April 24th was Vail’s 143 Birthday; it was also a special celebration. With an Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation grant awarded to Vail Preservation Society the long awaited rehabilitation of the Old Vail Post Office is finally underway! We appreciate those who gave cash (42k) and in-kind (60k) donations that made it possible for VPS to apply for and be awarded a $249,600. grant. Special thanks to Mr. Bill Lloyd, Jr. whose donation was the catalyst that made it possible to apply. This bricks and mortar grant had not been available since 2008 due to the recession. Thank you to our State Legislators, like Arizona State Senator David Gowen, for approving funding for this grant.
How does it work? This is a ‘reimbursable’ grant. Work identified in the project scope submitted is completed and paid for, VPS submits a claim, and once a bank statement is also submitted showing that funds have been withdrawn, the claim is reviewed. If approved, 60% of the cost of the work is reimbursed. This process can take up to four months.
The grant’s scope of work will stabilize the adobe walls, install a new roof that will duplicate the original, restore or replace historic windows and doors, remove concrete stucco and replace with the original finish, lime plaster. Prices of materials and labor have increased dramatically since the grant was submitted in December 2021. We have set an ambitious goal to keep going and complete the interior. Go to vailpreservationsociety.org to learn how you can help. Together we can raise the additional funds, 500k, needed to deliver a turn-key ready Vail Welcome & Heritage Center where Vail’s past will touch its future.
Everyone can be part of saving Vail’s only pre-statehood building! Old Vail Middle School students and Mica Mt. students make adobes for the Old Vail Post Office project. G.K. Lamb photographer
Everyone can be part of saving Vail’s only pre-statehood building! Old Vail Middle School students and Mica Mt. students make adobes for the Old Vail Post Office project. G.K. Lamb photographer
Mary Escalante, Ramon Figueroa and Carmen Mayer, members of Vail pioneering families share their thoughts about the Old Vail Post Office as Jim Heier holds the mic. R. Cummings photographer