Arizona housing bill aims to protect historic neighborhoods

A new bill aims to protect historic neighborhoods in Phoenix. Yet many who live in the historic districts are worried homes could be torn down to make way for the new housing, which would result in the loss of Arizona’s architectural history and significantly change the feel of neighborhoods.

In 2024, a law was passed allowing multi-family housing to be developed in areas previously zoned for single-family homes, including historic districts.

Arizona State Representative Matt Gress (R) is advancing a bipartisan bill, otherwise known as HB2375, along with Representative Aaron Marquez (D) and Senator Lela Alston (D), that would require large cities to allow middle housing while exempting historic districts. The bill will have a hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.

Bob Cannon of Save Historic Arizona joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the bill and what it means for the future of these historic Arizona neighborhoods.

“The bill protects historic neighborhoods from demolition of historic structures,” Cannon said, “so we can have a community of historic preservation, protect our communities and prepare our homes for the character of the next generation.”

Middle housing does not refer to apartment complexes or single houses, Cannon explained, but falls in the middle of duplexes or triplexes.

“We get certain tax credits as well as providing a community of coherence for the next generation of families that want to live here,” Cannon explained.

Willo, FQ Story and Coronado are just some examples of historic districts in the Phoenix area deemed architecturally historic.

Cannon said, “If you buy a historic home, you’re buying character; you’re buying into the community; you can invest in your home and invest in the city of Phoenix and the state of Arizona history.”