Timeline of MPF

A journey to preserve.
2015 

  • Worked with Valley Metro to create five history panels describing life around each light rail platform
  • Created and funded an updated Mesa Historic Downtown Walking Tour Guide 
  • Helped raise funds for signs manufacture and installation commemorating historic highways 60-70-80 & 89

2014

  • Began efforts to work with city of Mesa to remove downtown Colonnade, restore historic facades and create Mesa’s only Commercial Historic District 
  • Began program to identify and save “orphaned” neon signs in a neon district for future generations 

2013

  • Successfully restored and reinstalled the Diving Lady sign 
  • Authored a pioneering Conservation Easement protecting the public’s investments in the Diving Lady restoration
  • Hosted the 11th Annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference in Mesa 
  • Hosted a Historic Homeowners Expo to provide property owners with information about researching, historic districts and listing historic properties
  • Received the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award for successfully leading the effort to restore the iconic Diving Lady neon sign, and its rededication
  • Created a public awareness campaign to highlight the significant history of the Mesa Citrus Growers Building 

2012

  • Worked with New York artist Mary Anne Erickson to created a limited edition print of the Diving Lady – a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Diving Lady restoration
  • MPF created a limited edition Diving Lady tie to raise money for the sign’s restoration 
  • MPF receives Mesa’s Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Achievement in Leadership for Activism and Education in Historic Preservation 
  • Board member Ron Peters receives Mesa’s Historic Preservation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Restoration of the Alston House 
  • Board Member nominates the old Mesa Library (now the IT Building) as a Mesa Historic Landmark 

2011

  • Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit 
  • Saved for future generations the East Valley Tribune archives 
  • Led the effort to bring the purchase of the Buckhorn Baths to the number one position on Scott Smith’s iMesa list
  • Led the effort to secure bond funding for the acquisition of the Buckhorn Baths 
  • Hosted a major Diving Lady fundraiser at Fiesta Mall 
  • Displayed completed Diving Lady figures and MOTEL letters at Fiesta and Superstition Springs Mall