Preserving Phoenix’s Historic Neighborhoods in the Era of Middle Housing

By Bradley Brauer and Aaron Montaño Searles, Willo Neighborhood Association and Save Historic AZ

Arizona’s historic neighborhoods are at a crossroads. On January 1, 2026, HB2721 — Arizona’s new “Middle Housing Law” — will take effect. This legislation allows duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes to be built on single-family lots close to downtown, including those in designated historic districts. It also permits the demolition of older homes and the subdivision of lots into four parcels — all without public hearings, zoning changes, or exemptions for historically significant neighborhoods.

Change is inevitable. But this approach risks losing something irreplaceable.

What’s at Stake

HB 2721 targets areas within one mile of Phoenix's Central Business District — an area that includes 22 of the city’s 36 historic districts, such as Willo, Encanto-Palmcroft, F.Q. Story, Coronado, and more.

The law:

• Removes owner-occupancy requirements

• Prohibits height restrictions below two stories

• Blocks cities from applying higher standards than those used for single-family homes

Without thoughtful guardrails, this opens the door to large-scale development that may not reflect the character, scale, or values of existing neighborhoods — and with no requirement that the resulting housing be affordable.

Why Preservation Matters

Historic neighborhoods are more than collections of old homes. They are living, evolving places that reflect Arizona’s cultural and architectural heritage — from Tudor to Spanish Colonial and Spanish Bungalow to Pueblo Revival styles.

These communities offer:

• A strong sense of place, rooted in walkability, diverse architecture, and deep local ties

• Economic vitality, supporting small businesses, heritage tourism, and local trades

• Sustainability, as restoring and reusing buildings is more resource-efficient than demolition and new construction

Preservation and growth are not at odds. In fact, they can reinforce one another — but only if we plan wisely.

A Smarter Approach to Housing

Arizona’s housing challenges are real, and addressing them requires creativity and collaboration. Many cities have successfully added middle housing by focusing on vacant lots, areas near transit, and underutilized properties — while protecting historic and culturally significant neighborhoods.

We believe Phoenix can do the same. A simple exemption for historic districts from HB 2721 would allow these areas to continue evolving responsibly, without sacrificing the architectural and cultural identity that makes them special.

Join the Movement: Save Historic AZ

The Save Historic AZ Committee is working across neighborhoods and with city and state leaders to find a more balanced path forward. Visit savehistoricaz.com and sign our petition to exempt Historic Districts from the Middle Housing Law.

How you can help:

🗓 Attend the Public Meeting

• Date & Time: Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM

• Location: Burton Barr Central Library, Pulliam Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

• Hear from city officials, ask questions, and help shape the future of our neighborhoods.

🌐 Stay Informed

• Sign the petition

• Visit willophx.com and savehistoricaz.com for updates and action steps.

Let’s build a future that respects our past, includes our communities, and welcomes thoughtful, inclusive growth. Let’s make room for more — without losing what makes Phoenix unique.