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Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates Embark On Redesign of Landmark Mid-Century Hotel Historic Resort to be Restored and Relaunched by Westroc March 4, 2005 (Los Angeles) - Westroc Hotels & Resorts has selected LA-based hospitality design firm Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates (CMCA) for its $70-million rehabilitation and expansion of the landmark Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ (www.hotelvalleyho.com). The Valley Ho, a mid-Century gem that was once a hotspot for Hollywood's elite, is being revitalized by Westroc and transformed into a sophisticated urban resort. CMCA will design the 10-acre property's guest rooms, public areas, new spa, fitness center and F&B space Caf? Zuzu's. The classic Polynesian-themed Trader Vic's, a freestanding building on the property, will also be relaunched with design by the Trader Vic's group.Scheduled to debut in December 2005, the Valley Ho's interiors will combine mid-Century cool with the latest in technology and luxury amenities, designed to appeal to a new breed of jetsetters who are again making Scottsdale hip. Designed in 1956 by Edward L. Varney, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Valley Ho was the area's first year-round resort and a getaway for such celebrities as Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner (who were married at the property), Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Set in the Sonoran Desert, only 15 miles from Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, Taliesen West, the Valley Ho is considered one of the nation's best-preserved examples of mid-century modern architecture and the best intact example of a resort of that era. "The Valley Ho has an important architectural legacy as well as a juicy cinematic history," says Jill Cole, co-founder and president of CMCA. "We hope to recapture that aura of glamour and style." Comments Bill Nassikas, partner of Westroc, "We were inspired to work with Jill after seeing her wonderful work on the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. Her intimate knowledge of mid-Century modern and classic Hollywood style made her the perfect fit for the Valley Ho." Westroc's renovation and expansion of the Valley Ho includes the addition of a seven-story tower (to be built upon the main hotel building, previously one floor) with a new wing for 194 deluxe rooms and suites; five levels of mid-rise condominiums; a spa and fitness studio; a 5,000-sq. ft. ballroom with executive boardrooms and a new "perfect circle" pool. The pool will be the centerpiece of the hotel, surrounded by a spacious courtyard featuring a new bar and grill, private cabanas, dramatic fire and water features and new landscaping. CMCA is working in collaboration with Scottsdale-based Allen + Philp Architects to create a fresh interpretation of mid-Century modern for the Valley Ho. Cole is an expert on the period, having previously celebrated it in her interiors for the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel (the new home of the Oscars). She is resolute that the Valley Ho not be a typical rehash of the era. "This project involves integrating contemporary vocabulary into a mid-Century modern idiom. We've incorporated unexpected elements like flexible, multi-layered sofas in the cocktail lounge that enable guests to create their own environment; translucent glass walls surrounding the bathrooms in the guestrooms, and an updated color palette to give it a fresh and current feel." That palette includes hip color ways in green, aqua, yellow and orange, providing a vibrant backdrop for indigenous Arizona materials like copper and local stone as well as concrete, glass and tile. The guestrooms also feature outdoor living rooms, in keeping with the mid-Century ethos of integrating outdoor and indoor living. The furnishings and accessories are the most authentic nod to the period, and include classics like George Nelson Bubble lamps and leather Eames lounges. In its heyday, Hotel Valley Ho wasn't just simply a vacation hotspot, but a place for celebrity mingling, frequent society affairs and high-profile events. With a new team of devoted owner/developers, architects and designers on board, the Hotel Valley Ho is poised to reclaim her cosmopolitan status. "Hotel Valley Ho serves as a catalyst for the rebirth of the west end of downtown Scottsdale," says Scott Lyon, partner of Westroc. "With every hint of progress, from demolition to reconstruction, the property and its historical significance continue to impact the future of this vibrant city." About Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates (CMCA) is a leading hospitality design firm with over 30 years of experience planning and designing some of the premiere hotels, resorts, clubs and spas in the world. Lead by President and Co-founder Jill I. Cole, the firm's vision is to design classic interiors that appeal to the target market of the client. CMCA's client list includes hospitality's premiere brands, such as Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Troon Golf, Renaissance, St. Regis, Marriott, Sea Island Company, Starwood and Westroc Hotels. The firm's expertise includes full-service hotels, boutique hotels, resorts, spas, golf resorts, arenas/convention centers, restaurants, mixed use and time share/vacation clubs. In addition to the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the firm has designed luxury destinations in Australia, Caribbean, France, UK, Italy, Japan, Korea and Mexico. CMCA has been ranked in the Top 50 Hospitality Design Giants by Interior Design for the past 25 years and was again honored in 2004. www.cmcadesign.com About Westroc Hotels & Resorts Founded in 1999, Westroc Hotels & Resorts acquires, develops, renovates and manages distinctive properties committed to the highest standards of personal service. The company, headquartered in North Scottsdale, was created by a team of individuals with expansive backgrounds in hospitality, commercial, community and golf course development, with involvement in such projects as The Boulders Resort and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Westroc's project list to date includes the redevelopment of the critically-acclaimed Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain and now, the exciting transformation of Hotel Valley Ho. For more information, call 480.367.6222 or visit www.hotelvalleyho.com. |
