Historic PreservationOld homes. Good stories. A little extra TLC.Part of what makes Coronado special is the incredible variety of homes lining our streets—from charming 1920s bungalows and Spanish Revival houses to midcentury ranches and contemporary additions. These buildings tell the story of how our neighborhood has grown and changed over the past century. Greater Coronado includes three locally designated historic districts: Coronado, Brentwood, and Country Club Park. Historic designation helps protect the architectural character that makes these neighborhoods distinctive, while still allowing homes to evolve with the people who live in them. Whether you're restoring original windows, planning an addition, considering a renovation, or simply curious about your home's history, we've gathered some helpful resources to get you started. |
Is My Home in a Historic District? | Not every home in Greater Coronado is located within a designated historic district. If you're planning improvements, it's worth checking your property's status before getting started. Our three historic districts are:
Want to learn more about how our neighborhood came to be? Visit our Coronado History page. |
Planning a project? Start here. | Owning a historic home doesn't mean you can't make changes! It does mean that certain exterior improvements may require additional review by the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. Depending on your project, that might include additions, window replacements, alterations to exterior features, or new construction within a historic district. The City has two primary types of historic preservation approvals: Certificate of No Effect (CNE)Typically used for smaller projects that meet established preservation guidelines and won't negatively affect a property's historic character. These may be approved administratively without a public hearing. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)Required for projects with more significant potential impacts on historic character. These generally involve a public hearing and additional design review. City preservation staff can help determine which process, if any, applies to your project. A little neighborly adviceContact the Historic Preservation Office early in your planning process—ideally before investing too much time or money in final drawings. A quick conversation can help avoid surprises later. |
Help Shape Coronado's Preservation Future | We're looking for neighbors to help establish a CNA Historic Preservation Committee! Coronado's historic character is one of our greatest assets, and protecting it takes neighbors who care about both where we've been and where we're headed. We're exploring the formation of a volunteer committee that could serve as a bridge between homeowners, the CNA Board, and the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. The committee could help:
Love old houses? Have preservation experience? Or just want to help protect what makes Coronado, well, Coronado? We'd love to hear from you! You don't need to be an architect or historian to get involved—just a neighbor with an interest in helping shape this effort. Interested in joining? Email hey@coronadophx.org and tell us a little about yourself and your interest in historic preservation. |
Helpful City Resources |
Historic Preservation Approvals & Guidelines — Understand the review process and approval requirements.
General Design Guidelines for Historic Properties — Guidance on compatible alterations, additions, and construction. Historic Preservation FAQs — Answers to common questions about what is allowed, when approvals are needed, and how the process works. |
Financial Incentives & Preservation Assistance | Maintaining an older home can be a labor of love—and occasionally an expensive one. Fortunately, some historic property owners may qualify for financial assistance or tax benefits. State Historic Property Tax Reclassification ProgramArizona offers a property tax incentive for qualifying owner-occupied historic residential properties. Participation is subject to eligibility requirements, an application process, and ongoing preservation responsibilities. City of Phoenix Preservation IncentivesThe City of Phoenix also offers historic preservation assistance programs, which may include financial support for eligible rehabilitation projects. Funding, qualifications, and application periods vary. Explore available opportunities through the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation website and the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office. |
Who to Contact | City of Phoenix Historic Preservation OfficeYour best starting point for questions about historic designation, exterior renovations, approvals, design guidelines, and preservation assistance. 200 W. Washington Street, 3rd Floor Phone: 602-261-8699 |
Preserving Coronado's Character, Together | Historic preservation is about more than individual houses. It's about the streetscapes, architectural details, craftsmanship, and layers of history that make our neighborhood feel like nowhere else in Phoenix. We believe Coronado's character comes from both its past and the people continuing to shape its future. Thoughtful preservation helps make room for both. Curious about our neighborhood's architectural history? Explore our Coronado History page, or experience some of Coronado's most memorable homes firsthand at our annual Coronado Home Tour. |