We see crumbling buildings around us all the time. Boarded-up convenience stores, old shopping centers and dilapidated houses are everywhere in this city, which might lead people to believe they are all equal in value.

Most people react like developers do: They want to tear down the old structures and build something shiny, new and of course, profitable. But there is a flaw in this way of thinking because many of the buildings and properties that are marked for destruction have significant historical value. It is important, therefore, for communities to get involved in preserving their history by carefully considering each building's destruction and allotting funds to protect historic buildings.

Tucson is getting better at preserving its history. The Fox Theater project is a prime example of how community involvement can save significant landmarks. The Fox Theater is a committee effort, but for every joint effort, there are even more individuals who take up the burden and cost of historic preservation themselves. Nearly all the bed and breakfasts downtown have been bought and renovated by individuals, and it is only thanks to their efforts that these buildings have survived to be enjoyed by the next generation of Tucsonans. Organizations like the Historical Society have also had a hand in keeping the history of Old Tucson alive, but there is still plenty to be done. Occasionally the city of Tucson intervenes.

Currently, the city of Tucson is considering buying two properties in the historic Fort Lowell district. The properties are privately owned and are scheduled for sale and development in the very near future. These two properties include two fort warehouses and three officers' quarters, one of which is intact. To the untrained eye these properties look like useless crumbling adobe buildings on plots of land, but to the experts these structures illuminate the Army's Indian Policy in the West during the late 19th century. The actual values of these properties have been assessed in the millions, but their historical value cannot be measured.