Realty Executives of Northern Arizona
Flagstaff Historic Downtown Walking Guide
Welcome to Historic Downtown Flagstaff!
Few Arizona cities boast a classic downtown as rich and vibrant as this one. The history of Flagstaff began in earnest ahead of the arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad on Aug. 1, 1882. It quickly became the most populous stop on the railroad between Albuquerque and the California Coast. Flagstaff also catered to train passengers as part of its expansion of downtown commerce. Route 66 shifted the economics and brought a steep rise in tourism by automobile, particularly after World War II. A major makeover through the 1990s helped invigorate energy into these city blocks, with a focus on preservation. The restoration of the Babbitt Building, Hotel Weatherford and the development of Heritage Square joined other efforts in fortifying the town’s character. Thanks in large part to those endeavors, visitors can enjoy a historic walk along the storied streets of Flagstaff.
As a stop on the transcontinental Santa Fe Railroad, the train station once held its place as one of the most important buildings in downtown Flagstaff. Today, the main depot still operates as an Amtrak station. However, the station finds most of its bustle with the Flagstaff Visitors Center, which provides information and advice to tens of thousands of travelers each year. The building was first constructed in 1926 to replace the depot located one block east. Architecturally, the station stands as an example of the Tudor Revival style. Features include timbering in the exterior walls, large chimneys, high-pitched roofing and cross-gables. In the early 1990s, the city purchased the property from the railway for $480,000 and transformed the west end of the building into the Visitors Center. Inside the Center, a model railroad provides people of all ages a chance to appreciate locomotives and Flagstaff’s historic downtown on a smaller scale. The model captures how town would have looked from the railway in the 1920s. This includes the McMillan Building, the next stop on this tour. While leaving the Visitors Center, take time to visit the giant, wooden logging wheels near the rail line and notice the shield that recognizes Historic Route 66 in the Visitors Center lot. And before crossing Route 66 to the next stop on the tour, note the sign for the Route 66 Trail—one of the city’s first major urban trails and one cornerstone of its extensive Flagstaff Urban Trail System.
The building known as the McMillan first gained prominence in Flagstaff as the Bank Hotel. Construction of a bank building began here in 1886, but-ironically-the bank ran short of funds to complete the project. Thomas McMillan, who became one of Flagstaff’s earliest ranchers after seeking gold in California and raising sheep in Australia, took over the project and finished the building. McMillan also is connected to the town’s namesake. At a spring used by his sheep camp is where a “flag staff” was raised to celebrate the American centennial in 1876. One of the building tenants became the aptly named Bank Hotel. The building also offered commercial space for the Arizona Central Bank and later Wells Fargo. It became a hub for social events during the late 1800s, with the McMillan Opera House on the ground floor. The Bank Hotel building has remained a prominent part of the historic downtown streetscape.
The highly influential John W. Weatherford arrived to Flagstaff in 1886 and purchased lots on Gold Avenue (later renamed Leroux Street), with money from selling his horse and buggy. He operated several businesses, including the Parlor Saloon, a livery stable that rented horses and buggies and a furniture store. He ultimately transformed his corner property into a hotel that opened on January 1, 1900. It gained a strong regional reputation across the Southwest. Its other competitors downtown at the time were the Bank Hotel and the 34-room Commerce, which was across from the train station near present-day Flagstaff Brewing Company. Up through World War II, inns such as the Weatherford were often known as railroad hotels for their proximity to depot to cater to train passengers. Famous guests at the Weatherford included newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, President Theodore Roosevelt and Western novelist Zane Grey-whose name adorns the hotel’s upstairs bar and ballroom. The story of the Weatherford is not complete without highlighting the efforts of Sam Green and Henry Taylor, who have worked tirelessly to restore the historic hotel. It still hosts overnight guests and features three bars and a restaurant. The Weatherford, its own founding on New Year’s Day, has hosted a “Pinecone Drop” to celebrate the New Year since 2000 (also the 100th anniversary of the hotel). Visitors around the holidays will catch a glimpse of the countdown clock and large metal pinecone poised for the lowering on New Year’s Eve.
The Orpheum Theater stands as another John Weatherford venture. In 1911, following an ill-fated and short-lived egg ranch, Weatherford reimagined this lot into what became the Majestic Opera House. It featured a stage, movie screen and hardwood dance floor. Only a few hours after New Year’s Eve partiers left the Majestic on the first day of 1915, the opera house collapsed under more than five feet of snow. Weatherford reportedly paid a boy to crawl in and pull the movie projector from the wreckage. The entrepreneur set up a temporary theater dubbed “The Empress” in a garage previously owned by the Babbitt family (see next stop). Two years later, in 1917, Weatherford opened a new theater at the site of the destroyed one. He christened it the Orpheum. It was much larger and grander than the Majestic. Even during the Great Depression, upgrades came to the theater in the form of a 1937 renovation. The local paper, the Coconino Sun, said it stood as one of the “most modern and attractive show-houses in the entire state.” The theater remained an entertainment venue for decades to follow, until it shuttered in 1999. Three years later, the theater was again reborn by a group of local businessmen. The Orpheum continues to host concerts, films, events, and community gatherings. Visitors should take their time to view The Sound of Flight mural by artists Sky Black and the Mural Mice—commissioned in 2015 in tribute to the arts at the Orpheum and throughout Flagstaff—on the eastern wall of the building.
The Babbitt Brothers are one of the most prominent historical families in Flagstaff. These five siblings arrived in 1886 from Cincinnati to establish a cattle company and mercantile and trade businesses. In 1888, brother David constructed the Moenkopi Sandstone building on the northwest corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street. It was Flagstaff’s first two-story structure. The design includes features of the Italianate style popular in the Victorian Era. The Babbitts operated their department store in the building through 1987. In the 1990s, the business district saw major transformations as part of a streetscape project—and the Babbitt Building became the site of one of the early restorations. The family name remains with the current store, with Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters. On the south wall of the building, visitors can see the original signage for “Babbitt Brother Ranchers, Merchants & Indian Traders, Flagstaff Arizona.”
Meaning “mountain view” in Spanish, the Hotel Monte Vista represented a next phase in downtown development and travel accommodations. The prosperity and progress of the 1920s led to a campaign to build a new-era, 73-room downtown hotel. City leaders organized the Flagstaff Community Hotel Corporation and raised $200,000 in a stock-selling campaign. It finished ahead of the original schedule and under budget. A “name the hotel contest” capped off the proceedings, and the property opened in Jan. 1, 1927. Along with the hotel, it featured an infamous speakeasy during Prohibition. The hotel remained a publicly held property until the 1960s, when it was sold to private investors. Today, the Hotel Monte Vista still greets overnight guests, and features the Monte Vista Lounge and Rendezvous Coffee House & Martini Bar. The Monte Vista also has some notoriety for its hauntings, from the mysterious “Phantom Bellboy” to the “Elevator Attendant,” along with suspicious knockings and moving rocking chairs in Room 305 (Visitors can learn more about the specters throughout historic downtown with the self-guided Flagstaff Haunted Walking Tour). Famous guests to the Monte Vista include Bob Hope, Jane Russell, John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper and Debbie Reynolds, among others. The towering Hotel Monte Vista neon sign remains an iconic feature of downtown Flagstaff’s horizon.
In 1881, as the railroad neared Flagstaff, a settlement cropped up east of present-day downtown to provide supplies and entertainment for the men of the railroad. One of the first entrepreneurs Peter Brannen, from Ottawa, Canada and nephew of a successful merchant in Prescott opened up a general store in a tent and dugouts on the slopes of Mars Hill, near a water source called Antelope Spring. Shortly after the streets were laid out for present-day Historic Downtown, Brannen purchased the northeast corner lot of San Francisco Street and present-day Route 66. He paid $25 for the lot and spend $10,000 on the stone building he had constructed in 1883, which makes it the oldest building downtown. His cousin, Dr. Dennis Brannen, established his practice in a building directly east. A saloon followed on the northwest corner of the intersection. What has become the established historic downtown was known then as New town, while the development near Antelope Spring became Old Town. According to one account, Brannen had an “elegantly appointed store, featuring clothing of domestic and foreign manufacture, as well as Studebaker wagons, carriages, buckboards and implements.” Brannen would be hit by hard times in 1895. He moved to California, where he found success selling hardware. By 1900, the Brannen building became home to a corner drug store run by W.H. Timerhoff. The store included a newsstand and soda fountain. It was known for its oddities in the window displays including a live Gila monster. The lizard was once offered a live mouse as a meal (and locals gathered to watch the spectacle), but the mouse scratched at the Gila monster in a way he apparently liked. He never ate him.
Arriving full circle back to the railroad on this historic walk, here is the 1889 Depot. It served as the location for people arriving and leaving in Flagstaff via train for around 27 years. The railroad initially kept three boxcars as a depot not far from this spot, and later replaced it with a wooden building. That structure was lost in the February 1886 fire that burned down most of New Town. The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad later established this stone building to welcome disembarking passengers. Much like the Babbitt Building, the colorful Moenkopi Sandstone was utilized in this simple, one-story construction. Today, it serves as offices for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. A short walking distance east of the depot, the train engine Two Spot is also kept as a reminder of Flagstaff’s past. It’s a Baldwin 2-5-0 locomotive that gained its nickname from the water bags that hung below its engineer windows. The bags steadily wore off the paint leaving a spot where the 5 was next to the 2. The Arizona Lumber and Timber Company bought the locomotive in 1917, and it remained in Flagstaff its entire working life. When returning to the Visitors Center to complete the route, consider the role of the railroad in this important hub city of the American Southwest and how it led to early establishment of this mountain town.
Written by Seth Muller
DiscoverFlagstaff.com
One E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
800.842.7293 * 928.213.2951
City of 7 Wonders
Flagstaff, AZ is a great place to live and a fantastic place to raise a family. The small town atmosphere welcomes locals and tourists alike. The downtown area is always bustling with events both large and small. Throughout this region there are artifacts and remains from Native Americans which remind us of the local culture. We are surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty full of pine forests, mountains and the like. You never run out of things to do here in Northern Arizona. It’s no surprise that it is referred to as the City of 7 Wonders. Just what are the “7 wonders” of Flagstaff you ask? Let me take just a moment and satisfy your curiosity.
The first place that over five million people flock to each year is the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Carved out from the Colorado River the Grand Canyon offers many outdoor activities including camping, hiking, river rafting and backpacking to name just a few. Families with young children on up to seniors and those with disabilities are able to enjoy the area from early Spring through late Fall. For viewing either the South or North rim, the highways bring you through Flagstaff where many local companies offer tours by bus, air, or river.
There is also the amazing Coconino National Forest which is the largest contiguous pine forest in the World! Yes, you read that right! Almost every outdoor recreation you can think of can be done right here. Many come to hike, go horseback riding, enjoy fishing or to take in the scenery during an afternoon picnic. Many beautiful photo opportunities abound amongst the pines, so don’t forget your camera!
Oak Creek has made it to this list because of the unique rock formations made from eroding sandstone, and even some limestone, that dates back millions of years. You will also be in awe at the series of basalt lava flows that have made the east rim of this canyon. Oak Creek itself excites even the local fishermen as they reel in a few different types of trout, bass and catfish. This is the second most-popular tourist destination in the state of Arizona.
One last canyon to add to our list would have to be Walnut Canyon just 10 miles southeast from downtown Flagstaff near interstate 40. This park is known for its remarkable ancient cliff dwellings that you can not only see, but hike inside of. As you embark on your journey you learn about the men and women who once occupied this region, such as the Sinagua. The name of the people itself means, “without water” and is very significant as these occupants of this territory had to learn how to conserve water amongst their parched surroundings. You’ll also find over 380 different plant species such as the Prickly Pear cactus and the Arizona black walnut that will enliven the botanist inside of you.
Now let’s move on to the landscape of legacies known as the Wupatki National Monument. Here nestled between the painted desert and tall pines you will find ancient pueblos built by the Native Americans, namely the Cohonina, Kayenta Anasazi and the aforementioned Sinagua. The ruins were built from local Moenkopi sandstone and are a rich, red color. Although it is cared for by the National Park Service and no longer occupied, many local tribes and clan members visit the dwellings to remember their heritage, recall how their ancestors use to live and to pass on their legacy to the next generation.
Located along highway 89 is the Sunset Crater National Monument which erupted about 900 years ago and completely reshaped its surroundings and changed the lives of the people and plants at that time. Although the hike to the crater is currently closed, you can still enjoy the Lava Flow trail which skirts around the Bonito Lava Flow and puts you among Ponderosa pines and Asters which is very striking against the black hardened lava.
Lastly we come to a natural beauty that you see all throughout Flagstaff whether driving on a country road, hiking a local trail or walking through the downtown shops, the great San Francisco Peaks. The highest summit in the mountain range is Humphrey’s Peak, which is also the highest point in Arizona and boasts 12,633 feet in elevation. An interesting tidbit is that most of Flagstaff’s water comes from this mountain, who knew? It is also a very popular area for hikers and climbers in summer and, of course, snow sport lovers in winter. The Arizona Snow Bowl is located on the western slopes and is packed with skiers and snowboarders during the fabulous winter season that we have here. As you drive through or hike the area you will get to see forests bursting with species of pine, spruce, fir and aspen trees. This mountain range can be enjoyed year-round and is appealing to all the senses as it welcomes you in to Flagstaff.
This is why our little town is called the City of 7 Wonders, although I’m sure myself and other locals could definitely add more incredible features and landscapes to this list. So if you are local and haven’t ventured out yet to each of these places, plan to go to a few during the coming spring and summer months. If you have family or friends coming to visit, now you have a detailed list of places to see and things to do while they are here visiting our great city.
About the Author:
Egle Rucci – Realtor®,GRI, ABR
Realty Executives of Flagstaff
Se habla Español
Direct: 928-600-5629
www.propertiesinflagstaff.com
The best compliment I could get, is a referral from you, your family and friends!
Here’s something that probably won’t surprise you…
Numerous studies confirm that people looking for a professional, such as a roofing contractor, trust recommendations more than advertising.
Like I said, there’s no surprise there!
It’s becoming more and more common for people to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations when they’re looking for a professional. In fact, it’s one of the more common types of posts on community Facebook pages.
Why am I bringing this up?
As you may know, I’m well-connected in the local “home” industry. So, if you or one of your neighbors is looking for a reputable contractor, decorator, or other professional, I may be able to recommend someone. Please feel free to ask.
I’m happy to help.
And, by the way, if you come across someone looking for a good real estate agent, I hope you’ll feel comfortable giving them my name. My business is built on referrals from valued clients and homeowners in the communities I serve. Any referral you send my way will be greatly appreciated!
Let's jump into a quick market update...
In July I will provide a full 6 month review of the market. To quickly summarize what we have seen in the last few weeks I have asked Arizona Association of Realtors President, Gary Nelson for his take on the recent changes.
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“Throughout Arizona and the nation, real estate markets seem to be shifting quickly and sales activity has slowed. This is due to a rise in interest rates since January that has taken away the buying power of most real estate buyers combined with the drastic increase in home prices over the past few years. Sales activity has returned to before-pandemic conditions where housing inventory has increased and buyers are more tentative. Buyers still need to be prepared by being pre-qualified with a reputable local lender and, depending on price range, may still face a multiple-offer situation. Sellers need to also be prepared with properties that show well, are ready for the market and are not overpriced."
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As Gary mentioned, things are shifting quickly and we anticipate more changes to come. I will always have my finger on the pulse of the market, please reach out with any questions!
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
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Renee Gaun * Jeff Ross 928-606-6232 Renee
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15 E. Cherry Ave |
How often have you opened a newspaper, or logged into your favorite news website, and seen story after story about the real estate market? It has certainly been getting a lot of coverage. Most news outlets report on national and general state news. It's good to have an idea of the big picture for real estate in Arizona but it is the local scene that impacts you most. Here is a very brief year-over-year summary for April for the Flagstaff real estate market.
What does all of this mean? In a nutshell, Flagstaff is still a sellers' market. Prices have increased since April of 2021 and we are not seeing those numbers coming down. However, the early May numbers are showing a slight pause with houses staying on the market for a couple of weeks before receiving offers. This is very typical of May with graduations and end of the school year. Another interesting observation (not reflected above) is that while houses are selling for over the list price this number is now under $20,000. Earlier this year we were seeing properties selling for $50,000-100,000 over the list price with multiple offers. Great for sellers but very hard for buyers. Predictions are for a strong sellers' market as we move into the third quarter of 2022. Buyers can look forward to more properties on the market and perhaps more time to view them.
If you’re thinking of moving, give me a call. I can give you a good idea of what your property will sell for in today’s market. In addition, if you’re targeting a neighborhood you’d like to get into, I can let you know what properties are selling for in that area and the current opportunities available.
If you ever have questions about the local market, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Blessings,
Kim
How often have you opened a newspaper, or logged into your favorite news website, and seen story after story about the real estate market?
Probably often.
There’s no doubt about it. The real estate scene has been getting a lot of coverage lately, and it can all seem confusing — even baffling.
However, there is good news.
Most news outlets report on national news. But, it’s the LOCAL Flagstaff real estate scene that impacts you the most. And, this Flagstaff market is much easier to understand and predict.
Say, for example, you’re thinking of moving. If you give us a call, We can give you a good idea of what your property will sell for on today’s market fairly quickly. In addition, if you’re targeting a neighborhood you’d like to get into, We can let you know what properties are selling for in that area and the current opportunities available.
So, if you ever have questions about the local market, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
5 Month Update to the Flagstaff Real Estate Market
We are almost 5 full months into the 2022 Real Estate year with many changes afoot.
The Biggest is Inventory, which has increased, not to a level that is needed yet, but it is on the way.
The second is mortgage interest rates.
When we wrote our enewsletter in January, we had 41 homes of all types, Single Family, Townhome, Condo, and Manufactured in the general Flagstaff area. As I start this newsletter today on Friday, May 20th, we are up to 169 homes on the market.
Granted, the median price of those 169 homes is $835,000, with only 30 of those homes priced under $500,000. The average days on market for these homes is sitting at 36 days.
Lets start with the end of the newsletter and moved on from there, so the Summary:
| Sellers; Be careful what you are listing your home at, it is more important that ever to have that experienced full time agent giving you the guidance you need. We talk in our office of the importance today, of not overpricing your home. More than ever, if your home does not sell relatively fast and you decided to lower the price, you may be putting a stigma on the home, "Why did it not sell”. The first question most buyers may ask, what is wrong with the home? not necessarily noticing it was just plain overpriced. |
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We are still in a strong Seller’s Market, so a good time to list, though it may take longer depending on the price point you are sitting at, and what happens with the Mortgage Rates.
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Buyers; Find the full-time agent, the agent that Real Estate is their only career, second find the best possible Mortgage Lender.
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Just recently talking to Chris Hallows with Wallick & Volk Lending, his comment, “you must stay focused on the final outcome of your mortgage”. If you are waiting for homes to drop in price, while watching the interest rates rise, you may be focused on the wrong thing.
Granted things change, but currently in today’s market.
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A little more about this year’s Housing Market;
As mentioned above, we have climbed to 169 active homes on the market, with a median home price of those homes at $835,000.
Year-to-Date, we have sold 444 homes a decrease of -17%, with the Median Sale price climbing to $663,000 or a 32.6%.
Of those homes, the Median List price was $637,000, so a final price of 4% over list.
Also, the median Price per Sq Ft, has risen to $358.00.
Of these sold homes, 33% have been cash sales, with the Median Sales price of these case sales at $685,000.
We see what has happened this year,
Now let's look back 5 years and compare 2017 sales to 2022 sales:
We have sold 4.5% more homes this year to date, than in 2017, during the same time frame,
Home prices have climbed dramatically, with the Median Sales price in 2017 at $333,000, compared to todays at $663,000, an increase of 99.1%.
We wanted to keep this newsletter a little shorter, with the overall tone,
Buyers,
There is opportunity, but more than ever, the importance of having a great Lending and Real Estate professional guiding you.
Sellers,
Be careful, it is easy to think the market is so hot, you can list for anything. But with the rising interest rates, and rise in home prices, the buyers purchase power is eroding.
We are not saying do not list, it is the best time of year, and the demand is still extremely strong. With that strong Real Estate professional, they will guide you toward that very best sales price.
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Jeff Ross * Renee Gaun 928-607-5556 Jeff
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15 E. Cherry Ave |
Where the Experts are - Serving Flagstaff and Northern Arizona since 1977
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