Oro Valley Eyes Restoration of Historic Proctor-Leiber House at Steam Pump Ranch

In 2014, the Town of Oro Valley began exploring the idea of investing $500,000 to renovate the Proctor-Leiber House, a 1930s-era building located at the iconic Steam Pump Ranch. The plan? Convert the historic home into a visitor center and rentable event space—a move that could boost both tourism and town revenues.

That year, the Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously to form a committee dedicated to studying the project’s feasibility. The committee was tasked with evaluating whether the investment would not only preserve local heritage but also serve as a functional asset to the community.

Steam Pump Ranch: A Local Landmark

Situated at 10901 N. Oracle Road, Steam Pump Ranch was purchased by the town in 2007 for $4.7 million. Since then, Oro Valley has spent over $1.5 million on preservation and maintenance. The ranch, rich in regional history, has become a hub for community events, farmers markets, and cultural programming.

Progress Since the 2014 Proposal

Although initial momentum around the $500K renovation proposal slowed due to budget constraints, the town and the Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) continued advocating for the preservation of the site. In 2015, Oro Valley updated the Steam Pump Ranch Master Plan, which included a revised vision for the use and layout of the property.

OVHS remained actively involved, hosting historical tours and raising awareness about the ranch’s importance. They also raised concerns about preservation strategies and called for clearer communication from the town, particularly regarding planned changes to the use of the site’s historic buildings.

New Funding and Forward Movement

In February 2025, the Town of Oro Valley secured a $30,000 Historic Preservation Heritage Fund grant from Arizona State Parks to conduct a Historic Building Condition Assessment (HBCA) for the Proctor-Leiber House. The town provided a $20,000 match, bringing the total project funding to $50,000.

This assessment, completed in early 2025, provides a professional evaluation of the building’s current condition and outlines the steps needed for future rehabilitation. It serves as a critical foundation for pursuing additional restoration grants and long-term planning.

What’s Next for the Proctor-Leiber House?

While full renovation is still pending further funding and town approval, the recent assessment marks a significant step forward in preserving this historical gem. Plans remain aligned with the original intent: to create a welcoming visitor center and event space that honors Oro Valley’s past while supporting its future.

The Proctor-Leiber House represents more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a piece of living history that can be repurposed for education, tourism, and community engagement.

Steam Pump Ranch continues to serve as a central cultural asset for Oro Valley, hosting events that bring residents and visitors together to celebrate the region’s heritage.

To learn more about ongoing preservation efforts or to get involved, visit the Town of Oro Valley or the Oro Valley Historical Society.