[Phxguy]

From the Preserve PHX FB page today:

"Another loss in Downtown Phoenix.
This time it's the Wakelin Grocery Warehouse at 5th Ave and Jackson Street, a major core of the transportation and warehouse district. Actually shipping and distribution of goods and produce continued along the railroad line siding on Jackson Street well into the 1980s.

Built in 1913 the Wakelin building was the receiving and storage facility for the largest grocery store in early Phoenix. It then had several other storage uses over the years, including Barrows Furniture. The building was listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register.

The demolition, while an unfortunate loss to the streetscape and contextual feel of the Warehouse District, is slightly more palatable than the demolition of the Steinegger Lodging House last week. Two recent owners had looked at rehabilitation options, but were daunted by the rigid concrete and steel frame of a building constructed to handle heavy loads.
The current owner looked at creating a storage facility, but had both economic challenges and weather damage. The owner had worked with the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office to the fullest extent of the Phoenix ordinance and during the one year waiting period was able to prove the building presented an economic hardship. That outcome is frustrating, but at least there was an effort and intent. The roof collapsed during a 2019 monsoon. It is Interesting that today's demolition occurred with dark clouds overhead.

The building will be torn down over the next few days. The future use of the lot is unclear. It may sadly remain vacant."

Their FB page has some photos of its demolition. https://www.facebook.com/PreservePHX