In 1979, Kitchell built more than a new wing at the Arizona Biltmore—it carried forward Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on the resort. Wright’s touch is most visible in the distinctive “Biltmore Block,” patterned after a palm tree, which left a lasting imprint on the resort’s identity. The expansion carried forward Wright’s design ethos of geometric harmony, desert-inspired materials, and integration with the landscape.

A hallmark of the project was Kitchell’s value engineering, which pioneered a cost-effective method to install 45,000 precast tiles in 36 shapes—an industry first that preserved Wright’s aesthetic while controlling costs.

In the decades since, Kitchell’s work in the Biltmore District extended to nearby Biltmore Fashion Park, where renovations revitalized the shopping center with new façades, landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly spaces—all while keeping it open and safe for daily visitors.

Today, the Arizona Biltmore stands as a testament to Wright’s vision and Kitchell’s enduring role in expanding a Phoenix treasure.