The 2007 Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award to the L. Ron Hubbard House at Camelback

The award was presented on June 14, at the 2007 Arizona State Wide Historic Preservation Partnership Conference at the Elk’s Theater in Prescott, Arizona. Mrs. Marlyse Brock, Property Manager of the L. Ron Hubbard House, Mrs Monica Sanz Polo, President of the Friends of L. Ron Hubbard Foundation and Mr. Luc Dubois, representative of the Church of Scientology International accepted the award at the Elk’s Theater.

The award-winning project was an historic restoration of the late 1940s single-family dwelling constructed at 5501 Tatum Boulevard (now the northern end of 44th Street), which was at that time the outskirts of Phoenix. The historic House was the home of L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology founder, from 1952-1955, during the time when he made important advances in his work.

The L. Ron Hubbard house provides a historically accurate record of the way it looked in 1952 and stands at the dawn of the religion’s birth, as Mr. Hubbard established the first Scientology organizations, codified basic principles of Scientology, authored half a dozen Scientology texts and delivered more than 600 instructional lectures to local residents and thousands of people who traveled to Phoenix from around the world to hear him speak.

The mission of the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award is to promote public awareness of historic preservation in the state of Arizona; recognize the varied contributions by volunteers, professionals, organizations, and agencies to promote the goals of historic preservation; identify and recognize educational, community, non-profit and private-sector heritage projects that demonstrate excellence in design and execution.

The historical restoration philosophy that guided the L. Ron Hubbard House in Phoenix project was that of remaining true to the look and feel of the original home while looking its actual age, with the use of modern materials which are longer lasting.

Two years of intensive research into the house and its furnishings included interviews and memorabilia of every person who could be found alive who had been in the home in 1952; thousands of photos and documents in archives; data on file with the City of Phoenix planning office; and a thorough inspection of the building by the historical restoration expert directing the project, until the exact original scene of 1952 was known. Another facet of the restoration philosophy was to make the building look its age, well maintained. Normal usage or wear would be retained in the building and its furnishings.

It was while in residence in this home, that Mr. Hubbard made the landmark discoveries upon which the Scientology religion is based, along with the beginnings of his secular social betterment and humanitarian projects, which have vastly increased in scope. It is truly a major historic landmark for residents of Phoenix, the United States and worldwide. For more information on this restoration project or to visit the house call 602-840-5060.