History
The auditorium is a substantial concrete building constructed in 1939 as a Depression-era WPA project. Both the Lehi school and the auditorium are listed on the National Register of Historical Places. After the school was closed in the 1970s, the auditorium continued to serve as a community space for meetings, dances, reunions and other events. However, in the early 2000s, it was deemed to be unsuitable for public use.

Renovations
The auditorium’s electrical wiring needs to be upgraded, the roof needs to be replaced, the wheelchair ramp and railing must be reconstructed and the outside needs to be stripped of its old peeling paint so it can have a few fresh coats after years of neglect. Renovating the Lehi Auditorium will not only benefit the museum by enhancing our visitor experience, it will also benefit the Mesa community.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience
During the spring training season, MHM visitation increases by over fifty percent. Imagine if the entire baseball exhibit could be housed within the 4,000 sq ft auditorium! MHM could display all of the baseball stories and memorabilia at one time, giving the visitor a better quality experience as well as attracting more visitors to Mesa.

Community Benefits
Restoring the Lehi Auditorium would also create a venue for people throughout Mesa who want to hold high school reunions, community meetings, etc. The space is large enough to accommodate a baseball exhibit as well as small private events. The rental fees for the space would help make this exhibit self-sustaining and provide a dual use for this historic building.

How Can You Help?
Our campaign kicks off on January 1, 2024! Your generous donations will go directly towards the renovation of the auditorium so we can open the new Play Ball: The Arizona Baseball Museum exhibit right here in Mesa! Join us in preserving a vital part of Mesa’s history. Together we can make a lasting impact on our community!