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TUCSON - A local group is working to preserve a historic landmark in Vail.

The Old Vail Post Office, across from Old Vail Middle School was severely damaged by monsoon storms on July 4, 2011.

The damage is still visible a year later.

J.J. Lamb with the Vail Preservation Society says, "Last July 4th a microburst actually opened right over the building and blasted the tin off."

The storm blew the tin roof away and damaged the adobe walls.

Volunteers rallied in the days after, spending countless hours to repair it.

Lamb says, "all kinds of folks came out to help clean up and tarp the building."

The building is listed on the national register of historic places.

It holds special meaning for many.

The Vail Preservation Society is working with the new property owner to save the building.

Lamb says, "until we have a written agreement that allows us to move forward with restoration, another severe weather or microburst will take the tarp off and most likely the building will be destroyed."

They're hoping to buy it and restore it as a heritage center.

Lamb says the building connects the community.

She says they want to keep it open for the next 100 years in Vail.

It'll cost about a quarter of a million dollars to restore the old post office.

There will be fundraisers in the fall to raise the money.