by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior
2021 was an incredible year for Superior and ended on a fantastically high note with the purchase of the original Superior High School.
This iconic facility will become our multi-gen center featuring Town Hall operations, our library, a workout facility, dance studio, and senior center. The complex will also feature the Superior Enterprise Center, which will be the home to programing for job training and entrepreneurial development including a commercial kitchen to assist food entrepreneurs.
Developing a multi-gen center was a key strategic goal our council set in 2016 to ensure that we continue to invest in and expand Superior’s quality of life amenities. Our original plan called for constructing a new building, but as costs escalated, our dreams nearly evaporated.
We are grateful that Mr. Elijah Cardon agreed to sell this important community building to the Town. As is our tradition, repurposing and modifying materials and places is how we honor and preserve our history, continue to tell our story, and embrace the future.
You can visit the original Superior High School during the Superior Chamber of Commerce Home Tour Jan. 29 and 30. Tickets are available online https://bit.ly/3F1SzAA. The two-day event features several homes and buildings that have been re-purposed including the old Copper Motel, which has been converted into studio apartments, and the Knights of Columbus Hall, which also has been remodeled into apartments.
If you cannot make the home tour, a trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum can help you with establishing your spring and summer gardens. The visitor center has received a facelift creating more space to shop for those one-of-a-kind plants, and you will not want to miss a visit to the Smith Green Houses that have been restored and re-planted to feature arid desert plants from the northern and southern hemispheres.
If history is what you are looking for, then you will not want to miss the Legends of Superior Trails, Hashbrowns, History, and Hiking series. They will be hosting three events in February and March, the events feature a hearty breakfast, a historical presentation, and then a hike to see these historic spots.
Topics are: “History of Pinal City,” “Geological History of Queen Creek Canyon” and “History of U.S. 60: Miami-Superior Highway.” Learn more about their events online at https://bit.ly/LOSTEvents22.
Keep up with all events and activities at https://www.superiorarizona.com.
Photo By Cat Brown