The Fight to Retire: Phoenix Couple Battles Historic Preservationists
Phoenix couple Craig and Marilyn Milum had a simple dream – to retire peacefully. Little did they know that their plans would be disrupted by historic preservationists.
Craig and Marilyn Milum closed down their commercial laundry business, which had been in the family since the 1950s, five years ago. However, they held onto the 2.4 acres of land near Seventh Avenue and Van Buren Street in downtown Phoenix.
Their property, valued at around $10 million, could potentially accommodate a 600-foot skyscraper or hundreds of new apartments due to its zoning. But groups like Preserve Phoenix see more value in the 45,000-square-foot laundry facility on the land, citing its unique vaulted wooden Lamella roof as priceless.
The Milums, however, don’t share the same sentiment. They see no worth in Milum’s Textile Services, formerly Phoenix Laundry, which used to wash hospital gowns and hotel bed sheets. Yet, they are stuck paying taxes on a property they no longer wish to own.
After trying to demolish the building last year, their permit was denied by the City of Phoenix, citing the historical significance of the Lamella roof, which is starting to show signs of wear and tear after nearly a century of use.
Despite multiple appeals and battles with preservationists, the couple’s efforts paid off in a recent city council meeting where a motion to deny the historic preservation request was made, allowing the Milums to move forward with their plans.
While relieved, the Milums expressed frustration over the time and money lost during the ordeal, delaying their retirement and costing them millions in potential investments.
Despite the setback, the Milums are now in the process of re-applying for a demolition permit to move forward with their retirement plans.
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