Tovrea Castle Restoration Is Under Way
The long-awaited restoration of Tovrea Castle began this week with an estimated completion date in late summer 2006.
The project will cost approximately $2.7 million and will include major structural and aesthetic improvements to the entire building. The project funds came from 1998 and 2001 Historic Preservation bonds, Brownfield funds, financing plan and private donations.
The castle restoration project, expected to take a little more than one year, will include:
repairs to the building shell, roofing and exterior stucco;
structural stabilization and upgrading to correct structural deficiencies and allow for public access on the first two building levels;
restoration of historic finishes and plaster in the building’s interior;
removal of hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos;
installation of fire sprinklers and major improvements to the plumbing, electrical, security and fire systems;
installation of a heating and cooling system;
improvements, including a lift and major regrading work to provide site access for all persons, including those with disabilities;
repairs to the terrace, stone walls and landscaping directly surrounding the castle.
BACKGROUND
The Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden, completed in 1931, is a city Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride.
In 1989, Phoenix voters approved a Historic Preservation Bond issue, authorizing $5 million for the purchase and restoration of the castle and garden site. With these funds and additional grant funds, the city purchased some of the property, helped to restore the gardens and developed a preliminary conceptual master plan for the site.
In 2001, an additional $4.5 million was authorized in the bond election to continue with the strategy of full land acquisition, castle stabilization and restoration, park development, and eventual public access to the site. With these funds and additional state grants, the city completed additional land purchases and now has ownership of the entire historic 44-acre site, with the exception of two minor parcels.
MASTER PLAN
With the historic site now secured in city ownership, the City Council adopted a Master Plan for Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden Park in 2003. The Master Plan envisions a multi-use historic park providing a wide range of recreational, cultural and social activities, with a focus on preserving Tovrea Castle.
The centerpiece and highest priority in the Master Plan is the restoration of the 1931 castle itself. Funding is available in 2005 to complete this critical priority, although additional funding is needed to furnish the building.
The Master Plan's other elements – including a permanent restroom, on-site parking facilities, site trails and interpretative walkways, additional restoration of the Cararro Cactus Garden, construction of a visitor/tourism center, and restoration of other historic outbuildings on the site will require multiple phases of work and substantial additional funding.
When Tovrea Castle restoration is completed in 2006, the city will provide select opportunities for the public to experience Tovrea Castle. Regular public access to the park will be provided once the city can complete and operate a fully developed Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden Park.
Beginning in July, monthly updates on the restoration of the castle will be available at phoenix.gov/parks/tovrea.html.
Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden Commemorative T-shirts are available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Parks and Conservation Foundation and are earmarked for the restoration of Tovrea Castle. For more information, or to purchase a T-shirt, contact the Historic Preservation Office at 602-261-8699.
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