In a sea of stucco homes, this humble abode stands out.
The Smith Home, which sits at the center of The Villages at Rancho El Dorado along Butterfield Parkway, was built in 1955 by Maricopa pioneers John and Mary Lou Smith. It features richer craftmanship than modern Maricopa houses such as wood-vaulted ceilings, hand-carved doorframes and a thick stained-glass front door.
After John Smith died in September, his children donated the 2 ½-acre estate to the City of Maricopa to become a new gathering place for the community.
The Maricopa City Council voted to rezone the property from residential to public during a regular meeting April 15, clearing the way for a proposed historical center that would honor both the Smith family and Maricopa’s beginnings.
Plans for the site include the addition of ADA-compliant access, a reconfigured driveway and garden walkways. The house itself will largely remain the same, with updates focused on supporting public use while preserving its historical integrity, according to the city.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about Maricopa is that it’s a brand-new city with no history,” said Denny Heoh, president of the Maricopa Historical Society. “In reality, Maricopa’s roots go back to the 1850s. There’s a deep, rich heritage here.
“That’s where the Smith House and the historical society come in — we help tell the story of who we are and where we came from,” he continued. “Maricopa isn’t just about the last 20 years; it’s about the last 100 and more. Understanding that history is key to Maricopa’s culture.”
While the city government owns the property, the Maricopa Historical Society may host guided tours and create hands-on, immersive educational activities.
“The Smith House gives us a chance to bridge the past and future,” said Heoh. “Whether it’s a tour, a gathering or just walking the halls, this home has the potential to be a place where history comes alive.”
