BLM announces building stabilization work at Fairbank Historic Townsite
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SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tucson Field Office will begin a project in mid-October to stabilize the Fairbank Mercantile building located at the Fairbank Historic Townsite, in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The year-long construction work will ensure public safety and create a shared conservation stewardship legacy for current and future generations.
“The mercantile building is part of Arizona’s rich history,” stated Tucson Field Manager Jayme Lopez. “The work is important to make the building safe for public visitation.”
The BLM contractors will repair and stabilize the back wall of the mercantile building, which collapsed in fall 2017. The building is currently fenced to protect public safety. The BLM worked with a team of architects, engineers, and historic preservation specialists to develop a stabilization plan to repair damaged and failing elements, and preserve the building for public viewing. A project contract to implement the stabilization work was awarded in September 2019.
While the mercantile building is off limits, the rests of the Fairbank Historic Townsite attractions remain open to the public, including equestrian and foot trails and the visitor contact center.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.