An 89-year-old Phoenix homeowner is fighting an attempt by Arizona State University (ASU) to use eminent domain to seize his residence.
ABC15.com reports Robert Young has lived in his home at the corner of North 4th and Pierce Street since 1975. The property was built in 1902 by butcher Louis Emerson and predates Arizona’s statehood in 1912; it is among Phoenix’s oldest surviving residences.
ASU wants the use Young’s property for the expansion of its medical and technology school, and it has made multiple offers ranging from between $290,000 and nearly $1 million for the property. But Young is not interested in selling and the Arizona Board of Regents is suing him in Maricopa County Superior Court to seize the property.
An online petition supporting Young has received more than 11,000 signatures, and the homeowner is ready to stand up for his rights in court.
“It’s stressful,” he admitted. “You don’t know from day to day if you’re gonna find the house on the corner.”
ASU has not publicly commented on its efforts to take over Young’s property.
Photo via Tony the Marine / Wikimedia Commons
They should leave him alone. At 89 he deserves the right to be left in peace. They can (and should) wait. All things cometh to he who waiteth. In addition it seems the house should be added to the Historic Register.
Exactly CW is CORRECT.
Right to Peaceful enjoyment.
Does Arizona not care of the historical
places in their towns??
I agree
THIS IS NOT what eminent domain was for…..its BULLSH!T
As a real estate broker in Phoenix, I would be happy to help fight in any way I can. This home is valuable based on the age alone. The owners value in the home is more than just the property value. For someone who has lived somewhere for over 50 years, it would be detrimental to his health.
If they are offering up to 1 mil, they should consider an offer to relocate the home to a place that may work for both of ’em
Buy the property at fair market value and give him a life estate to remain there. Ever notice that Universities have become the dumbest places in the last thirty years. It used to be said that universities existed to take the sons of the rich and render them harmless to society. Now they never leave campus.
excellent solution!
Maybe a compromise:
Save the historic house but move it to a nice location nearby and pay the sweet old man the Million bucks.
As with all compromises both sides win and lose something. But if he loses to eminent domain, then he will get appraised value on an old house.
And just what would THAT property be used for? is it in the center of a proposed
medical facility, or a green space with a park bench? Much more information is needed and at this point I am with the property owner!!
It is WRONG. Bigger pockets seem always to prevail!
Pay home the highest amount they have offered him AND give him a Life Estate. The university is on a lose-lose trajectory with the suit.
Agreeing with you all…
Hoping 89 yr. old Mr. Young is receiving expert and pro bono legal representation!
Search Maricopa.com case history then civil case # CV2026-021248
Based on info. provided above, can’t imagine any ASU Alum/benefactor knowingly supporting this action on the part of the Regents.
(Take the profit out of the behavior, the behavior disappears)
Current Hearing Date for ASU/Regent Complaint:
Sept. 4th, 2026
Superior Court – downtown location