Sedona preservation commission seeks way to save Rigby House as rezoning looms

The Sedona Historic Preservation Commission discussed possible preservation steps for the Rigby House and agreed to bring a recommendation back for formal consideration at a future meeting. Commissioners who visited the property described recent restoration work and said the current owner does not want to landmark the site while a rezoning and sale are pending.

Commission Chair Meyer opened the agenda item by turning the discussion over to Commissioners Stupak and Woods, who conducted the site survey and provided photographs and a written assessment. Commissioner Stupak told the panel that “the current owner does not want to landmark it,” and said potential buyers are pursuing rezoning that could enable substantial multiunit development on the parcel. Stupak said the property is recorded on commission paperwork as nine acres but may exceed 10 acres when outbuildings and adjacent parcels are counted.

The commission’s architect/assessor reported that despite some alterations — enclosed patios, stuccoed fireplaces and replacement windows — much of the building’s defining fabric remains intact, including eave and beam details and exterior sills. Commissioners and the assessor described stuccoing of adobe fireplaces as a common preservation measure that can be acceptable if done appropriately.

Staff told the commission that the commission may make suggestions to Planning & Zoning but is not itself part of the rezoning process. Staff also confirmed that the city’s demolition review asks whether a building is more than 50 years old and that surveys and photo documentation are required during that review. Kathy Levin, a Planning & Zoning commissioner, has requested a copy of the recent Rigby House survey and photographs for her review.

After discussion, commissioners agreed to prepare a nonbinding resolution urging that future owners and the Planning & Zoning review consider options that would allow redevelopment while preserving the Rigby House when feasible. Commissioner Sam volunteered to draft the resolution and deliver it to staff for placement on the next meeting agenda. Staff indicated that if the commission finalizes a resolution in June, the timing should allow Planning & Zoning and staff review before formal land-use hearings.

The commission recorded no formal vote on landmark designation at this meeting and instead directed staff and commissioners to continue outreach to the owner and potential buyers and to bring a draft resolution for action at a future meeting.