Demolition begins on Southern Pacific Freight Depot

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The demolition has started for a historic building in Yuma that was destroyed by arson.

The depot was built in the late 1800s and was one of Yuma's most historical landmarks.

Unfortunately, it has seen its last days.

"The building was empty so really the loss is the loss of that iconic historic structure itself but there was nothing of value inside of the building," says Cathy Douglas, the Executive Director of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA).

The building burned down in March 2024 and was a complete loss.

Douglas adds, "It was made out of redwood, so we knew there was always a fear of it burning, but it had stood for so many years so it was just really unfortunate when it did."

YCNHA owns the plot. It's still deciding what will happen to the area.

Douglas states, "The future is a little bit up in the air right now. We're just working on assessing what is the value of the property…Our Board of Directors is going to be deciding whether we hold on to the property or sell it."

Douglas also shares what she personally hopes will happen: "We would love to see that whole area built up…The city has some plans there so the property could be used in some way to contribute and help with that commercial development…An extension of Main Street to the south, it would really enhance downtown."

The demolition is set to be completed in a week.

The suspect tied to the fire, 22-year-old Angel Isaiah Alvarado, is still being held at the Yuma County Jail on a bond of $75,000.