OLD BISBEE HIGH SCHOOL

Old Bisbee High School is a historic landmark, known for its unique architecture and interesting past. The four-story structure, which opened in 1914, is the only building of its kind where every floor has a ground entrance. This architectural oddity was so impressive that it was even featured on Ripley's Believe it or Not!

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However, the school almost met its demise in 1919 when a fire broke out within the building, destroying most of the interior. Despite the efforts of firefighters and faculty members, the building had to be rebuilt, and classes and graduation ceremonies were held in nearby churches. The school reopened in 1920, and it continued to serve the city's students until a new high school was built in 1959 to accommodate the growing population.

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Since then, the Old Bisbee High School has served as the county library and the offices of county school superintendents. However, in 2021, officials in Bisbee and Cochise County announced that the building would be converted into 32 new apartments by Sunny Tempe Investments, LLC. The purchase of the building for $900,000 was approved by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, who recognized the need for more housing in the area.

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The county had considered converting the building into mixed-use space or creating affordable housing, but ultimately decided to approve the plan to create market-rate housing. The apartments are estimated to become available for rent in about three years, and officials hope that this will bring in more business to the downtown area by attracting a younger crowd to live in Bisbee. The conversion of the old Bisbee High School into apartments is a testament to the building's enduring legacy and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the community over the years.