May 2008

It is a small house loaded with historical significance. Built in the 1920's, it was both home and office of Dr. Lucius Alston, the first African-American doctor to practice in Mesa. During an era of segregation, Dr. Alston and his wife, Velma, a nurse, treated members of the African-American, Hispanic, and American Indian communities. The city of Mesa acquired the house in 2007 from Valley of the Sun Habitat for Humanity in a swap of land parcels. When the Alston House project is completed, the house will be leased to the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee for office and community space.

The City of Mesa, the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens (MAHC), and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Alston House, 453 N. Pima in Mesa, Arizona on May 9, 2008, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will recognize the rehabilitation phase of the Alston House project and the National Register of Historic Places Nomination.

Funding for the rehabilitation project is from multiple sources, including a grant from the Historic Preservation Heritage Fund, funded by the Arizona Lottery and administered by the Arizona State Parks Board. Money was also provided from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and private donations. Mesa Councilmember Tom Rawles will speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with representatives from Mesa Association of Hispanic citizens, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Arizona Lottery, and Arizona State Parks. A floor and site plan will be available for the public to see.