(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)

The WPA Building, also known as the Civic Building, was built in 1938.

(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)

The WPA Building, also known as the Civic Building, served as state headquarters for a federal agency that created public project jobs during the Great Depression.

At this week's Arizona State Fair Board meeting, Executive Director Wanell Costello shared the architect’s report on the roof of the 1938 WPA Building, also known as the Civic Building.

"No real structural damage, nothing they hadn't anticipated," Costello told board members.

The report from Swan Architects estimates roof repairs at nearly $180,000. The information provided to board members also included interior photos of the roof that show water damage and a breakdown of costs.

Last month, the city of Phoenix offered a $200,000 deal that requires the state-owned building be preserved for 30 years.

“We wouldn’t allow someone to demolish it or make modifications to it that would interfere with its integrity," said Phoenix Historic Preservation Officer Michelle Dodds.”

The Arizona Fair Board is now trying to determine which state agency has the authority to approve or deny the 30-year agreement. Stabilizing the building is expected to cost around $400,000.

It was slated for demolition until historic preservationists like Jim McPherson started raising their voices and money. 

"It just represents an era of our city, of our state that needs to be recognized," McPherson said. "And when you look at a photograph or something on the Internet it’s not the same thing as looking at the building, being part of the building, experiencing the building.”

The WPA building served as state headquarters for a federal agency that created public project jobs during the Great Depression. It’s sat vacant for about a decade.