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ITEM  3 Historic Preservation Commission      Development Services  Memo No. 26-001         Date: 03/25/2026 To: Historic Preservation Commission Thru: David De La Torre, Acting Planning Administrator From: Mikayela Liburd, City Planner Subject: PLH26-0001 Dobson Residence

Proposed Motion:

Move Historic Preservation Commission recommend City Council approval of PLH26-0001 Dobson Residence for historic landmark designation for the property located at 2751 S. Nebraska Street (approximately 1/4 mile north and west of the northwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Queen Creek Road.)

Background/Discussion

To qualify for historic designation, a property must meet criteria for significance, age and integrity. Generally, the property must be at least 50 years old unless it has achieved exceptional significance in the past 50 years. It must demonstrate historical, cultural or architectural significance with events or persons important to Chandler's history. Additionally, the property must retain sufficient integrity of location, design, setting, materials and association to convey its historic significance. The subject site is historically significant due to its association with individuals and families that have played important roles in the development of Chandler.  The land was previously owned by Dr. A.J. Chandler, founder of the City of Chandler. In 1944, he deeded the land to Carl Ekholm, who served as vice president of the Chandler of the Chandler Improvement Company while he served as President. Carl Ekholm had the home constructed in 1948 and sold it to Earl and Eileen Dobson in 1958. The home has remained in the Dobson family since then, with the current owners Dwayne and Carol Dobson residing there since 1961. Initially, the property was part of a larger agriculturally zoned parcel, that exceeded 300 acres in size. In 1983, it was annexed into the city and then rezoned in 1997 to Planned Area Development (PAD) for Single Family in the case PL96-115/PT96-071 Carino Estates as part of the Carino Estates subdivision. The land was divided, and the subdivision was constructed around the ranchette-style home maintaining its private access driveway within the community. The residence has experienced minimal alteration since its construction. While the rear patio has been enclosed, the building retains its original exterior form, materials and overall appearance. As a result, it retains its integrity, association, and scale, and continues to convey its historic rural character, making it a surviving example of Chandler's early development history. The historical significance of this property goes well beyond the age and integrity of the physical structure, as the home is further significant for its long standing association with the Dobson family, whose presence in Chandler dates back to the late 1800s. The family established successful farming and ranching operations and has remained influential in the community for generations through their contributions to agriculture and civic life.  Staff finds that the property meets the applicable criteria for landmark designation based on its historical significance, age and physical integrity and therefore recommends approval.  Public/Neighborhood Notification This request was noticed with the requirements of the Chandler Zoning Code.  A neighborhood meeting sign was posted on the site and on social media via NextDoor.  A neighborhood meeting was held on March 20, 2026.  As of writing this memo, Planning staff has received numerous phone calls from surrounding residents expressing support for this proposal.

Attachments PLH26-0001_Vicinity Maps PLH26-0001_Narrative PLH26-0001_Historic Pictures PLH26-0001_Deeds Exhibit

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