Polly Rosenbaum Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium
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The building as it looks today
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 Location in Maricopa County, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1502 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona |
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| Area | 0.8 acres (0.32 ha) |
| Built | 1921 |
| Built by | Clinton Campbell |
| Architect | Lescher & Mahoney |
| Architectural style | Exotic Revival, Moorish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000168 |
| Added to NRHP | March 9, 1989 |
The Polly Rosenbaum Building is a historic building in Phoenix, Arizona. It stands at the corner of 15th Avenue and Washington Street. This building was finished in 1921. It was first known as the El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium. For some time, it also housed the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum.
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History of the Polly Rosenbaum Building
Built for the Shriners
The building was completed in 1921. It was built for a group called the El Zaribah Shrine. This group is part of the Shriners. The Shriners are a fraternal organization known for their charitable work. They often support children's hospitals.
The building was designed by architects Lescher & Mahoney. It was built by Clinton Campbell. The style of the building is called Exotic Revival or Moorish Revival. This style often uses designs inspired by Middle Eastern or North African buildings.
A Historic Landmark
In 1989, the building and its property were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important for their history or architecture. The building was recognized for its unique design. It was also listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register at the same time.
New Home for the Shriners
In 1988, the Shriners started building a new place. They planned to move from their old building at 15th and Washington. This area was becoming a government center. By late 1989, the Shriners finished their new auditorium. It is located at 552 N. 40th Street. This new building is now called the "El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium."
Renamed for Polly Rosenbaum
After the Shriners moved, the Arizona state government bought their old building. The state wanted to use it for the Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources. This department moved into the building in October 1991.
The building was then renamed the Polly Rosenbaum Building. This was to honor Polly Rosenbaum. She was a very important member of the Arizona House of Representatives for many years. She worked with then-governor Rose Mofford. Together, they helped get the building and fix it up. They wanted it to be a permanent home for the department's mineral collection and historical records.
The Polly Rosenbaum Building is one of two state government buildings in Phoenix named after her. The other is the Polly Rosenbaum State Archives and History Building. It was finished in 2008.
Museum Closure
In February 2010, Governor Jan Brewer announced a new plan. The Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum would become the Arizona Centennial Museum. This was for the state's 2012 centennial celebration. The building was supposed to be moved to different groups.
However, the mining museum suddenly closed on May 1, 2011. The money needed for the new museum did not become available. Because of this, the building is currently closed and empty.
