Commission Delves into Controversial Rock Garden Case

Grover Thompson’s Sunnyslope Rock Garden is now in the process of obtaining its place on the Phoenix Historic Property Registry (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).

During its June 17 meeting, the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission cast an 8-0 vote in favor of initiating Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning for the Thompson Rock Garden. Located at 10023 N. 13th Place in Sunnyslope, this move is the first step toward listing the property on the Phoenix Historic Property Registry.

Following this decision, the property will undergo a three- to four-month rezoning process involving public hearings. Completion of this process will mean formal protection for the property via a special permit review managed by the city of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. Additionally, properties on this registry are eligible for financial incentives from the city of Phoenix.

Properties on the National Register of Historic Places do not receive the same rezoning and formal protections but are eligible for incentives from the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. Both registers use the same eligibility criteria for historic recognition.

Julia Taggart, representing the case alongside property owner Marion Blake, noted that Blake will also pursue National Register status. More information on the historic preservation process can be found at www.phoenix.gov/pdd/historic-preservation.