Arizona street packed with vintage cars is in danger of becoming a ghost town

A time-capsule Arizona street lined with vintage vehicles that attracts visitors from all over the world is at risk of becoming a ghost town.

Taking a stroll down Erie Street in Bisbee, Lowell is a little bit like taking a step back in time, thanks to its classic cars and old buildings. 

The area is built around a now-closed-down copper mine and regularly welcomes visitors who are keen to check out its retro charm. 

However, residents in Lowell are concerned that it could become a ghost town after learning the street’s only restaurant would not have its lease renewed next year. 

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The Arizona street’s retro charm attracts visitors from all over

Freeport-McMoRan owns the mine and most of the buildings in Lowell. 

This includes the Bisbee Breakfast Club – the only restaurant on Erie Street.

Last month employees at the restaurant were told that Freeport is not planning on renewing the lease when it expires in September, 12News reported. 

Bisbee Breakfast Club general manager Mitzi Satterfield told the news outlet the news had been ‘heartbreaking’.

However, locals are rallying behind Erie Street, which is one of the most photographed in Arizona. 

Resident Jay Allen, who owns many of the vintage vehicles on the street, says he is determined not to let the area become a ghost town and is collecting signatures from local officials as well as writing a letter to the CEO of Freeport. 

“They are not the big bad witch, they are just a big mining company and I don’t think they realize what Lowell is, and what we are going to do is show them,” Allen told 12News. 

Locals are concerned the area could become a ghost town

In a statement to 12News Freeport spokesperson Jim Telle said the company owned ‘about 20 parcels or buildings’ within the district and that the lease of one of its tenants was due to end late next year. 

“That tenant has been made aware we will not be renewing the lease because of the aging condition of the building. We have been supporting the tenant in relocating,” he said. 

“After the occupant has vacated the building, Freeport will work to safely secure the property and minimize the potential for vandalization. We anticipate that the structure will eventually be torn down, leaving the façade intact.”

Telle went on to say that the age and condition of some of the buildings owned by Freeport had become ‘increasingly challenging to safely maintain’.

“Several structures are in deteriorating condition, and each will be evaluated,” he added.

“Resumption of mining is not in Freeport’s current plans.”