Cochise County, Arizona has issued a Request for Proposals for the purchase and renovation of a historic four-story former high school that is regarded as one of the city’s landmarks.
Located at 100 Clawson Avenue, the structure was built in 1913 and substantially rebuilt after a fire nearly a decade later. A second renovation occurred in 1959.
Designed by architect Norman Marsh, a prominent southwestern architect who designed a series of schools, churches and libraries in Arizona and California in the last century, the 45,000 square foot building is regarded as one of the most architecturally distinctive structures in Bisbee.
After the construction of a more modern high school, also in 1959, the Bisbee High School building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, was transformed into a series of offices for the county.
With a sale price for the structure listed at $810,000, the county wants to see a renovation and redevelopment that will keep the high school’s distinctive architectural features intact.
County officials have suggested that an adaptive reuse of the structure could see it used for residential, retail, and office space.
The RFP has a submission deadline of March 4.
By Garry Boulard
