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Scottsdale, Arizona, has blossomed into a hotbed of modern architectural innovation, but its true essence is deeply rooted in the mid-century modern designs that emerged in the 1950s and ’60s. These early architectural trends, far from being mere stepping stones, have served as the very bedrock for today’s contemporary designs. A closer examination of Scottsdale’s architectural journey unveils a fascinating narrative of how these early trends have not just influenced, but fundamentally shaped the city’s modern aesthetic.
Mid-Century Modern Foundations
Scottsdale City Hall and Civic Center (1968+)
Architect: Bennie Gonzales
The Scottsdale City Hall, designed by Bennie Gonzales in 1968, represents a pivotal moment in the city’s architectural history. Gonzales, chosen by a committee formed through the Scottsdale Town Enrichment Program (STEP), a [provide more context about the program], was tasked with developing a vision for the Civic Center. His design combined modernist principles with southwestern elements like stucco walls and narrow window openings, reflecting the local climate and culture. The double-thick concrete block walls tilt inward, reminiscent of old adobe buildings, creating an inviting and accessible civic space. This iconic project laid the foundation for the Civic Center Mall and set the tone for Scottsdale’s modern aesthetic.
Royal Gardens Townhouses (1970)
Developer: Dell Trailor
Located on 72nd Way, Royal Gardens Townhouses by Dell Trailor exemplifies modernist residential design with scalloped concrete roofs and a landscaped median. Trailor’s innovative use of concrete forms, including the thin-shelled roof over the bathhouse, demonstrated how architects were experimenting with materials to create striking communal spaces. This townhouse development, with 44 homes averaging 2,000 square feet each, was an early example of Scottsdale’s embrace of modernist principles in residential architecture.
Villa Monterey Townhouses (1961+)
Developer: Dave Friedman
Dave Friedman’s Villa Monterey “Casita Colony” was one of the first large townhouse developments in the Valley. It offered a variety of architectural styles, from Spanish Colonial to Mediterranean and Monterey. Each unit had distinctive features like ornamental ironwork and decorative concrete blocks, reflecting Friedman’s desire to provide buyers with diverse stylistic options. This historic district remains a testament to Scottsdale’s early adoption of diverse architectural styles within a cohesive modernist framework.
Glass and Garden Community Drive-In Church (1966)
Architect: E. Logan Campbell
E. Logan Campbell’s drive-in church broke new ground in design and concept. With a large glass wall facing the parking lot, parishioners could observe services from their cars. The sculptural concrete columns, ornamental ironwork on the cross tower, and a sculpted concrete frieze give the church a “decorated cylinder and dome” appearance. This Southwest Modern style incorporated local elements while maintaining a distinctly modern aesthetic.
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church (1967)
Architect: Rossman Associates, Engineer: John Parsons
The hyperbolic arched roof of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church embodies Expressionist architecture, resembling intersecting saddles topped with a dome. This collaboration between architect and engineer drew inspiration from Spanish architect Felix Candela’s thin-shell concrete structures, creating a dramatic yet sacred space that highlighted the creative possibilities of modernist design.
Motorola Government Electronics Division (1957, 1970)
Architects: Varney, Sexton, Sydnor Associates
When Motorola’s electronics plant opened on McDowell Road in 1957, Scottsdale began a significant growth era. The original building, designed by Edward L. Varney Associates, reflects the Garden Industrial style, a [provide a brief explanation of the style and its significance in Scottsdale’s architectural history], emphasizing clean manufacturing with its long, horizontal form and landscaped lawns. A tower addition 1970 by Peter Lendrom Associates added depth while maintaining the building’s International Style aesthetic, a [provide a brief explanation of the style and its significance in Scottsdale’s architectural history].
Valley National Bank (1962)
Architects: Cartmell & Rossman
The Valley National Bank at 74th Street and McDowell Road stands out for its diagonal concrete struts supporting a broad overhanging roof. With a distinctly modernist approach, this bold design exemplifies Walter Bimson’s desire to create unique bank branches throughout the Valley.
Town and Country Scottsdale (1958+)
Architect: Ralph Haver
Ralph Haver’s Town and Country Scottsdale neighborhood, near Coronado High School, features 62 homes with varying façade materials to create a semi-custom appearance. The low-pitched gable roofs and expansive windows are signature elements of Haver’s contemporary style, offering an early departure from the dominant ranch-style homes of the time.
First Church of Christ, Scientist (1962)
Architect: T. S. Montgomery
T. S. Montgomery’s First Church of Christ, Scientist, showcases a screen wall of concrete blocks on the sanctuary’s north façade, while copper detailing and burnt adobe bricks reflect local materials. The building’s understated elegance and regional motifs made it a favorite among architects and critics.
Hotel Valley Ho (1956/1958)
Architect: Ed Varney
A landmark in Scottsdale’s hospitality industry, the Hotel Valley Ho was designed by Ed Varney in 1956 and expanded in 1958. The long, horizontal hotel wings and striking tower element emphasize modernist horizontal lines, while pre-cast sculptural railings and ornamental column cladding add decorative flair. The hotel’s rehabilitation preserved these historic features, blending them with contemporary amenities.
Craftsman Court (1955)
Architect: T. S. Montgomery
Craftsman Court, now known as Kiva Centre, was designed by T. S. Montgomery to reflect Scottsdale’s growing reputation as an art colony. The low-pitched gable roofs and floor-to-ceiling glass walls echo the modernist principles of the time while incorporating a dignified Western motif.
Triangle Building (1962)
Architect: Ralph Haver
With its low-pitched gable roof and globe lights, Ralph Haver’s Triangle Building remains a fine example of modernist commercial architecture. Initially used for city offices before the City Hall was built, the building retains its original materials and design integrity.
From Mid-Century Modern to Contemporary Design
The early architectural trends of Scottsdale, spearheaded by visionaries like Bennie Gonzales, Ralph Haver, and T. S. Montgomery, have left an indelible mark on the city’s modern architectural landscape. Their innovative use of materials, audacious experimentation with forms, and the seamless fusion of regional motifs with international styles have created a distinctive identity that continues to inspire contemporary designs. Their vision and creativity have not just shaped buildings, but the very soul of Scottsdale’s architectural heritage.
Contemporary architects in Scottsdale, such as Candelaria Design Associates, C.P. Drewett and Kendle Design Collaborative, continue to draw inspiration from the mid-century modern legacy. They incorporate minimalist forms, sustainable materials, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living that reflects the region’s climate and cultural heritage. For instance, [provide specific examples of contemporary designs influenced by mid-century modern styles]. As Scottsdale evolves, its architectural roots remain firmly planted in the mid-century modern trends that transformed the city into a vibrant hub for design innovation.
