From the Arizona Room is a weekly column examining the historic, reuse and infill structures in Downtown Phoenix. The inspiration for this column stems from the ever-expanding resources in Burton Barr Central Library’s Arizona Room (located on the second floor). For further information on this and other historic structures in the area, visit the Arizona Room during normal library hours.
1942 W. Adams St. — St. Matthew neighborhood
While lacking historic district designation, the St. Matthew neighborhood west of the State Capitol (roughly spanning 19th Avenue to I-17 and Fillmore to Harrison streets) nonetheless claims a number of impressive turn-of-the-century structures that are often overlooked.
In the heart of the neighborhood, right off 19th Avenue on Adams Street, is the William Grier House, a striking Neo-Colonial built in 1901. Grier, a merchant who took to ranching after moving to Arizona in 1896, built the house as a primary residence for himself and his wife, Mary. They moved into the home full time around 1908.
Standing two stories, it towers above most homes in St. Matthew. The bellcast is enough of a rarity in Phoenix, but the second-level balcony is pretty unique as well. The recessed wood entry and veranda make for an impressive entry to a home that is still in good shape despite its age.
Grier occupied the home with his wife until his death in 1925, and she lived there until 1938. It remains an impressive illustration of Neo-Colonial ornamentation, even as the area surrounding it eventually reached build-out.
Sources: Phoenix: 19th Century Architecture, City of Phoenix, June 1991
Is there a historic property in Downtown Phoenix you’d like to see in From the Arizona Room? Email me at si@downtownphoenixjournal.com with the address and a brief description.
