. • Major capital projects have taken precedence authorized up to $10 million in federal matching initial 15-year authorization period and is an appro- • The limited NPS funding ($2.25 million over eight over those of historic interpretation, education funds, initially for a 15-year period through 2015. priate time to assess progress achieved thus far, the fiscal years) has been focused almost entirely on and programming. This imbalance is an issue. In February 2002, the citizen task force that had challenges ahead, as well as what new issues may the Downtown Riverfront District and the Yuma • Without the long-term commitment of the City worked with the city for many years organized itself have arisen since the management plan was issued East Wetlands. This narrow focus was necessary of Yuma to provide staff and operational support into the National Heritage Area in 2002. not only because of the riverfront’s importance, —as well as local match for other federal and Corporation. This 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation is but because these were the districts which state grants — the Heritage Area never would managed by an 11-member board of directors. The FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSMENT had the most potential to attract partners and have been able to undertake the work we have A lone egret board of directors reflected a broad cross section of This report will review progress within each of additional public and private investment. The accomplished.​ Gateway Park, enjoys the East public and private community interests -- business, the seven districts in the areas of projects and in- Indian Tribe has been a critical partner framed by the Wetlands. historical, and environmental. terpretive programming. There also is an appendix and leader in that regard. Ocean-to -Ocean The management plan was developed through- with a financial section, which reviews both base • While some projects in the four in-town historic Bridge. out 2002, and approved by the Secretary of the funding and all the match components. districts have been completed, historic preser-

Photo, Opposite Page: Photo caption for big photo goes here. The picture should be the the District Maps for the Seven Districts that will be covered in the report.

The Heritage Area plan includes seven riverfront and in-town districts. 6 West Wetlands | District-by-District Review 7

From early in the 20th century until 1970, a for reuse. Entrance to the 110-acre riverfront site between 12th and 23rd West Wetlands, The Heritage Area task force, even before circa 2008 Avenues served as Yuma’s landfill—the “city national designation, began working with vol- dump”. This land use followed a pattern across unteer groups and possible funding agencies to the country of ignoring the importance of a explore the awesome challenge of raising the river in the life of a community. estimated $10 million to build the entire park. Beginning in the 1980’s, there was interest The first success was a relatively small $23,000 in Yuma in converting this land for use as a riv- grant from State Game and Fish. erfront park. During that period, Arizona State The challenge was to develop a phased Parks worked with the City of Yuma to develop master plan, secure design and construction such a plan. Environmental concerns about the funding, and begin “early-action” cleanups landfill and lack of funding stalled the project. and tree-planting involving the community. In In the 1990’s, the Yuma community made a addition, there was a need for an implementa- sustained commitment to this project. First, tion team including a grant writer, planner, and the Environmental Protection Agency was construction manager. The City’s long-term asked to determine what mitigation was re- commitment to fund Heritage Area staffing quired to make the area safe and available for made this a reality. public use. After testing and monitoring, it was Site of the West Securing construction funding continued to Wetlands, circa determined that covering the whole site with be the most daunting task. Funding agencies 1950 6-8 feet of clean fill was the main requirement understandably were skeptical about commit- ting to a project of such a monumental scale. build roads and utility infrastructure within the acres — was designed and constructed. This The crucial breakthrough occurred in 1999, park, and directed all public works projects to portion of the park opened in December 2002. when Congressman Ed Pastor secured a $1.45 ship clean fill to the site. This in-kind match A part of the West Wetlands that had yet to million appropriation through the Bureau of was valued in the millions of dollars, and was be addressed was the “lower bench”, the lands Reclamation, funding that would be used to an important first step in covering the entire closest to the river that were overgrown with improve areas adjacent to Reclamation land site. arundo donax and salt cedar. This area was and facilities, as well as the building of a boat In September 1999, the Heritage Area task impassable and cut the community off from ramp. force sponsored a community planning effort the river. The challenge was to clear the non- With this appropriation in hand, the Heritage to finalize design of West Wetlands Park. With native vegetation and replant the species of Area was able to garner many other grants — the master plan complete, work began immedi- cottonwood and willows that lined the Colo- all of which required a 50-50% match. In order ately. While design began for “Phase 1” in the rado River in the 19th century. Some experts to advance planning and grant writing, the Her- eastern part of the Park, tree planting by volun- questioned whether restoration was possible, itage Area committed $150,000 of its funds over teers got underway. In October 1999, the Heri- given the degradation of land and lack of water. a three-year period. The Heritage Area secured tage Area hosted a volunteer day during which Congressman Pastor was able to secure an ad- three grants from the State of Arizona Heritage 700 volunteers planted more than 450 trees at ditional $500,000 in 2001 through the Bureau of Fund: a $95,000 trails grant; a $372,500 SLIF the Millennium Tree Grove. Those trees today Reclamation for this pilot revegetation project grant; and a $547,500 LRSP grant. The City of are 15-20 feet tall. Within three years, Phase — a project that would ultimately inspire and Yuma provided $1 million in funding to help One — covering about 33% of the entire 110 inform the entire East Wetlands project. Today 8 West Wetlands | Continued 9

50-foot tall cottonwood and willow trees are private funding for both construction and ongo- has brought the entire community to the West testament to the faith that the lower Colorado ing maintenance. Clearly, however, the most Wetlands and has reignited a commitment to River can and is being restored. significant recent addition has been the devel- complete the park. Since 2003, slow but steady progress has opment of the Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative During the remainder of 2007, the Heritage been made in the West Wetlands — though not Playground — one of the largest and most Area worked with the City of Yuma to update on the scale of Phase One. While the Heritage dynamic of its kind in the nation. and refine the 1999 master plan. The new Area has devoted staff time to the continuing To memorialize one of their best friends master plan will serve as a focal point for com- development of the park, it has not been in a who also enjoyed West Wetlands Park, Ron pleting the park. Despite the current difficult position to help fund improvements with NPS and Stephanie Martin made a contribution of budget environment, city and state grant funds Heritage Area funds. $100,000 to help kick off the fund-raising effort. will be needed to complete the park. The City of Yuma paved the loop road The community responded and contributed throughout the park, though more improve- more than $450,000 in cash along with untold Comment: At current NPS federal funding ments are needed. The lake, which was dug amounts of donated goods and services. The levels, it is doubtful that the Heritage Area can out in the Phase One project, was completed, City of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department contribute significant funds for capital con- filled, and opened in late 2003 with the ad- worked with Leathers and Associates to host struction. It can, however, continue to provide ditional Reclamation grant funds. In 2005, design workshops that involved thousands grant-writing and project management capa- Arizona Public Service agreed to partner with of area school children. Literally thousands bilities. If the City of Yuma sets a timetable for the City of Yuma to develop a “Solar Garden”, of volunteers came out — in the style of an completion of the park and designates a rev- a solar power demonstration area. In 2006, old-fashioned barn-raising — during two enue stream to pay for that work, the Heritage the Army of the West statue was erected with weekends in February 2007. The playground Area can seek matching grant funds and drive the design and construction of the facility. In the longer term, the Heritage Area may be able to assist with some funding for educational and In December 2002, recreational programming as a match to city Congressmen Ed efforts. Pastor and Raul Top: The lake at West Wetlands Grijalva joined Above: Yuma children swarm the Mayor Larry Stewart Vincent Wolfe Playground. Nelson, YCNHA Above Right: Enjoying a walk along Chairman the river. Steve Bell, and Right: The APS Solar Power representatives Demonstration Garden of federal and state partners to dedicate West Wetlands Park. 10 East Wetlands | District-by-District Review 11

Over the last eight years, the 1,418-acre Yuma Heritage Area staff teamed with Fred Phillips East Wetlands project has evolved from a trash- Consulting to undertake the painstaking strewn jungle of non-native vegetation into process of consensus-building, survey, sampling, one of the largest, most ambitious restoration analysis and design. This effort culminated in projects in the Southwest. The story of the East the securing of an Army Corps of Engineering Wetlands is the story of a growing partnership permit in late 2003. The first 25-acre pilot among the Quechan Indian Tribe, the City of restoration project began in early 2004, funded Yuma, private landowners, federal agencies, and with Reclamation funds secured by Senator the Heritage Area — resulting in more than $9 Jon Kyl and Congressmen Ed Pastor and Raul million in project funding and almost 500 acres Ibises make their Grijalva. return to the East of ongoing river restoration. Heritage Area staff knew that a broad base Wetlands -- and The success of the East Wetlands can be of funding would be needed to mount such a love it! traced back to the reopening of the Ocean- large undertaking. To that end, the Heritage to-Ocean Bridge in February 2002. Area over the years has committed Before any wetlands restoration more than $650,000 of its was contemplated, the own funds to write partnership between grants, provide “gap” the City of Yuma funding not covered and the Quechan by other grants Indian Tribe and manage the was greatly growing acreage strengthened under restoration. when they agreed This commitment to jointly fund has yielded more the restoration than $9 million in and reopening of East Wetlands Funding Sources grants from a the bridge. The wide variety bridge literally and of funders — figuratively linked a leverage both sides of the ratio of 15 to 1. river and helped create Without the help of a common cause these funders, this February 28, 2002, was a pivotal day in the life of the Yuma community: The reopen- ing of the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge. The Quechan Indian Tribe and the City of Yuma to clean up and project would worked together to make this happen, and helped build a partnership which made restoration of the East Wetlands a reality. restore its shores. Bureau of Reclamation $4,800,000 not have been City of Yuma $1,100,000 possible. National Fish & Wildlife Foundation $100,000 Arizona Water Protection Fund $1,900,000 State of Arizona, Heritage Fund $600,000 North American Wetlands Conservation Act $575,000 Arizona Game & Fish $200,000 12 East Wetlands | Continued 13

The flow of funding has allowed the Heritage and backwater lakes were completed. “Slashing and burning” may Area to increase the scale and accelerate the The City of Yuma built a decant water line not seem like pace of restoration, transforming what was a that brings fresh water into some of the areas conservation to wasteland of trash dumps, transient camps most in need of replenishment. An additional some, but it is the first step of and invasive species into high-quality riparian 85 acres of restoration took place in 2007. clearing non- habitat. In 2005, more than 55 acres and one The most ambitious restoration effort to date native vegetation. The results mile of river bank was restored into a grove of is planned for 2008, with more than 150 acres are beautiful more than 6,000 native trees. In 2006, an ad- of land slated for restoration. Fortunately, local stretches of ditional 70 acres of native forest and wetlands farmers have also become an integral part of native forests and restored was restored. A major project has been the the project in sharing proven tilling, flood-irri- wetlands. excavation and restoration of the river channels gation and farming techniques for dealing with that used to be the historic confluence of the the massive amount of native plant material Gila and Colorado rivers. More than 220,000 and seed needed to restore this area. cubic yards of dirt was excavated, and two The Arizona Congressional delegation miles of restored river channels, side channels remains steadfast in its commitment to this

Governor Janet Napolitano toured the East Wetlands “up close and personal” in March 2005. 14 East Wetlands | Continued 15

project. In March 2008, Senator Jon Kyl toured Comment: While the amount of acreage the East Wetlands and praised the partnership under restoration has continued to mount, the for its work. Senator Kyl pledged his support Heritage Area is well aware that the issue of for completion of the Yuma East Wetlands proj- long-term maintenance and operation of the ect, as have Congressmen Raul Grijalva and Ed East Wetlands must be confronted. Fortunately, Pastor. the Lower Multi-Species Con- This renewed ecological haven of wetlands, servation Project (LCR/MSCP) has approached forests and waterways has yielded exceptional the Heritage Area about assisting with long- habitat for more than 330 species of birds and term maintenance of the area. Over the next wildlife. It also serves as a venue for canoeing, year, the East Wetlands partners will need to fishing, bird watching and outdoor recreation develop a long-term program and budget and for the Yuma area. In 2009, the Heritage Area negotiate a funding formula that involves the plans to open five miles of public hiking trails partners along with the MSCP. A successful Before and After: Above: In through the restored area. The Yuma East resolution of this issue will help ensure the 2000, surveyors Wetlands now truly serve as a model for other long-term health of the East Wetlands. In ad- struggled through 20-foot tall salt restoration programs in the Southwest. dition, the Heritage Area needs to continue to cedar to study the seek out other sources of funding to broaden its area. endowment and foster self-sustainability. Right: At the same spot, seven years later!

Quechan Tribal President Mike Jackson Sr. and Yuma Mayor, Larry Nelson, present Senator Jon Kyl with a commemorative plaque. Senator Kyl has been a steadfast champion of the East Wetlands project. 16 Historic Downtown Riverfront | District-by-District Review 17

For decades, Yuma has sought to reconnect Joint Planning the community to its most precious natural Although the Riverfront District consists of asset — the Colorado River. Although recog- 47 acres of gross land area, only 22 acres was nized for its historic importance as the Yuma usable for redevelopment, of which the City of Crossing National Historic Landmark, the Yuma owned just nine acres. As joint planning downtown riverfront had become blighted from with C.W. Clark began in 2000, the site was divided and complicated ownership, industrial constrained in multiple ways: uses, and disuse. The City of Yuma and State of Arizona had worked to create the Yuma Cross- • The Yuma Crossing State Historic Park ing State Historic Park in 1997, but it wasn’t (9.5 acres) until the establishment of the Heritage Area • The Yuma Main Canal and Siphon (seven and the formation of a public/private partner- acres) ship in 1999, that real progress was achieved. • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kofa National The Heritage Area has committed $1,080,000 Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (USF&W) — nearly half of its total NPS funding and much (1.5 acres) of its staff efforts to advance the Riverfront • U.S. Border Patrol Yuma Sector Headquarters District. The City of Yuma asked Heritage Area (1.5 acres) staff to work with the City’s development part- • Historic Yuma City Hall (one acre) ner, Clark-Lankford, LLC of La Jolla, , • Arizona National Guard Armory (three acres) to undertake a six-year effort of joint planning, • City of Yuma water treatment sediment dry- land assembly, and public improvements. It ing beds and raw water takeoff pump house has taken the cooperation of all parties and on land owned by Arizona State Parks with considerable creativity, flexibility, and innova- an historic covenant (two acres) tion to overcome very difficult constraints: • A massive, dilapidated, but historic hill with physical, legal, and historical. former railroad water settling tanks adjacent The results, however, will truly transform the Colorado River (two acres) A miraculous Yuma’s riverfront: $30 million of private invest- • The archeological deposits of the Southern transformation ment has already taken place in 2008, with the Pacific Railroad (SPRR) Hotel and the SPRR of the downtown riverfront — total projected at $100 million over the next five line where the first train entered the state of Above: The years. Arizona in 1877 (two acres) Hilton Garden Inn and Conference • The City Water Treatment Plant (seven acres) Center nears • And bisecting the entire site was the 80’ completion Right: A desolate wide inactive Yuma Valley Railroad line view of the same owned by the US Bureau of Reclamation, scene back in along with miscellaneous “orphan” parcels. 1999. 18 Historic Downtown Riverfront | Continued 19

settling tank hill, which was slowly eroding railroad be done somewhere on site. The north site boundary was further and posed a growing threat to public safety. With this obstacle overcome, the partner- complicated by a high-pressure natural gas It also occupied one of the prime parcels for ship completed its first master plan in 2001. line operated by El Paso Natural Gas Co., the a new riverfront hotel and conference center. The plan, which included a riverfront hotel exact location of which was not known. In Through a series of meetings and working with and conference center, otherwise was heavily 2000, Heritage Area staff on behalf of the City local preservation groups, the City of Yuma weighted toward retail uses. In August 2001 and Clark examined the site in great detail, and C.W. Clark, the Heritage Area secured the Riverfront Master Redevelopment Plan working together with all of the affected permission from the City’s Historic District was nearly complete and had been placed on property interests and the public for more than Review Commission to dismantle the hill on the November agenda for approval by the City Above: A Unique a year to create the first master plan for the the condition that portions of the tanks be Council. But the events of September 11, 2001, Bit of “Recycling”: redevelopment of the site. The first and most along with the development of the Yuma Palms O conserved and reused in the project and that A D A section of the O R difficult obstacle to the projectO L was the historic appropriate interpretation of the history of the Regional Mall, changed the market completely. Southern Pacific C R I V E Settling Tanks R was reused as the entrance sign for I N T Gateway Park E R S G A T E W A Y P A RK T M. O. D. E. A T Right: The E Riverfront Master 8 72 SPACES Plan calls for $100 PARKING million of private ZONE 8 investment, including new

condo, retail, C1 RIVERFRONT CONFERENCE CENTER and office H1 E1 YUMA QUARTERMASTERDEPOT development plus STATE HISTORIC PARK (EXISTING) a new Federal E2 SHOP KEEPERUNITS (EXISTING) Courthouse. 46 SPACES E3 ARIZONA WELCOME CENTER (FUTURE) E1 PARKING ZONE 8 G1 THREE-LEVEL PARKING STRUCTURE PARKING ZONE 7 (384 SPACES) H1 HOTEL - HILTON GARDEN INN 1 5 '1 (150 ROOMS) 5 ' PROPOSED TEMPORARY PARKING SOLUTION H2 HOTEL - BOUTIQUE (50 ROOMS) 44 SPACES OFFSITE PARKING FOR E HOTEL/ CONFERENCE L1 MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL CENTEROF 129 SPACES U APARTMENTS OVERRETAIL What goes around, comes around...

L N A C1 L2 TOWN HOMES N E Top: In the late 19th century, the PARKING

A V C ZONE 8 R1 RETAIL Southern Pacific Railroad built a A R2 RETAIL magnificent riverfront hotel, which was S T RE E T M A I N R3 RETAIL E3 demolished after the Southern Pacific O1 OFFICE E P2 line was relocated in the 1920s.

U O2 HERITAGE CENTER(EXISTING)

N O3 FUTURE OFFICE DEVELOPMENT Above: Bringing back the spirit of the E PARKING V ZONE 5 P1 RESTAURANT railroad era, the new Conference Center

A G1 H2 O3 P2 RESTAURANT reflects a similar architectural style as PARKING P3 ZONE 2 . P3 MIXED-USE OFFICE OVERRETAIL PARKING T

L2 N

ZONE 4 the historic Southern Pacific hotel. . S

E 3 ACRES P4 RESTAURANT O . E H V Left: The new Hilton Garden Inn will

S N T

I

V I A R A

D R3 A have great views of the Colorado River PARKING O2 U

ZONE 3 A R2 L1 M P1 D P3 D and Gateway Park. O M

R L1 F N I H O T C E S F I RS T S T RE E T

E2

10/ 5/ 07 20 Historic Downtown Riverfront | Continued 21

Master planning was begun anew. While the role was in helping resolve land issues associ- riverfront hotel and conference center remained ated with some of the hotel/conference center the linchpin for the entire project, the new plan site. Two acres of the proposed hotel and con- created a “downtown neighborhood” concept, ference center property, overlooking the Colo- with a vibrant mix of residential, entertainment, rado River and located in the very heart of the office and retail. This plan was approved in Yuma Crossing and Associated Sites National December 2004 and updated slightly in April Historic Landmark, was owned by Arizona 2008 by Yuma City Council. State Parks. To complicate matters further, the land was burdened with an historic covenant Land Assembly held by the federal government that permitted While the assembly of 13 acres of land for re- no new development on the vacant land other development was funded by the City of Yuma, than a parking lot. the work of Heritage Area staff actually was To remove the historic covenant, the Heri- critical to actually securing the property. The tage Area undertook and funded an 18-month Heritage Area’s role — and some of its funding process to reach consensus with federal, state, — has been important in consensus-building non-profit and local stakeholders to allow the NPS, the State Historic Preservation Office, developer has called the commercial project One City Plaza: and resolving potential conflicts between new construction within the National Historic Relocating the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and “Pivot Point, Yuma” in honor of the remaining municipal development and historic preservation as well Landmark through the creation of historic the local Historic District Review Commission. concrete cylinder upon which the 1877 swing- offices from the as working with state and federal agencies to design guidelines. The Yuma Crossing Design The Guidelines provide for review and approval span railroad bridge rested. historic City assist in their relocation. Guidelines were structured to meet the re- Hall presented a of all construction outside of the State Historic Land assembly began in 2000 and involved a great opportunity An excellent example of the Heritage Area’s quirements for historic preservation and infill of Park by the local Historic District Review Com- number of relocations. The site had been used for downtown redevelopment. mission, which is unprecedented for National heavily by the federal government from 1845 Trying to Thread the Needle: Historic Landmarks. until the 1960s and the property lines were so Building a new hotel & conference center in a National Historic Land- Of similar concern to the Heritage Area and convoluted that it required more than a year of mark presented great challenges. The historical groups was the preservation of the survey work just to define property ownership Heritage Area brought all parties to original rail line corridor and interpretation of and parcel boundaries. the table, including the developer and historic preservation interests, to forge the entry of the first train into Arizona in 1877. The first of the relocations was moving the a consensus. The result was a set of The developer, the Heritage Area and city Yuma City Hall off site and into the downtown. new historic design guidelines for the riverfront which everyone supported. agreed to create an interpretive overlook to The City assembled underdeveloped land and tell the story of the Yuma Crossing on the very the developer constructed a new 150,000- site of the arrival of the first train into Arizona. square-foot City Hall, freeing the site and the The Heritage Area undertook an archeological Historic City Hall for historic preservation and investigation to determine the best method to reuse as the Yuma Heritage Center, home of the interpret what little remained of the rail cor- Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. ridor. In fact, the developer began to more fully Also interspersed throughout the site were appreciate the enormous marketing appeal of miscellaneous parcels, that the Bureau of building in a National Historic Landmark and Reclamation no longer needed. To avoid the increased his commitment to preservation. The protracted standard disposal process with the 22 Historic Downtown Riverfront | Continued 23

General Service Administration — and the The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) site was sim- Parks and Public Improvements risk that another federal agency might claim pler to clear. The land was under a 50-year As a part of its commitment to riverfront re- interest in these parcels — as well as to assure lease to USBP from the City and the partnership development, the Heritage Area has undertak- that Reclamation would receive title to the rail worked with the Congressional delegation to en a series of projects adjacent to and near the line, the Heritage Area staff provided technical assure that the USBP received sufficient con- Pivot Point redevelopment. Overall, the Heri- support to the City’s Congressional delega- struction funds to relocate prior to the expira- tage Area has committed more than $1 million tion to introduce land-exchange legislation in tion of the lease. USBP vacated the site on in NPS funds to this district. The Heritage Area 2003. Hearings before Congress on the legisla- schedule in 2003. secured funds to design and build a multi-use tion were not held until 2005. In the interim it Relocating the National Guard Armory was pathway along the Colorado River between the was also decided to add the U.S. Fish &Wildlife a more complex undertaking. The partnership East and West Wetlands. At the river’s edge Service (U.S. F&WS) Headquarters relocation worked at both the state and federal levels to just below the new hotel, the Heritage Area to the land exchange legislation so as to ex- secure funding and negotiate a joint-use agree- assembled more than $4 million in local, state pedite its relocation. The City’s Congressional ment for a new facility. The end result was the and federal funds to construct “Gateway Park”, delegation was able to enact this legislation on “Yuma Readiness and Community Center”, which opened on May 31, 2007. The park The new “place the very last day — and hours — of the 109th which not only gives the National Guard a new greatly expands public access and use of the to be”: Gateway Park has Congress. The City purchased the U.S. F&WS home but also provides public recreation ame- Colorado River, and is designed in tandem with Yuma’s “front become a very site in 2007, and took possession in 2008. nities in the eastern part of Yuma. the private development. door” has been popular spot for transformed in fun on the river. dramatic fashion. 24 Historic Downtown Riverfront | Continued 25

PIVOT ARTIFACT CASCADING FOUNTAIN TO PROVIDE RIVER SOUND PEDESTRIAN LINKAGE Interpretation for and TO LOWER GATEWAY PARK Directions to The Syphon Interpretation of Pivot and Swing Bridge

Interpretation of Ferry Crossing Telling the The Pivot Point Interpretive Plaza is a $1.75 story of million undertaking intended to showcase the Interpretation of Rail Passenger Station the Yuma and Hotel Crossing: history of the Yuma Crossing and to connect Interpretation of the commercial redevelopment with Gateway TRANSPARENT Above: This Three Railroad PHOTO DISPLAY Park. The Heritage Area funded its design Bridges swing span pivot bridge let and secured an additional $700,000.00 of grant steamboats and funds for the project, which was then matched railroads coexist FUTURE STEEL on the Colorado 50-50% by the City of Yuma. The goal is to SHADE CANOPIES River of 1895. complete the plaza by mid-2009, and open the

Left: The plaza interpretive exhibits by late-2009. next to the Hilton Progress has also taken place in connection Garden Inn will with the planned Arizona Welcome Center. The overlook the Colorado River City was able to secure the site west of North and bring Yuma’s 4th Avenue through the land exchange with rich history back Reclamation. The State of Arizona originally KEY to life. appropriated $4 million for the project, with the 48” x 36” Free Standing Interpretive Panel City to provide $1 million. In 2008, design has 24” X 18” Interpretive Panel Mounted been completed with state funds, and a con- on Steel Railing tractor has been selected. However, state bud- Interpretation of get difficulties forced the elimination of most Locomotive Cab of the construction funding. It is anticipated that grading and site work can move forward TYPICAL FREE STANDING 1907 BALDWIN STEAM LOCOMOTIVE INTERPRETIVE PANEL in the hopes that construction funding can be PROPOSED INTERPRETIVE PLAN for PIVOT POINT PLAZA restored in coming years. The Heritage Area has committed considerable staff time to this Deardorff Design Resources Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area September 2, 2008 project, and some NPS funding will be needed 26 Historic Downtown Riverfront | Continued 27

to help interpret the City of Yuma Endurance Area each contributing $400,000.00 for this up- Flight plane in its new home. grade. While State Parks has offered to commit Just as the northern gateway to the down- these funds, the Heritage Area has been unable town is being addressed by the Welcome to match their commitment. The low level of Center and the southern entrance has been NPS funding has had its most significant im- enhanced through the development of the new pact on this project. City Hall and roundabout, the eastern gateway Finally, the low level of NPS funding has along Giss Parkway needs to be examined. deferred efforts to restore the historic City Hall A project that has been deferred due to lack building, which is home to the Heritage Area of NPS funding has been the upgrading of the and a number of other nonprofit organizations interpretive exhibits at the Yuma Territorial who share the operating costs of the building. Prison State Historic Park, which still features Given competing demands, this project will 1960’s-era exhibits. The management plan en- probably continue to be deferred. visioned Arizona State Parks and the Heritage

The new Arizona Welcome Center will house the Comment: While the Heritage Area will need Parkway gateway to both the Yuma Territorial Welcome to the Yuma Visitors Prison and the downtown. This would involve Rock!: Bureau, greet to expend NPS funds for interpretation at Pivot The Yuma visitors to the Point and the Arizona Welcome Center, it will a commitment of staff time for grant writing Territorial Prison state, and help only be able to help upgrade interpretation and project management. State Historic transform the 4th Park is a favorite Avenue gateway at the if NPS funding Finally, the Executive Committee of the for residents and into Yuma. is greatly increased. In fact, most of the new Board has discussed the importance of visitors alike. With partnering with the Quechan Indian Tribe to increased funding, investment in this district in the next five to the Heritage seven years will come from the private sector. help assess and undertake restoration on the Area could help Given the needs of other districts that have north side of the river from the Ocean-to-Ocean Arizona State Parks upgrade not received funding, it is unlikely (especially Bridge to just beyond the 4th Avenue Bridge. the park with at current NPS funding levels) that the historic This was considered a high priority by the an improved Board. entryway City Hall will be restored. and historical While NPS funds will be minimal, there is Total public and private funding to date is exhibits featuring the possibility of attracting transportation $40.75 million, not including NPS funding. 21st century technology. enhancement funds to improve the Giss 28 Historic Main Street | District-by-District Review 29

Although the Heritage Area has committed Another key project in this district is the res- no NPS funds to this district, it did undertake toration of the Hotel Del Sol. Again, while staff the reconstruction and reopening of Main time has been committed, no NPS funds have Street. The Heritage Area helped to foster con- been available. However, staff did secure a sensus and secure $1.5 million in transportation transportation enhancement grant to purchase “Down on Main Street”: enhancement funds to complete the project the building on behalf of the City of Yuma and Main Street hosts with $2.3 million in City funds. The Heritage to complete asbestos abatement and structural many festivals Area staff managed the design and construc- analysis. The challenge, however, is that the and special events, like this tion of this project on behalf of the City of Yuma cost of restoration far exceeds available inter- Classic Car as part of its partnership with the City. modal funds from the Federal Transit Admin- Cruise-In. The reopening of Main Street in 2007 brought traffic back onto the street for the first time in 30 years -- as well as new investors wanting to be a part of this revitalization.

istration. For this project to succeed, greatly Comment: The Heritage Area has worked to increased grant funding sources and a strong foster conditions which will stimulate new pri- real estate market are both needed, and pros- vate investment on Main Street. The riverfront pects don’t look bright at present for either. redevelopment should help strengthen investor The Heritage Area also recently applied for confidence. Indications are good that the two and secured $50,000.00 in Community Devel- major restaurants along Main Street will reopen opment Block Grant program for the restoration in 2009. Ultimately, Main Street’s success will of historic facades of Main Street canopies. depend on continuing investment and growth Work should proceed in 2009. of residential, office, entertainment, and retail uses in the downtown neighborhood. One area in which the Heritage Area could help is to implement the Wayfinding/Signage pro- gram. A transportation enhancement grant has already been submitted for review in 2008. 30 Historic Brinley Avenue | District-by-District Review 31

This district retains some of the most unique ing has experienced continuing deterioration architectural features and is located amidst and suffered a near-fatal trauma in 2007 from significant public and private investment. earthquake aftershocks. Currently, the Heri- However, the low levels of NPS funding have tage Area is working with the City of Yuma prevented the Heritage Area from playing a and a private developer to salvage parts of the more active role in this district thus far. building for restoration, although independent The Molina Block is the project which has structural analysis has determined that parts suffered the most from the paucity of NPS of the building must be demolished. Earlier funds. Initially slated as an “early-action” proj- intervention by the Heritage Area might have ect, the extremely high cost of adobe restora- saved this building. Instead, triage is now the tion has outstripped the ability of the Heritage best approach. Area and the facility’s owner, the Arizona His- torical Society (AHS), to undertake this project. In 2006-2007, the Heritage Area supported the efforts of AHS to secure a $1.75 million state appropriation, but the State. of Arizona’s cur- rent severe budget difficulties have closed off that possibility for the time being. An even more challenging project is the Gandolfo Annex. This City-owned build- Comment: This district contains the most Yes, It can be done: The Modesti House is an example of what can be done to significant historic resources in the Yuma restore adobes in Yuma. This was undertaken entirely by a community, but has received practically no private developer. Yuma’s rich heritage of adobe funding through the Heritage Area. These are architecture at risk : resources which are degrading and cannot be Above: The City of Yuma is working replaced. The enormous cost of the restora- to try to salvage and restore parts of tion work is far beyond the NPS resources of the Gandolfo Annex, which was further threatened by a series of damaging the Heritage Area. However, as in many other earthquakes. cases, the Heritage Area should respond to efforts by AHS and the City with whatever Left: The Molina Block, one of the most historically important adobe buildings in financial support is available. Yuma, is in need of significant state and federal funding in order to be restored and brought back to productive use. 32 Southern Pacific Railyards | District-by-District Review 33

This land still sits vacant and underutilized in freight depot to the Heritage Area. Other than the hands of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). minimal funds to secure the building, the Heri- The original concept for this site was for devel- tage Area has not been in a position to expend opment of higher density in-town residential NPS funds to restore this building. An effort to living. Given the current state of the national secure transportation funds was unsuccessful. residential market it is unlikely that this will The Heritage Area thereafter sought a private take place in the near term. It was never en- developer. In 2007, the Heritage Area entered visioned — nor is it allowed — that NPS funds into an agreement with Kodiak Produce of would play any role in this redevelopment. Phoenix under which the building will be re- However, Heritage staff efforts should continue stored and reused as a wholesale produce and to encourage the public or private sector to retail “farmer’s market”. The agreement calls develop this property. for restoration by 2010. However, the Heritage Area was successful in convincing the UPRR to donate the historic

The Railyard Blues: The railroad stopped using this site over 50 years ago, but still owns it. This seven acre parcel is adjacent to the new Municipal Complex and faces Giss Parkway. The Heritage Plan envisions dynamic redevelopment of the site.

The New and the Old: Comment: This is the largest parcel of down- town land available for redevelopment. The Above: One vision for this site Heritage Area has fostered a good relationship is a major “in- with UPRR so that it might facilitate redevel- town” residential development. opment. If residential development does not materialize, another potential use would be to Left: Union use this parcel for higher education. Yuma’s Pacific railroad donated this long-term development as a city probably freight depot requires the development of a separate four- to the Heritage Area, which has year college, and putting its campus downtown teamed with a would spur redevelopment of the entire North private developer End. Again, while NPS funds may be minimal, to restore it. the Heritage Area should continue its advocacy role for the creative redevelopment of this site. 34 Century Heights | District-by-District Review 35

This historic in-town residential the program, four properties were restored neighborhood has achieved some revitalization, and saw significant new private investment although the Heritage Area has been unable to beyond just the 50-50% match. The idea was invest significant funds in the district. to create a long-term revolving loan fund for The Orange Avenue Boulevard concept has the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the Heritage found its way into the City of Yuma’s Capital Area was not in a position to fund the program

Saved by the Improvement Program, although a definitive on a continuing basis. Bell: The Heri- timetable for implementation has not been The Heritage Area also was successful in tage Area helped set. The Heritage Area could seek federal securing the donation of a blighted property save these Queen Anne Victorians, transportation enhancement funds to help (Stan’s U-Save) along Orange Avenue. The which were in further the project. former owner/operator of the gas station the way of the new Municipal In 2004-2005, the Heritage Area allocated site is currently undertaking environmental Complex. The $35,000 of NPS funds for façade restoration remediation. Redevelopment of this site City of Yuma of Century Height residential homes. The into either a pocket park or appropriate new allowed a private developer to Heritage Area provided matching 50 - 50% construction could help the neighborhood and move and restore funds for materials on a 0% interest basis — perhaps provide a new rental income stream these houses just a block away. funds which do not have to be repaid until for the Heritage Area. Comment: The Orange Avenue Boulevard the homeowners sell their property. Under project would help define this neighborhood, so its advocacy by the Heritage Area is important. The re-institution of the facade program could help stimulate new private investment in this historic neighborhood.

Not easy, but it is worth it: Historic restoration is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards can be considerable. With increased funding, the Heritage Area could assist homeowners in honoring the legacy that is Century Heights. 36 In Priority 37 Proposed Priorities for the Coming Years | Order

Maintenance & Programming for the recreational programming. Beyond the MSCP The Quechan Indian Tribe Yuma East Wetlands: funding, the Heritage Area must continue to is a leader in Now that much of the East Wetlands is being seek other sources of funding to make the Heri- downtown restored, the Heritage Area must focus on how tage Area more self-sustaining. Private fund riverfront redevelopment. to maintain this asset as well as how to pay raising and developing an endowment, there- The next decade for that long-term maintenance. If the Heritage fore, become a priority. should see a strengthening Area, Quechan Indian Tribe and City of Yuma partnership are successful in securing 50-year maintenance Downtown Riverfront District: to complete funds from the Lower Colorado River Mutli- This is the district which has necessarily restoration on both sides of the Species Conservation program, the Heritage received the most NPS funds during the first river. Area should be able to gradually shift its heavy seven years of the program. Some work still commitment of NPS funds away from this needs to be completed. While the Pivot Point program. While state grant funds will need to Interpretive Plaza is expected to be completed be secured for the City of Yuma’s Nature Park by 2009 with City and transportation enhance- at 2E, the Heritage Area can begin focusing its ment funds, the Heritage Area will need to commitment of NPS funds to education and invest NPS funds to complete the interpretive

Tender loving care needed: Ongoing maintenance is necessary to make the East exhibits. Thereafter, the interpretive focus will emerged as one its strongest partners. Beyond Wetlands a lasting legacy for Yuma. shift to the Arizona Welcome Center. While the its leadership in the Yuma East Wetlands, the A top priority is to State of Arizona has cut the $3.5 million appro- Quechan Indian Tribe has made two major secure long-term investments in improving its riverfront — the funding for such priation for construction of this facility due to maintenance. its budget crisis, it is hoped that the project will Quechan Walking Park and the new Quechan be funded in future years. Thereafter, the Heri- Nature Park. For the benefit of the entire tage Area should be able to refocus its funding community on both sides of the river, the next commitment to this district, as $100 million of logical step is to develop and implement a plan private investment takes place over the next to restore and revitalize the north side of the five to seven years. Colorado River between the Ocean-to-Ocean Communities evolve, and plans need to adapt Bridge and the 4th Avenue Bridge. Obvi- to new circumstances. Perhaps the greatest ously, this effort will be directed and led by new opportunity is to expand the Heritage the Quechan Indian Tribe, as it is entirely their Area’s vision of the “Downtown Riverfront land, but the Heritage Area should be willing to District”. Since 1999 when the Heritage Area provide whatever staff and grant support it can. was authorized, the Quechan Indian Tribe has 38 Proposed Priorities for the Coming Years | continued 39

Addressing UnderFunded Aspects of Completion of West Wetlands: an additional $500,000 in Bureau of Reclama- the Management Plan: An updated master plan has been recently tion funds to complete the wetlands restoration Over the next eight years, the Downtown completed. While much of the funding to of the 40-acre “lower bench”. If additional NPS Riverfront and East Wetlands could very well implement the plan will need to come from the funds were available, the funding could be used recede as funding priorities allow for other City of Yuma and State of Arizona grants, the to supplement ongoing educational and rec- needs to be met. The operating principle, Heritage Area has secured $500,000 in trans- reational programming by the City of Yuma’s however, should remain the same. It should portation enhancement funds and is securing Parks and Recreation Department. seek out active partners — public or private — who have the staff and funding resources to help bring projects and programs to life. In- vestments in interpretation at Pivot Point and the Arizona Welcome Center will be required in the next federal funding cycles. Thereafter, the Heritage Area should be engaging part- ners such as Arizona State Parks, the Arizona Historical Society, as well as the private sector to determine how best to leverage NPS funds to implement the balance of the management plan. The Board has already expressed an interest in using both Heritage Area NPS funds and new grant sources to increase program- ming throughout the Heritage Area The Board also expressed a concern that the City would not refill the planning staff recently vacated. Despite current budget difficulties, it is important that the City maintain its ongoing commitment for staff, as that has been the key to the leveraging of public and private funds Jewels to be Protected: along the riverfront. The Century House is yet another example of important historic resources which Yuma must find a way to con- serve.

We’ve come a long way: But we are not done yet. Completing West Wetlands Park should be a key goal of the Heritage Area over the next five years. CHART OF NPS EXPENDITURES BY DISTRICT 40 Proposed Priorities for the Coming Years | continued Appendix | AND LEVERAGED FUNDING (2001-2008) 41

It Pays to Focus: With limited NPS Funding $150,000 resources, it Leveraged Funding $4,920,118* was critical that the Heritage Area devote its energies where NPS Funding $650,000 they could pay off Leveraged Funding $9,275,000 in a big way.

NPS Funding $1,080,000

Leveraged Funding $36,250,000

NPS Funding $0 Leveraged Funding $4,350,000

Success in the NPS Funding $0 East Wetlands Entirely New Opportunities: beyond tions: $140,000 from the Bureau of Reclama- has brought new tion (already awarded) and $648,000 with the Leveraged Funding $0 opportunities the Current Management Plan & to restore the Along the Colorado River Arizona Water Protection Fund (award decision Colorado River, In early 2007, based on the success of the expected in November 2008). NPS Funding $20,000 including Yuma East Wetlands, a private foundation international The Heritage Area teamed with Pro Natura Leveraged Funding $225,000 partnerships with approached the Heritage Area about helping Noroeste to develop a cross-border restora- environmental to create a consensus for restoration in one of tion plan, which was unveiled at the “Common groups. NPS Funding $50,000 the most controversial areas in the country: Ground” conference in Yuma in April 2008. the Mexican border. With a $35,000 grant, Over the next 12 months, volunteer days are Leveraged Funding $200,000 the Heritage Area was able to bring federal planned, and it is hoped that significant “on- agencies, local property owners and Mexican the-ground” restoration will begin in 2009. NPS Funding $300,000 environmental groups together to develop the The innovative restoration techniques devel- ADMINISTRATION Leveraged Funding $3,500,000 Hunter’s Hole Concept Plan, which promoted oped in the Yuma East Wetlands are sparking restoration while addressing public safety and interest and enthusiasm all along the lower border protection issues. Additional private Colorado River. While the focus of the Heritage TOTAL NPS Funding: $2,250,000.00 foundation funding of $200,000 was secured Area must necessarily remain within its core TOTAL Leveraged Funding (Public/Private): $58,720,118.00 TOTAL to complete design and permitting, conduct a area, private foundation funding creates the op- * Note: Does not include value of volunteer time, APS Solar Garden, or Army of the West Statue. technical workshops and to fund grant writing. portunity to expand wetland restoration efforts That effort has resulted in two grant applica- throughout the river corridor. 42 Acknowledgements | with special thanks to the people 43 of the Yuma community and all the Heritage Area partners, sponsors, supporters, and participants.

LOCAL STATE FEDERAL BOARD MEMBERS FORMER BOARD MEMBERS YCNHA STAFF • Quechan Indian Tribe • Arizona Water Protection Fund • Bureau of Reclamation, • Gary Munk, Chairman • Steve Binkley (2002-2004) • Charles Flynn, Executive Director • City of Yuma • Arizona State Land Department Department of the Interior • Patricia Ware, Vice Chair • W. Gail Acheson (2002-2004) • Kevin Eatherly, Project Manager • Yuma City Council • Arizona Game and Fish • Bureau of Land Management, • Ian Watkinson, • Roger Beadle (2002-2006) • Tina Clark, Grant Writer / (1902-Present) Department Department of the Interior Secretary/Treasurer • Art Everett (2002-2007) Historian / Archeologist • City of Yuma Administrator • Arizona State Parks • Fish and Wildlife Service, • Brian Golding Sr. • Bill Wellman (2002-2004) • Ali Beichler, Office Administrator Joyce Wilson (1994 - 2002) • Arizona State Historic Department of the Interior • Tom Rushin • Kathy Billings (2004-2006) • Stephanie Caraway, Assistant • City of Yuma Administrator Preservation Office • , • Bobby Brooks • Louie Gradias (2002 - 2007) Office Administrator Bob Wagner (2002 - 2005) • Arizona Department of Department of the Interior • Steve Bell • Dr. Bob Cannell (2002-2007) • Javier Morales, International Liasion • City of Yuma Administrator Environmental Quality • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Chairman, 2002-2006) • Carol Urling, Accountant Mark Watson (2005 - Present) • Arizona Office of Tourism • U.S. Customs and Border • City of Yuma Mayor Larry Nelson • Dorothy Young, Festivals • City of Yuma Deputy Administrator • Senator Amanda Aguirre Protection, Department of • State Senator Amanda Aguirre Coordinator Bob Stull • Representative Teresa Ulmer Homeland Security • County Supervisor Lenore Stuart • Dawn Lott , Administrative • Yuma County • Representative Lynn Pancrazi • National Fish and Wildlife • Lee Baiza, Superintendent, Assistant • Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden • Representative Russ Jones Foundation Organ Pipe Cactus National • Joan Sapp (2002 - 2008) • Yuma County Farm Bureau (2005-2007) • North American Wetlands Monument • Matthew Spriggs (2002-2008) • Yuma Rod and Gun Club • Senator Bob Cannell (2005-2007) Conservation Act • Roger Blakeley (2002-2004) • Boy Scouts of America • Herb Guenther, Director, Arizona • Senator John Kyl • Yuma Clean and Beautiful Department of Water Resources • Senator John McCain Commission • Governor Janet Napolitano • Congressman Ed Pastor • Arizona Western College • Sonoran Joint Venture • Congressman Raul Grijalva • Cocopah Indian Tribe • Arizona Historical Society PRIVATE SECTOR • Historic District Review • Union Pacific Railroad Commission • APS • Yuma County Water Users • Fred Phillips Consulting. LLC Association • Deardorff Design Resources • Yuma Jaycees • Principle Engineering Group • Yuma Visitors Bureau • Dahl-Robins & Associates • Yuma County Chamber • C.W. Clark, Inc of Commerce • Clark-Lankford , LLC • Yuma County Educational • Walton Family Foundation Consortium • Ron & Stephanie Martin • Yuma Metropolitan Planning • Yuma Garden Club Organization • Bill Ogram • Marine Corps Air Station Yuma • Headstream and McVey Families

Wetlands and Aerial Photos Courtesy of Fred Phillips Consulting, LLC Publication Design & Production, Ingram Design & Associates Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area 180 West 1st Street | Yuma, AZ 85364 www.yumaheritage.com