The 92-acre Pioneer Living History Museum in north Phoenix reopened last week following the city’s purchase of the site with $3.6 million of proceeds from $7.9 million of bonds authorized by voters in 2006.
The city sought to acquire the land in a state land auction in July for $3.2 million, but a real estate entity outbid Phoenix by $10,000.
The museum — which includes 26 historical buildings that date back to before Arizona became a state in 1912 — was closed two months ago when the state refused to supply water to the tourist site.
After the sale, Phoenix filed an eminent domain lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court to acquire the land for a park. Both parties agreed to the $3.6 million purchase price.
The city plans to build a water line to the property and install a septic system by March with $2 million of the 2006 bond proceeds. Water is currently being trucked to the site.
The $7.9 million of park acquisition bonds were part of an $878.5 million general obligation debt package.
