Old City Hall/Fire Department/Police Department — Corner of Beaver & Birch Streets, Downtown Flagstaff

The former Flagstaff City Hall is facing likely demolition to make way for a proposed Hilton Graduate Hotel and parking garage. Although initially deemed insignificant by environmental consultants, a revised cultural resource study found the building meets historical significance criteria at the local and national levels. This includes, but is not limited to, its association with a pivotal 1972 American Indian Movement (AIM) protest, which exposed racial discrimination and police misconduct in Flagstaff. Additionally, the building retains architectural elements incorporating Northern Arizona's distinctive Malpais stone.

We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and supporters of historic preservation in Flagstaff, respectfully urge the City of Flagstaff and the developers of the Hilton project to uphold the values of our community by addressing the following:

1.     Preserve and Incorporate Historic Structures

The historic building currently located at the proposed Hilton project site should be thoughtfully preserved and integrated into the new development. This building is a key part of Flagstaff’s downtown identity and contributes to the unique sense of place that defines our community. 

2.     Honor Flagstaff’s Identity in Branding

The hotel’s name, branding, and marketing should honor its setting in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. We strongly urge that the branding honor and emphasize Flagstaff's deep and diverse history. 

By signing below, we call on the Hilton project developers and the City of Flagstaff to:

✅ Respect and protect our historic downtown identity

✅ Preserve irreplaceable historic architecture

✅ Ensure development aligns with the character and values of Flagstaff

*Please note, there is also a hard copy version of this petition. Please sign only once (paper or online).