‘These old buildings are worth saving’

“I realized the town has also been dealt a tough blow by FEMA turning its back on us. I want to be helpful, not complaining. I feel in over my head … so I’m all ears about next steps.These old buildings are worth saving for the history and future of Miami, which needs love.””

2025 was a year that brought hardships to our area, with flood recovery still ongoing for many. 

“It was a year we saw how quickly society can fall apart,” said Joanna TwentyThree, owner of three closely-knit businesses in downtown Miami — The Lyric Soda Fountain, music venue Thee 23 Skidoo, and longtime arts collective and gallery Miami Art Works. 

“And, a different society forms, one where everyone is equalized by mud and tragedy, with a firm undercurrent of determination and grit, putting themselves on the line for their neighbor no matter what,” she added. “That, followed by a droop, dreary ennui, obstacles, alienation, paranoia, and politics.”

Alongside other Miami business owners, TwentyThree has continued to face obstacles and continues to persevere. More than three months after the initial September flood, and more than two months after applying for a permit, she and fellow Miami Art Works members are still waiting for approval to install new flooring in the Miami Art Works building.

TwentyThree’s plan is to install a floating floor over the existing flooring, but due to concerns about mold, asbestos being potentially disturbed, and stutters in the permit process, there have been delays to the installation. The residents continue the clean up of the downstairs area as clarity is sought on how to move forward in conjunction with advice from the town manager.

Electrical issues have added another layer of delay. TwentyThree said there is no power in the downstairs portion of the Miami Art Works building, and all electrical components need to be replaced because they were submerged in water. She cited ongoing delays related to the electrical inspection due to contractor availability, an issue she said has persisted since November.

Beyond repairs, TwentyThree said ensuring the buildings are structurally sound remains a major concern following the floods. 

“I did want to get inspections before this to get to know my buildings,” she said. 

Miami Art Works residents have worked tirelessly to clean and improve conditions in the buildings. They have been using Tilex and air scrubbers to prevent mold from taking hold.

At this point, TwentyThree said the most pressing issue is the roof of The Lyric. During the most recent storm, she said, “It was raining inside The Lyric again, and we had to dry it out again.” 

Tarps have been installed, the town has issued a permit, and six to seven independent inspections have been completed.

She said repair estimates have varied widely, ranging from $17,000 to $21,000 to as much as $100,000 per building. Roof installation had been scheduled for Dec. 18, 2025, but TwentyThree said the contractor later explained the original quote was incorrect, and silicone on the roof would prevent spray foam from adhering. 

This leaves them “now back to square one” while waiting for a new bid, TwentyThree said.

While TwentyThree initially faced roadblocks, she said the town has been more responsive.

“They shared with me what to do before the floor is installed, and have also declared a desire to be helpful while not overbearing, giving me the time I need to determine the steps and players in the rebuilding process,” she said. “I imagine and witness they are also somewhat overwhelmed. My problems are not the only ones and I’m not alone in this predicament.”  

She also shared concerns for a friend who owns the former Book Bank building. Her friend was in the middle of renovations when the flood hit and lost everything, including two vehicles. Because the business was not yet licensed, TwentyThree said the owner does not qualify for assistance.

TwentyThree said there has been some positive news. She was contacted by the Gila County Assessor’s Office about applying for reduced property taxes due to flood damage. TwentyThree was able to receive funding through several programs to assist with rebuilding, and is part of an ongoing process for future funding.

Amid the challenges, local business owners have looked to each other for support. Nora Green, owner of Inspired By Time, organized a meeting for Globe-Miami business owners at La Casita Cafe on the evening of Nov. 25 to discuss updates on funding and recovery.

Green said her shop did experience flooding and inventory loss, but said that “it was nothing compared to the flood of 2021.”

Next door to Miami Art Works, Sweet Memories, which specializes in desserts, paninis, and other specialty treats, also experienced flooding. However, owner Lisa Zaragoza said damage was minimal. The business replaced part of a wall and believes it has fully recovered.

Farther down the block, Miami Mercantile, home to Two Bored Ladies in the former YMCA building, was also affected. Bunney Kessler, owner of Two Bored Ladies, said the business was fortunate, as the roof had been replaced in August, just a month before the floods. Some window issues occurred, she said, but the damage could have been far worse.

While the rebuilding process has presented numerous hurdles, these business owners continue to push forward, determined to restore their livelihoods and reopen their doors for employees and customers alike.

“I realized the town has also been dealt a tough blow by FEMA turning its back on us. I want to be helpful, not complaining. I feel in over my head … so I’m all ears about next steps,” TwentyThree said. “These old buildings are worth saving for the history and future of Miami, which needs love.”

“The biggest part of my challenge is having to go through it without my partner who passed away too recently. A big part of me is glad he didn’t have to witness this destruction; he would have been devastated to see all we built covered in mud in a dumpster,” she continued. “But an equal part of me wishes he were here to help me go through it and to have him for the recovery process. Things would be going faster and smoother with my husband here. I miss him so.” 

“But I know that I’m not alone,” she added. “The town and the community have been showing up as well as they can. It’s just a particularly difficult time for us all.” 

TwentyThree is grateful for the help it has received and offers assistance to anyone who needs it. 

“If life can be a choose-your-own-adventure book, I’d like to choose a story with collaboration and collective action, with cooperation,” she said. 

“It’s just going to take time to figure out how to repair all the things. I know that everyone is having challenges related to this crazy act of nature, including the town, which has been denied FEMA funds,” she added. “I believe we really will need to work together. I feel patient and ask for patience with the rebuilding process. There is strength in togetherness.”