KINGMAN — At the April 15 City Council meeting, the Kingman City Council approved the sale of 519 East Beale Street to the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation (HEVF) for $925,000. The City issued the property for sale through a formal process that required any potential buyer to demonstrate how the site would be used to promote tourism and economic development in Downtown Kingman and the broader community.
HEVF was the sole bidder, and their proposal met all requirements set forth by the City. As part of the conditions of sale, HEVF has agreed to maintain the upper parking lot as free public parking, ensuring continued access for residents and visitors while advancing plans to transform the building into the world’s only stand-alone electric vehicle museum.
Located at the eastern gateway to Historic Downtown, the future museum will complement the Powerhouse Visitor Center on the west end by creating a powerful bookend effect that frames the city’s revitalized tourism corridor. This east-to-west connection strengthens Kingman’s position as a Route 66 destination and reflects the Council’s commitment to sustainable economic development through tourism.
The City’s partnership with HEVF dates back to 2014, when the Foundation, in collaboration with the City and the Mohave County Historical Society, launched its first exhibit at the Powerhouse. What began with just 10 to 12 vehicles has grown into a globally significant collection. HEVF has independently acquired more than 125 electric vehicles, some dating back to 1909, with 35 currently on display. The Museum attracts thousands of annual visitors and plays a growing role in Kingman’s cultural and tourism identity.
In 2022, the City commissioned a Design Concept Report to evaluate potential renovations to the 519 E. Beale Street building. As planning progressed, the City Council began exploring whether to move forward with the museum project or repurpose the building for other uses, such as municipal office space. During this period of review, the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation approached the City and gave a formal presentation outlining their interest in purchasing the property to establish a fully independent electric vehicle museum.
Following that presentation, the City Council determined that offering the property for sale, with conditions to ensure its use would support tourism and economic development, was the most effective way to enhance the downtown experience and benefit the city as a whole. The sale to HEVF allows the Foundation to pursue its expanded goals through private investment while ensuring Kingman remains the permanent home of this one-of-a-kind collection.
For more information on the HEVF’s future plans, please visit: https://www.hevf.org/
