Oro Valley to Cut the Ribbon on Steam Pump Ranch Garage Restoration

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the Garage building at historic Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road) on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. Guest speakers include Mayor Joe Winfield and Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan.

The Town purchased Steam Pump Ranch in 2008. In 2009, the 16-acre property was listed on the National Register of Historic Place and since then, the Ranch buildings have undergone significant rehabilitation for public access.

The restored Garage building includes a reception area, a community/conference room and offices which will be occupied by the Recreation and Culture Division of the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department. With staff now onsite at the Ranch, the property will be open to the public Monday through Friday during normal business hours, on Saturdays during the Heirloom Farmer’s Market, and during the occasional weekend and evening events held at Steam Pump Ranch.

Restoring the garage is a fulfillment of one of the goals for the Steam Pump Ranch master plan which was developed by community stakeholders when the Town purchased the property. The Garage restoration was recognized as a priority by Town Council, Town staff and the Historic Preservation Commission due to its location within the historic core of Steam Pump Ranch.

As part of the Garage restoration project, the Pusch House building at Steam Pump Ranch also underwent improvements. The Pusch House is a public museum, operated by the Oro Valley Historical Society. A fire suppression and alarm system were installed for the building to meet compliance requirements for the lending of artifacts and collections. The improvements will allow the Historical Society to bring and display more historically relevant materials for the Oro Valley community.

The ribbon cutting coincides with the Town’s “Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch” event. On the second Saturday of every month, the community is invited to visit Steam Pump Ranch to shop at the Heirloom Farmers Market, Commerce Corral and the Historic, Western and Americana Artisan and Antique Fair, visit the Pusch House Museum and listen to live music. More information about “Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch” can be found here.