Defining Desert Living September/October 2020 by azarchitecture

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Defining Desert Living

Architecturally Unique Homes

OUR UNIQUE VISUAL WEALTH

azarchitecture Celebrates 30 Years

ROBERT T. EVANS

Masterful Adobe Design

NEW LIFE IN THE OLD PUEBLO Exploring Tucson

Architecturally Unique Homes

azarchitecture.com

480.425.9300

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IN HIS OWN WORDS

Editor’s Note: We began our specialty marketing Architecturally Unique Homes in 1990 which makes this our thirty-year anniversary dedicated to celebrating architecture and design in real estate. We are proud that to this day, we are the only real estate brokerage in Arizona that makes architecture a special focus of their trade. Shortly after we planted our flag, Debbie and I began to publish a series of magazines devoted to architecture and design: Defining Desert Living. Scott Jarson, Editor

Our goal then and now is to elevate the local discussion of architecture and design, spotlighting the amazing history and talent we have in our community. There is a rich desert history here of unique architecture, exemplary art, design and craft. This magazine is our way of celebrating this narrative with

EDITOR / PUBLISHER

Debbie Jarson Scott Jarson CONTRIBUTORS

Alexis Magness Taylor Costello Andrew Jarson ART DIRECTION

you. We hope that you’ll continue to opt-in for more and to be part of the conversation. Our business is Architectural Real Estate...but it’s also our passion. We hope you’ll feel free to call on us. Perhaps just to share a bit of history or to learn more about a particular place, area, or home. Or maybe you will choose us to market, or help you find, your unique home. Either way, if we can be of

ps:studios inc.

service, our door is always open.

COVER IMAGE

It’s all part of what we call Defining Desert Living!

CB3 Residence, Phoenix Moran Architects Image: Bill Timmerman

Scott Jarson

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info@azarchitecture.com

azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson members are proud supporters of the Frank Lloyd Wright READ THE CURRENT ISSUE ONLINE AT azarchitecture.com

Building Conservancy, The Arizona State University Art Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and the Taliesin Foundation.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not assume responsibility for unsolicited submissions. Publisher assumes no liability for the information contained herein; all statements are the sole opinions of the contributors and/or advertisers.

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Tucson, Arizona | PHOTOGRAPHY: Donald Teel

IN THIS ISSUE IN HIS OWN WORDS

Editors Notes

ON THE SHELF

Coveted Books & Products

OUR UNIQUE VISUAL WEALTH

azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson Real Estate Celebrates 30 Years

ON THE MARKET

New Listings

ROBERT T. EVANS

Masterful Adobe Design

PATRICIA SANNIT

Featured Designer

NEW LIFE IN THE OLD PUEBLO

Exploring Tucson

ON THE MENU

Valley Restaurants

ON THE MARKET

New Listings

IN FOCUS

Darren Petrucci / A-I-R

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020

In the midst of our Valley there are cool, irrigated citrus groves in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, along with pockets of Spanish revival, adobe, and mid-century modern ranch homes. There are forests of giant saguaros in the foothills to the north, an area that is known for cutting-edge architecture, and rows of majestic date palms lining streets of historic homes in central Phoenix. All of this makes for a rich, urban landscape that includes modern in-fill architecture, loft projects and stunning high-rise towers. All coexisting within the dramatic backdrop of our unique Sonoran Desert. azarchitecture understands the contrasts and architectural nuances that set unique homes apart. From Frank Lloyd Wright to Case Study, Eames to Al Beadle, azarchitecture speaks the language of modern architecture.

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020

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OUR UNIQUE V ISUA L W E A LTH

AZARCHITE JARSON & J REAL ESTATE CELEBRATES BY DAV I D M . B R OW N 8

ECTURE JARSON E S 30 YEARS Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020

“

We want to share the knowledge we have with those that will celebrate this very interesting place with us. We want to promote good design and perhaps help build or save some good houses

”

AT AZARCHITECTURE / JARSON & JARSON REAL ESTATE, A HOME’S VALUE CAN EXCEED ITS MARKET VALUATION. At azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson Real Estate, a home’s

material; a design by Mid-Century Modern exemplar, Al

value can exceed its market valuation.

Beadle; or the hand-crafted redwood interior of the midtown Phoenix home architect Fred Guirey built for himself and his

Founded 30 years ago by Scott and Debbie Jarson,

family in the 1950s.

the real estate firm specializes in the sale of homes with architectural, design, cultural and historical significance.

Or, perhaps it’s a sensitive post-World War II restoration

The couple call these properties part of our community’s

of a Ralph Haver in North Central Phoenix by the noted

“Unique Visual Wealth.”

designer/builder. The home may have been disregarded and kept in disrepair through the next decades; recent

“We have a credo and a mission statement that we hold our

owners sensitively revived it. Vital again in a gentrifying

decisions up against: to sell, creatively market and promote

area, it’s market strong and now historically significant.

good architecture and design regardless of price,” says Scott, who, growing up in the Valley, was inspired by homes

“We want to share the knowledge we have with those

and other properties the couple have sold during the last

that will celebrate this very interesting place with us. We

three decades.

want to promote good design and perhaps help build or save some good houses,” explains Jarson, who is the

Originally known as Jarson & Jarson, their shingle is

company’s director of sales and creative development.

now azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson Real Estate, with five

Raised in Arizona, he attended Scottsdale public schools

employees and 14 sales agents, headquartered in the

and graduated from ASU with a Fine Arts degree.

Will Bruder-designed Loloma 5 live/work building (2004) in downtown Scottsdale. “We realized that some people

“Our company allows us to connect with like-minded

know us only from the internet, and they related more to

individuals who share enthusiasm for great design. We get

azarchitecture.com, so we combined these two into one

to introduce, connect and celebrate unique talent and useful

name everyone can relate to,” Debbie explains.

resources,” adds Debbie, the firm’s designated broker who trains and mentors the firm’s sales agents. The Pittsburgh,

“A house we’d represent could be anything from historic to

Pennsylvania, native attended Miami University in Oxford,

modern, a building with style and substance,” he explains.

Ohio, then the Tobe–Coburn School of Fashion Careers in

The structure may be adobe, the long-time desert building

New York City before settling in the Valley.

1990

2013

Originally known as Jarson & Jarson, their shingle is now azarchitecture Jarson & Jarson Real Estate

Headquartered in the Will Bruder-designed Loloma 5 live/work

The David and Gladys Wright House (1952)

building (2004) Photo: Bill Timmerman

Debbie notes that Jarson & Jarson was Arizona’s first real

Guggenheim Museum (1959) in New York City; they

estate company to publicize the architect’s name in its

received the Wright Spirit Award from the Frank Lloyd

marketing. “We believe the architect or designer should get

Wright Building Conservancy for those efforts.

credit for his or her work and for adding to our heritage of creative desert design,” she says.

Scott was also an original member of the Phoenix mayor’s Post War Modern Task Force and chairs the Hillside

In addition, during the past 30 years, the company has

Building Committee for the town of Paradise Valley, where

advocated for historic and architectural preservation, Scott

he and Debbie live in a Will Bruder-designed hillside home,

notes. He and Debbie were intensely involved in saving

completed in 2008.

the David and Gladys Wright House (1952) in the Arcadia area of Phoenix when a developer recently threatened to

“And, from a lifestyle perspective, our real estate firm

demolish that residential vision of Frank Lloyd Wright’s

promotes, supports and advances better living, conservation

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Scott & Debbie in the early days. In the 1952 Frank Lloyd Wright Arthur Pieper Residence (left) and outside a 1920’s Adobe Home in Paradise Valley.

Limited edition poster for 1992. Illustration by Art Smith.

and life-enhancing ideals through architecture,” she adds.

“We had an immediate and wonderful romance which has

“This is especially appropriate in our desert city.”

lasted ever since,” he says.

Says Bruder, “Scott and Debbie have steadfastly championed

He followed Debbie into the business. “We had a very

modernism in the Valley.” Since working with the couple

successful early career in general real estate. But I was

while designing the Vale of Tempe condominiums (2004),

just not happy,” Scott says. “Somehow, selling tract homes

he has been impressed with their sensitivity to and advocacy

and ignoring our architectural heritage made me feel like I

for Valley architecture.

had become ‘part of the problem.’” Because both of them loved design, art, architecture and history, she suggested

“For every listing, they create a narrative that highlights

focusing on “Architecturally Unique Homes.”

importance of these properties in the story of the Valley’s built environment. Often they educate prospective buyers,

They contacted Peter Shikany, who had a year-old graphic

who may be two or three times removed from first owners,

design firm, ps:studios in Phoenix; he created a branding

on the historic context and importance of a property,” he

program for the new company. Shikany and the Jarsons

adds. “Scott and Debbie get the big picture of the place

have become close friends and continue to work together.

and its architectural legacy.”

In fact, he and his wife, gallery owner Lisa Sette live in the well-known House of Earth + Light (2006) by architect

THE WEAVE OF THE VALLEY

Marwan Al-Sayed, a sale completed by the Jarsons.

The Jarsons married in 1982; a mutual friend had introduced them a year earlier. Debbie was working at

“The ability to connect architectural knowledge and

Bobby McGee’s, the landmark restaurant adjacent to

expertise to the buying and selling of homes puts them in

Papago Plaza, Scottsdale’s pioneer retail strip center which

a unique position for their clients. There are no others who

has just been demolished for mixed-use development.

honestly operate from this viewpoint,” Shikany explains.

From quality printed materials to magazine publication, the Jarsons found unique ways to celebrate Arizona’s design heritage.

1992 Defining Desert Living cover

“Because of this knowledge, they have been able to

of optimism and unlimited opportunity from the beginning.

cultivate respect and friendships within the architectural and

But, we do seem to have what I think of as ‘waves’ of

design communities and have been instrumental in raising

creativity — periods that the Valley has done the best in.

awareness and helping to create a vibrant architecture

The building inventory of unique design created during

movement in Arizona.”

these times reflects the very best part of ourselves.”

Scott explains that “defining an architecturally unique

“I am proud of our special place in the sun, but sometimes

property isn’t black-and-white.” The couple have, however,

I hear from visitors and others that our area is just too

used five basic guidelines: the home offers a unique

‘beige,’ not colorful enough with architectural panache and

piece of history; it has been significantly published; it was

pizazz. We can be, yes, but we’ve delighted in introducing

people to ‘threads’ in the creative weave that is our Valley:

materials; and the home represents a particular period or

moments of design that reflect time and place or just a

architectural style.

particularly creative spark of genius.”

Occasionally, the choice is intuitive: “We have always been

“It’s not nostalgia, which can be narrow and dangerous,”

committed to preserving the region’s history and to ensuring

he adds. “It’s about saying, ‘Yes, here we took a chance!’

the environmental and architectural integrity of Southwest

It’s about art.”

desert communities, so sometimes, you just know it when you see it,” she notes.

STEWARDING OUR VISUAL WEALTH To celebrate their firm’s 30th anniversary, the Jarsons are

Scott believes that the growth of Metro Phoenix can be read

selecting a few examples of the metro area’s Unique Visual

through its architecture and design. “It’s a new place and,

Wealth — architectural art — and discussing one per story.

being where it is, in the West, a place that has had a sense

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

DeConcini Residence, Paolo Soleri Architect Photo: Andrew Jarson

The Vale Tempe, Will Bruder Architects Photo: Bill Timmerman

Some of these places are threatened with demolition or

time, elements, change of owners, encroachment, design

significant alteration from their original use. These include

‘trends,’ even HGTV, all take their toll on these buildings,”

the first location the couple has chosen, Kiva Craftsman’s

Scott explains. “Slowly, then all at once, these homes

Court (1955, T.S. Montgomery), whose future is uncertain

and buildings become something different, most often

as the city of Scottsdale’s envisions a revitalized downtown

diminished.”

including high-rise development. Owners of these significant properties should, then, have a Significant residences need advocacy, too, such as Paolo

keen sense of responsibility.

Soleri’s Cosanti (1956–) in highly desirable Paradise Valley. These kinds of homes are often vulnerable because the

“Scott and Debbie’s interest in culturally significant

land they are built on has become so valuable that the new

architecture,

owners prefer to raze and build larger contemporary-style

connoisseurship and into stewardship,” says Darren

homes.

Petrucci, principal of the architectural firm, AIR, in Phoenix

specifically

homes,

goes

beyond

and Suncor Professor of Architecture & Urbanism in The “Given the metro area’s relatively young age, the depth

Design School of the Herberger Institute for Design and

and range of the history and architecture of homes here

The Arts at Arizona State University.

is really quite remarkable,” Jarson says. “But our lack of awareness of this history makes these homes and buildings

“Their passion and commitment to finding the right buyer

fragile because they are taken for granted or ‘in the way’

for a significant work is commendable, and, I am sure,

of progress.”

sometimes detrimental to their bottom line, but the long view of their efforts outweigh the short-term gains,” he

He notes that Bruder was the first person to share the saying

adds.

with him, “Architecture is the most fragile of the arts.” “If an owner appreciates the original intent of the architect, “The ‘artist/architect’ creates this three dimensional thing

he or she can make reasonable changes that won’t affect

of beauty. Its original design is usually the purest, but

the overall design,” Scott explains.

Mid-Century Track Home Design by Ralph Haver

Triad Apartments (CSA#1), Alfred Newman Beadle Architect

House of Earth+Light, Marwan Al Sayed Architect

Guirey Residence, Fred Guirey Architect

This is important because generally the new owners can’t

“But that redwood is cost prohibitive today, and it’s difficult

return the house to its original, observe the building code

to obtain boards of the same clear quality. “Once they are

in place decades ago or use the construction materials

painted white by a subsequent owner to ‘brighten’ and

and techniques; they all change. “These designs are really

modernize the interior, that wood is usually lost and, with it,

habitable snapshots of the time they were designed in,”

the look and the intent of the architect. Very few would take

he says.

the effort to restore it again.”

Building an exact copy of a Haver-designed tract home of

Scott and Debbie Jarson and their associates are

the 1950s would be difficult. The signature thin single-pane

available at 480.425.9300, info@azarchitecture.com and

glazing, the near-zero insulation, the antiquated HVAC

azarchitecture.com.

system: These would not meet building codes or current lifestyle expectations.

David M. Brown is a Valley-based writer (azwriter.com).

“So today’s duplicate would be more efficient, yes, but the lightness of design, the delicate nature of how the roof connects to a small row of narrow clerestory windows, the thin roof that appears to almost ‘float’: All of this would be

Taliesin West (Polaroid Transfers by Bob Carey photography)

lost,” he explains. Materials are also important to consider. In the mid-20th century, wood and lumber, such as clear redwood, were much more available, as in Guirey’s home from the 1950s, he explains.

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

ON THE MARKET

Property Listings | azarchitecture.com

DESERT CONTE MPOR A RY MODERN ESTATE

STONE HOUSE RESIDENCE CHEN+SUCH A RT A RCHITEC TS

With a complete 2009 rebuild of this home designed by Riccardo Cattapan from CMDA Design Bureau, this Desert Contemporary design captures the site and the imagination! Nestled, READ MORE

Natural beauty and unique materials combine in this Desert Modern home to create a Zen-like experience for owner and guest alike. A sheltered compound of serenely beautiful structures, READ MORE

Price: $3,250,000

Price: $1,895,000

COMING SOON SCOT TSDA LE MODERN LOF T KIERL A ND COM MONS Fully furnished loft nestled in the heart of Kierland Commons is the Plaza Lofts at Kierland. Walk to your favorite shops and restaurants and be minutes away from the Waste Management., READ MORE

Price: $1,495,000

LOLOM A 5 LIVE/ WORK WILL B RUDER A RCHITEC T Award wining design by Will Bruder FAIA. Showcasing a fabulous palette of materials, this highly upgraded city-home offers mixed-use, 2 bedrooms, roof terrace, and more. Located in the, READ MORE

Price: $639,900

Architecturally Unique Homes

MID -CENTURY MODERN CONTE MPOR A RY-R A NCH ST YLE Mid-Century Modern Architecture combines with Contemporary Ranch-house Style! This home with superb views at the foot of Camelback Mountain offers exposed Mid-Century, READ MORE

Price: $1,975,000

PA LO VERDE L A NE NE W MODERN HOMES NOW SELLING – Only four lots available! This new home community by local architect Scott Roeder of StudioROEDER and La Casa Builders offers desert modern architecture paired, READ MORE

Price: $1,989,000

SOLD

M A RION ESTATES MID -CENTURY ROB ERT J. PE TERSON A RCHITEC T

1937 NORTH CENTR A L HISTORIC ADOBE

Mid-Century Modern 1959 Gem in the historic highly-desired Marion Estates neighborhood! Glass surrounds every room you enter with full views of nature, mature landscaping and gorgeous, READ MORE

This award-winning, fully renovated, adobe home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring a top-to-bottom restoration, the home is a piece of Phoenix history! READ MORE

Price: $1,085,000

Price: $649,900

azarchitecture.com 480.425.9300 3707 N. Marshall Way #5 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Defining Desert Living

ISSUE 2020

ON THE MARKET

Property Listings | azarchitecture.com

CUSTOM CONTE MPOR A RY R A NCH IN TROON NORTH

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his home checks ALL the boxes! Million dollar views? Check! Contemporary design? Check! Completely renovated? Check! Paradise Valley Proper? CHECK! Custom designed, READ MORE

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TURN-KE Y TERRITORIA L LIVING AT A L A MOS SCOT TSDA LE

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Architecturally Unique Homes

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Modern Romance? !oversized lot in North Central Phoenix. This 4 -bedroom, 4-bath home boasts a bold, yet elegant design, READ MORE

Price: $565,000

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ORIGIN A L MID -CENTURY R A NCH PRIME PAR ADISE VALLE YRENTAL

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Price: $2,450/mo

Price: $645,000

azarchitecture.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 480.425.9300 3707 N. Marshall Way #5 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020

ROBERT T. EVANS

MASTERFUL ADOBE DESIGN B Y W A LT L O C K L E Y ROBERT T. EVANS IS PROBABLY BEST KNOWN AS THE ARCHITECT OF THE JOKAKE INN AND ITS GATHERING OF RELATED PROPERTIES ON THE SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN SLOPE OF CAMELBACK. ALL OF THAT HAS VANISHED. THE SOLE REMNANT IS THAT HANDSOME EVOCATIVE ADOBE DOUBLE-TOWER STANDING ALONG THE ENTRY TO THE PHOENICIAN. 20

The surrounding property had been purchased in 1915

Check, and as relatively early pioneers Evans may have

by his mother, Jessie Benton Evans. The Jokake Inn

directly and indirectly drawn others like Walter Bimson

first opened in 1922, expanded as a resort in the winter

here. Wild-west prep schools? Their Jokake School for

season of 1927, did well, attracted nationally-known well-

Girls was a prime example. Frank Lloyd Wright? Wright

heeled clients, added the Jokake School for Girls in a

stayed at the Jokake Inn in 1927 when he consulted at the

low-slung arcade next door in 1933, and for long years

Arizona Biltmore, and was another Chicago immigrant,

offered such pleasures as moonlight picnics, tea dancing,

come to think of it.

motion pictures, gymkhana, and quail hunting in the lonesome American outback.

There’s more. Tuberculosis? Evans came to the valley to cure his. Art colonies? Jessie Benton Evans by

Back in 1930 that double bell tower was easily the tallest

herself counted as an art colony. The valley’s history of

structure in the Scottsdale area. It was a strong vertical

resorts, and especially resorts as economic tools to lure

signal of thereness, with the Inn standing as both symbol

midwestern industrialists out to the valley? Emphatic

and substance of civilization. Back then the cities of the

double check. One of the Jokake guests was John C.

valley were distant and distinct as planets, set into a vast

Lincoln, thus inspiring Lincoln to buy a chunk of desert

emptiness where a motorist might stop to kill rattlesnakes

land, build the Camelback Inn, hire mean old what’s-his-

not for sport but as public service. I imagine some of their

name to run it, court rich clients, and sell land, just as

guests were awfully glad to see that tower.

Evans did but on a grander scale.

So already Evans gets points for historic significance. He

Given that Evans’s best known architectural work was

and his mother are near the very root of many different

adobe, and having his mother Evans as a primary client,

historic themes in the valley. Immigrants from Chicago?

it would be easy to write him off as an amateur or naif.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Scott Jarson

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE. By the time Evans arrived in the valley in 1923 at the age of 35, he’d traveled extensively with his mother in Belle Epoque Europe as a kid, earned a Master of Engineering degree from the Armour Institute in Chicago,

Farming the Homestead

had studied architecture at the University

The Phoenix Homestead Historic District was part of the federal

in-law and sometime employee of William

government’s program to resettle disadvantaged farmers and

Gates, head of one of the premier terra cotta

unemployed urban workers to planned, part time subsistence

companies in the U.S.

of Freiburg, and happened to be the son-

farm projects. This experimental program was initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Administration in 1933 (just

Also, importantly, his mother had been hired

north of Thomas and 27th Street).

by the Santa Fe Railroad and the Fred Harvey Company to paint — and visually mythologize

In its beginnings, just twenty-five homes were built in this section

— the southwest just as they’d hired Mary

in 1935, all originally from a templated design by Phoenix

Colter to do the same architecturally. Evans

architect Robert T. Evans, who encouraged locally available

had visited not only Europe but Mexico and

adobe materials and the regional pueblo revival style in his

New Mexico with an eye towards materials.

plans. Lots were large enough to allow a family to grow a

So he was personally familiar with Colter

significant portion of their food in a garden and orchard and

and the novelistic charm of her work and

to keep chickens and a cow. Residents in this section were to

the invented regional backstories cleverly

work part time in the city and part time on the farm.

worked into her buildings. Nearly a hundred years after, and in the rear view mirror, you

Surviving residents, however, remember their lives in

have to forgive people for confusing all that

the Homestead area as far better than many: they had

elaborate railroad-company myth-making

independence, decent homes, ample food, and a good

for real history.

environment for growing families. Evans looked like a young Herbert Hoover. DID YOU KNOW?

Physically weakened from tuberculosis and

Ever since Hayden completed his first mill in 1874, the

restricted to the dry valley air, unable to

northeast corner of Mill Avenue and 1st Street (now Rio

continue his executive engineering job with

Salado Parkway) has been the site for the Valley’s oldest

International Harvester, he once again took

industry. Using adobe, the indigenous building material of

up architecture. With all that training he still

the region, Hayden hastily erected his initial mill to stimulate

only presented himself as an engineer and

wheat growing in the vast, amply irrigated acreage that

builder. Supposedly they called him “Adobe

stretched for miles in all directions from his burgeoning

Bob” although that’s not easy to say out loud.

industrial center.

As an architect Evans was active from 1924 through

manufacturer and ran that house like a small resort unto

1947. All of the work is in Arizona, much of it more or

itself, with organized camping expeditions and automobile

less clustered around the Jokake property, and much of it

desert tours and a citrus grove on a 40-acre property.

for guests of the hotel. He ceased designing in 1947 and died in 1962. I get the sense that his architectural work

Today, inside and out, the Eisendrath House still carries a

hasn’t been fully explored.

certain voltage. To be honest, if there’s any such thing as strict adobe architecture, this isn’t it: there’s a wood frame

Not all of his work was adobe. There’s Our Lady of

and a concrete foundation hidden under there, and many

Perpetual Help in Scottsdale as a significant work and

of those vigas support only themselves. But of course

about 35 private houses on his commission list. There’s

that’s not the point and who cares. Just take a good long

a house for Duncan McDonald. There’s a house that

look at all that playful irregular Pueblan massing, the

Robert Goldwater came to own. One designed for John

vigas and lintels as color and formal punctuation, and

C. Lincoln. One for Donald Kellogg, which later sprouted

especially, somehow, those finned exterior steps and their

an onion dome and blossomed into the Casa Blanca Inn.

promise of direct communion with the sky. It’s romantic,

And for the Newhall family, regrettably now demolished.

very deliberately romantic. It’s got sensitivity and soul.

To see what Evans was capable of, drive over and

What more can you really ask for?

have a look at the 1930 Rose Eisendrath house, there near the southeast corner of Papago Park. It’s been recently, wonderfully, thankfully resuscitated by the city of Tempe. Eisendrath was the widow of a Chicago glove

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

FEATURED DESIGNER BY ALE XIS M AGNESS

PATRICIA SANNIT If you ask Patricia Sannit how long she’s been an artist, she’ll tell

you, “Since I was five years old.” She’s not fibbing. “Various relatives have my first pieces” she says, grinning. She grew up with geometric patterns, vintage tapestries, and hand crafted items that honored tradition and found herself using those patterns in her work. After receiving her Certificate in Ceramics in Norway, she majored in Scandinavian Studies and Art History, Patricia returned to clay. “I like dirt” she says, matter-of-factly. It’s not surprising that, when she was in her early twenties, Patricia landed back in the dirt—this time as an archaeologist. On one particular dig, she recalls uncovering an infant burial and the impact it made on her. The smile leaves her face as she recalls the memory of pondering that 10,000 years ago, a woman wept, laid her child to rest, and probably went on with life, not unlike what many mothers face today. Not unlike uncovering the small grave, the destruction of Allepo made an impression on her and changed the course of her work. Over the past several years, Patricia has been breaking the mold by no longer looking strictly into the past, but exploring a brave new world: the future. The circle of life is a recurring theme in her work due to experiences that have shaped her life and work. Her recent exhibition Rise Fall Rise at Phoenix Art Museum was one of her largest shows to date. In her spare time, Patricia teaches Ceramics at Phoenix College. “Dig deep. Learn by making. Pound it out.” These are phrases she uses when someone has “potter’s block.” She also likes to offer students mounds of clay out instead of cutting flat pieces off and distributing them or leaving the clay in the bag for students to fend for themselves. “With a mound, you see something there, and you get over your fear.” Congratulations to the fearless 2016 Arlene and Morton Scult Contemporary Forum Artist Award Recipient, Patricia Sannit, a artist of, at once, a bygone time and a time to come.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mary Knopp Randall & Lisa Olson

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NEW LIFE IN THE OLD PUEBLO B Y T AY L O R C O S T E L L O

EVERY CULTURE WHO RESIDED IN TUCSON LEFT THEIR MARK ON THE TOWN. As Arizona’s oldest and still inhabited

rode into now Downtown Tucson, and

mirror the tranquility and breeze those

city, Tucson couples a somewhat

founded the military presidio, Fort

ranchers experienced way back then.

milder

scenic

Tucson, once an 11-acre fort. In the

mountains, and rich history with a

eventual rubble, arose the city whose

The populated valley below gives

vibrant, historic downtown area with

initial population of only 500 people

an indication of that time, as well.

arts, dining and activities.

grew to more than half a million,

If you’re standing next to a historic

according to the last census.

building

desert

climate,

The earliest residents lived there

downtown,

the

ground

beneath your feet is likely painted a

more than 4,000 years ago. If you

WALK ABOUT

thin line of turquoise. “The Turquoise

trace the architecture left behind by

The further you follow the winding

Trail” twists and turns for two and a

the conquistadors, up from Mexico

roads back into the Catalina Foothills

half miles through various landmarks,

to Tucson, a rough timeline of the

to the north, a picture develops of

both past and present.

city’s development emerges, when

early Tucson.

Spaniards and Apaches fought for the land.

The

local

historic

preservation

Its foothills and the neighboring Casas

foundation holds walking tours of the

Adobes historic district, once a respite

neighborhoods, whose architecture

As early as 1691, Spanish Jesuit

for horse ranchers in the mid-1940s,

range

missionaries

mission

retains the charm of simpler days,

Spanish Revivals to present day

Nogales.

even as a shopping and recreation

Contemporary Moderns.

founded

Tumacácori,

near

Inexplicably, the Mission Revival at

from

turn-of-the-century

destination.

Tumacácori sits intact as it was, while time has reduced the fort in nearby

The Casas Adobes Plaza looks

Tubac, established almost 100 years

eternal as it did in 1948, when the

later than Tumacácori, to its walls.

Mediterranean-influenced mall first

2 HOURS SOUTH OF PHX

opened. Meanwhile, various hiking In 1775, General Hugo O’Conor

Defining Desert Living

and guided tours outside its walls

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Even in the time of Social Distancing,

eateries are a microcosm of the many

been fostered through a mixture of

curious souls can use an app called

options that exist just beyond the

stubbornness

Vamonde for their own self-guided

downtown setting.

In 2016, Tucson was awarded by

tour of the Turquoise Trail.

the

United

and Nations

determination. Educational,

Follow the streetcar, named the

Scientific and Cultural Organization

The app and pamphlets signify 20

Sun Link, connecting most of these

(UNESCO), as the only City of

restaurants, as well as 15 museums

landmarks and services, or follow

Gastronomy in the United States.

and galleries packed into this small

the trail, where the rails don’t stalk.

dense

notable

The great thing about downtown (and

PATRONAGE THE ARTS

restaurant is the Café Poca Cosa that

area.

The

most

most of Tucson) is the combination of

It’s easy to gather that downtown

ambitiously generates new Mexican

different eras within the same area.

Tucson

cuisine twice daily, an endeavor warmly

history

and

culture, which even extends to their

droves

The city consists of many rich flavors,

galleries. The independent Etherton

of culinary publications. Yet, these

both literal and figurative, which has

Gallery showcases 20th Century’s

acknowledged

appreciates

TUCSON OFFERS OFFERS AN AUTHENTIC ARIZONA BACKDROP: FROM THE ALWAYS FUN AND FUNKY HOTEL CONGRESS, TO COLORFUL HISTORIC PLASTERED WALLS, AND NEARBY KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY, THIS CITY BLENDS OLD WITH NEW IN A LAID-BACK, SOUTHWESTERN STYLE THAT’S ALL ITS OWN.

photographers,

Edward

Those aren’t the last options, a Center

The

Weston to Garry Winogrand, up

for Contemporary Photography and

inextricably linked with the city’s

to contemporary art photographer

a campus Museum of Art are both

development, almost as a city of

Ralph Gibson.

situated on the University of Arizona

amber, and not simply a new thing

campus.

replacing something old.

prestigious museum sits: Tucson’s

A CITY IN AMBER

Tucson survived thousands of years

own Museum of Contemporary Art

Most of the places mentioned are

of change and development and it’s

(MOCA) displays the best of national

temporarily shuttered, or their services

sure to be a city of vast culture for the

and local culture; exhibitions in the

reduced, in lieu of the current global

foreseeable future!.

past included personal knick-knacks

pandemic. But, if this event were

by noted jeweler Alex Streeter and

weighed against the overall history

the self-reflective work of Alex Von

of Tucson, it’s a mere pinpoint on a

Bergen.

larger timeline.

Several

blocks

from

south,

Defining Desert Living

past

and

the

future

are

another

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

ON THE MENU

Valley Restaurants Our neighborhood restaurants are vital to our successful communities. They are a driving force in Arizona’s economy. They provide jobs and build careers for thousands of people. So treat yourself and support your favorite restaurant. Here are a few of ours... BASE PIZZERIA Base Pizzaria was created by Rossco Lukje, his sister Carlee, and her husband Michael Sands. All three finding their way from Australia to Phoenix hwre they put together their experience, passion, and desire for a family-owned restaurant. The premise of Base is simple: great wood-fired pizza made with organic locally-sourced ingredients. MON-SATURDAY

11:00am – 9:00pm

SUNDAY

4:00pm – 9:00pm

www.basepizzeria.com/our-menu/

CALL

(602) 535-8914

CLICK

www.basepizzeria.com

VISIT

3115 E Lincoln Drive. Phoenix. AZ 85016

ARCADIA FARMS CAFÉ WE’RE HERE, COOKING FOR YOU. Takeout, Curbside and Delivery available through The Marketplace. Our Café dining will remain closed for a few more weeks while we work on new changes and updates. We will continue to bring the food out to you, with carryout, curbside pick-up and delivery, all through The Marketplace. We plan to re-open with modified service on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. MON-FRIDAY

7:00am – 4:00pm

SAT-SUNDAY

7:00am – 2:00pm

www.themarketplaceonfirst.com/menu

CALL

(480) 941-5665

CLICK

www.themarketplaceonfirst.com

VISIT

7020 E 1st Avenue, Scottsdale, az 85251

RANCHO PINOT Hello everyone! We are back and ready to serve you again. As always, we will remain diligent with our safety protocols and want to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thank you so much for your continued support, it means everything to us. We are now serving a limited TAKE OUT MENU *PLUS WINE & COCKTAILS!*… WEDNESDAY thru SATURDAY. We have included some popular dishes and those we feel travel best. The menu will change occasionally. TUES-SATURDAY

5:30pm – 9:00pm

SUN-MONDAY Closed MENU

www.ranchopinot.com/takeout-menu/

CALL

(480) 367-8030

CLICK

www.ranchopinot.com

VISIT

6208 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253

PIZZERIA BIANCO CLICK

http://www.pizzeriabianco.com/

Heritage Square (602) 258-8300 Wed-Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm

Town & Country (602) 368-3273 Sun-Thurusday 11:00am – 8:00pm Fri-Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm

Central (602) 234-2100 Monday 11:00am – 3:00pm Tue-Thursday 11:00am – 8:00pm Fri-Saturday 11:00am – 900pm Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm

Van Buren (602) 441-4749 Mon-Saturday 11:00am – 3:00pm

TRATTO (602) 296-7761 A limited TRATTO menu is available nightly at Town & Country Pizzeria Bianco.

SOI 4 Like the city, our menu is a modern take on the traditional through the use of fresh local ingredients, sustainable practice, and creative approach to authentic Thai dishes. …influenced, accented, tinged, anything but ‘fusion’. TEMPORARY HOURS LUNCH

Mon-Friday 11:30am – 2:30pm

DINNER

Mon-Saturday 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Sunday Closed

HAPPY HOUR

Daily 5:00pm – 6:30pm

www.toasttab.com/soi-4-bangkok-eatery/v3

CALL

(480) 778-1999

CLICK

https://scottsdale.soifour.com

VISIT

8787 N Scottsdale Rd., Suite 104, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

GALLO BLANCO Gallo Blanco is owned and operated by Chef Owner Doug Robson, born in Mexico to parents of French Vietnamese and English descent. We are committed to supporting local community and farmers sourcing local ingredients to create a menu of flavorful and healthy fare inspired by the foods that he grew up with.

Defining Desert Living

TUES-THURSDAY

11:00am – 10:00pm

FRIDAY

11:00am – 12:00am

SATURDAY

8:00am – 12:00am

SUNDAY

8:00am – 10:00am

www.galloblancocafe.com

CALL

(602) 327-0880

CLICK

www.galloblancocafe.com

VISIT

928 E. Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

ON THE MARKET

Property Listings | azarchitecture.com

HISTORIC PV A DOB E – MODERN RENOVATION – L A C ASITA DE M A RIA This charming Adobe home estate in the heart of Paradise Valley features a total renovation and stunning architectural updates, making it one of the most unique homes available today: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a nearly 100-year-old adobe home nestled in the midst of its own desert botanical garden with views of fabled Camelback Mountain, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and Piestewa Peak. READ MORE

Price: $4,695,000

STONE HOUSE RESIDENCE – CHEN+SUCH A RT A RCHITEC TS Natural beauty and unique materials combine in this Desert Modern home to create a Zen-like experience for owner and guest alike. A sheltered compound of serenely beautiful structures, the Dillon Residence, or Stone House, offers a timeless mix of Contemporary and Modern design in a courtyard setting uniquely appropriate to the Arizona climate. With a classic Arizona ranch-home as a starting point, the footprint, READ MORE

Price: $1,895,000

Architecturally Unique Homes

DESERT CONTE MPOR A RY MODERN ESTATE With a complete 2009 rebuild of this home designed by Riccardo Cattapan from CMDA Design Bureau, this Desert Contemporary design captures the site and the imagination! Nestled on a gentle 5 acre view lot, this home is surrounded by unspoiled natural desert and a unique volcanic boulder field in northeast Scottsdale. The designer is known for his expressive, yet restrained homes and this one is READ MORE

Price: $3,250,000

BYRNE RESIDENCE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WILLIA M P. B RUDER FAIA A RCHITEC T METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED! This signature home by celebrated architect William P. Bruder is the most published of his residential works. Internationally recognized, this home combines a unique plan, dramatic geometry and quality materials to create truly inspiring spaces and a festival of natural light, anchored on a saguaro-studded, 5-acre, view lot in the pristine gated community of Carefree Ranch in READ MORE

Price: $1,649,000

azarchitecture.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 480.425.9300 3707 N. Marshall Way #5 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

ON THE MARKET

Property Listings | azarchitecture.com

SPA NISH RE VIVA L RE TRE AT – BA RBA R A CSA KI A RCHITEC T This Spanish Revival Retreat by Architect Barbara Csaki was fully rebuilt in 2006 on this pristine Paradise Valley lot. You see true artistry upon entering the round speakeasy door w/beamed & vaulted ceilings. The hand finished Venetian plaster, Canterra & imported tile from Spain exude old world elegance. Every corner has romance from the Hermosa Inn blue french doors, the sand cast tile roof, to the private rose garden & the many fireplaces. The home is spacious in every sense from a grand great room & elegant kitchen with exceptional appliances to READ MORE

Price: $2,595,000

CUSTOM CONTE MPOR A RY R A NCH IN TROON NORTH This contemporary ranch style home was built in 2006 by custom home builder Bernard Dixon for his own family. The home boasts 19+ foot ceilings with copper, glass, stone and wood finishes throughout. A stacked flagstone fireplace anchors the shared living/dining/kitchen space while telescoping window walls on both sides of the room and expansive covered patio incorporates the outdoors into the occupants’ daily experience. The home is surrounded by over 3,700 SF +/- of covered patio that provides both shade and shelter. READ MORE

Price: $1,795,000

Architecturally Unique Homes

DESERT CONTE MPOR A RY MODERN ESTATE Mid-Century Modern Architecture combines with Contemporary Ranch-house Style! This home with superb views at the foot of Camelback Mountain offers exposed Mid-Century block reflecting the 1950’s roots, while vaulted ceilings, generous baths, large master and the 3-Car Garage offers updates of today. Complete attention to detail and it shows! The owner spared no expense in detailing this home. Inside you’ll find a luxurious master suite and bath, with a walk-in closet like you won’t believe! The split floor plan is a dream: generous READ MORE

Price: $1,975,000

SOLD M A RION ESTATES MID -CENTURY – ROB ERT J. PE TERSON A RCHITEC T Mid-Century Modern 1959 Gem in the historic highly-desired Marion Estates neighborhood! Glass surrounds every room you enter with full views of nature, mature landscaping and gorgeous Camelback Mountain views, which is literally overlooking the backyard! This open floorplan allows for endless space to live and roam! In addition to the three main bedrooms, there is a huge office/formal living space and a READ MORE

Price: $1,085,000

azarchitecture.com 480.425.9300 3707 N. Marshall Way #5 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

IN FOCUS

Darren Petrucci

A-I-R

BY SCOT T JA RSON

GHOST WASH HOUSE: Photograph by Bill Timmerman

One of the most innovate and inventive Architectural

Scientist in the Global institute of Sustainability,

firms located in Arizona may be one you have not yet

and affiliate faculty in The School of the Future of

heard off, but you should have.

Innovation in Society. This unique background and expertise in architecture, urban design, the science

Founded in 2001 by Architect and Principal Darren

of sustainability, technology, and materials informs

Petrucci, Architecture – Infrastructure – Research,

the design practice of A-I-R producing cutting-edge,

Inc. (A-I-R ) is an architecture and urban design firm

intelligent, and beautiful designs.

focused on translating advanced research methods and sustainable practices into elegant design

A-I-R is currently designing two duplex residences

solutions that respond to each client’s particular

that they call Gemini 4 and Gemini 28 located at

needs and desires.

the base of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. These projects are designed to meet the

A-I-R consistently seems to find a special group of

stringent sustainability rubric of the Living Building

intelligent and enlightened forward-thinking clients

Challenge (LBC). When completed these projects will

who are interested in a collaborative environment

be the most sustainable residential buildings on the

that focuses on design solutions that engage the site,

continent of Africa.

environmental conditions and the client’s desires. Always pushing the innovation envelope, A-I-R’s The result is always interesting and visually stunning.

Gemini Projects significantly raise the bar for global

From the “ghost wash house’” in Paradise Valley

sustainability though their development of a patented

to pioneering sustainable, living buildings, A-I-R

precast form that will allow the building structures

melds intellect and global design into thoughtful

to be sourced and fabricated locally. This precast

and beautiful buildings: the architectural equivalent

system is erected quickly and can be reused rather

of Ferrari and Pinnafarina delivering an all-electric,

than demolished.

solar powered, sporting vehicle…innovative, gorgeous, functional and elegant!

Lucky for all of us, Petrucci has several designs built and in development, including some astounding

Trained as both an architect and urban designer at

hillside homes right here in the Town of Paradise

Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design,

Valley. This global player is leaving an important

Darren is also a Professor in The Design School

contribution and lasting visual gift to his home town

at Arizona State University, a Senior Sustainability

too!

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson is the only Real Estate firm in Arizona that specializes in the sales and marketing of Architecturally Unique Homes.© Since 1990, Scott & Debbie Jarson, have stood by their original mission to celebrate and honor design & architecture. They remain devoted to adding value to architect-designed properties and are committed to celebrating, encouraging and promoting good design. Over the many years, azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson have been defining desert living by searching out homes from modern to historic, that add enjoyment and harmony to our clients’ lives. A keen aesthetic sense and a deep appreciation for the Valley’s rare and diverse architecture define their commitment to marketing unique properties like no other firm. azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson remains deeply committed to historic preservation and are proud EcoBroker® Affliates. Whether you are buying, selling, or are just an enthusiast of architecture, remember to contact azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson — the Valley’s true expert in Architecturally Unique Homes.© Meet our team or contact us to learn more about how we can help you.

azarchitecture.com

480.425.9300

Defining Desert Living

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Architecturally Unique Homes

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azarchitecture.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 480.425.9300 3707 N. Marshall Way #5 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Jarson