Developer buys 90-year-old downtown Phoenix laundry site

A Chicago developer acquired the historic Milum Textile Services building in downtown Phoenix, resolving a long-standing preservation dispute. This 90-year-old site, located at Van Buren Street and Seventh Avenue, first opened in 1909 but was rebuilt in 1935 after a fire destroyed the original structure. The Milum family operated the laundry until six years ago when it ceased operations. The acquisition includes multiple buildings, a storage yard, and a parking lot, which may undergo redevelopment. Local advocates had fought for the building's preservation, highlighting its importance to the area's industrial heritage.

The developer's future plans for the site have not been disclosed, leaving the community curious about its potential transformation. The building's historical significance aligns with broader efforts to maintain Phoenix’s architectural legacy amidst urban growth. This development emphasizes the tension between preservation and modernization in the city's ongoing evolution.