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.

Shane Mahan, Executive Director, Kitchell CEM

Encouraged by a trusted college counselor, Shane Mahan knew Kitchell was where he wanted to start his career. The offer didn’t come right away, but when it did, he jumped at the chance. Decades later, he credits the people, the projects, and a sense of family for keeping him here. “Kitchell has felt like a second family, with challenging and rewarding projects that continue to motivate me,” he says. 

From Custom Homes to Center Stage

Shane Mahan began his Kitchell career in 1997, rising to Division Manager and Regional Executive of Kitchell Custom Homes in Santa Barbara. For nearly 15 years, he delivered high-end residences across California, with one defining project being the restoration of the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito. 

In the following decade, he transitioned to Kitchell’s construction management side, where he now serves as Executive Director of Kitchell CEM. Among his most defining experiences is delivering the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We faced challenge after challenge, but never wavered,” he recalls. “That spirit of unity and perseverance is what Kitchell is all about.” 

Guiding Principles

Shane doesn’t point to a single piece of advice that shaped him, but to two guiding principles: empowerment and ownership. To him, ownership means accountability, pride, and making every decision with care. “That mindset drives me every day,” he says. 

Building What’s Next

For Shane, Forging the Future of the Built World is more than a vision statement—it’s a call to action. It challenges him to look past today’s hurdles and focus on building a legacy defined by innovation, leadership, and lasting impact. He believes Kitchell’s future depends on sustaining its culture while investing in the next generation. “I like to think I’m helping to train and inspire the next generation,” he says. “That ensures our culture, values, and brand live on.” 

The People Behind the Projects

For Shane, the true measure of success isn’t just the projects delivered, but the people developed along the way. His focus is on building teams who lead with integrity, resilience, and pride in their work—values he believes will carry Kitchell forward for generations. 

“In the end,” he reflects, “what matters most is the people who make Kitchell what it is. My hope is that I’ve helped prepare the next generation to keep that spirit alive.” 

Owning every outcome—that’s the legacy Shane continues to build. 

Gabi Robinson, Design Manager, Kitchell Contractors

Nine years into her career, Gabi Robinson is proving what the next generation of leadership at Kitchell looks like: grit, passion, and a drive to keep raising the bar. As Design Manager, she bridges design and construction to shape projects before they even break ground. She joined Kitchell eager to test her abilities—and quickly found herself pushed to grow in ways she hadn’t expected. What’s kept her on the team, she says, is the caliber of people: “I quickly realized how much I still had to learn, but I was fortunate to work alongside amazing teams. The people at Kitchell have made the experience both rewarding and inspiring.”

Stepping Up to the Challenge

At Valleywise Health, Gabi experienced firsthand what the Kitchell spirit looks like under pressure. As the team approached the original turnover date, deadlines loomed and challenges mounted. “It felt like we were standing together at the base of a massive wall and we had to rely on each other to get over it,” she recalls. “We showed up early, stayed late, and did whatever it took to hit our deadlines and overcome the unexpected.”

Leading by Example

In her current role, Gabi is focused on improving constructability reviews and reducing preconstruction risk—efforts aimed at easing stress on project teams and delivering smoother outcomes for clients. She describes her approach as pushing beyond comfort zones to drive progress. “Growth doesn’t happen without a little discomfort. Real change happens outside our comfort zones—and every time I’ve pushed through those moments, I’ve grown.”

Looking Ahead

Gabi believes Kitchell’s future depends on staying adaptable while remaining true to its values. She hopes her impact will be measured in stronger teams, returning clients, and projects that deliver with confidence. To her, that’s the essence of Forging the Future of the Built World: turning challenges into opportunities to strengthen how Kitchell delivers.

When Phoenix Country Club set out to modernize in the early 1960s, Kitchell defined its future. Founded in 1899, the club had long been a centerpiece of Phoenix’s social scene, and its next chapter called for a clubhouse that reflected both tradition and progress.

In 1961, Kitchell built a contemporary clubhouse designed by Edward L. Varney & Associates. Spanning 68,000 square feet, it elevated the member experience with expanded dining, upgraded locker rooms, 35 guest suites, and new recreational amenities including a pool and additional tennis courts.

The original clubhouse soon gave way to an open terrace, enhancing the sense of space and connection. More than six decades later, the clubhouse Kitchell built in 1961 continues to serve Phoenix Country Club—a defining landmark of design and community.

Sammy Trejo, Project Superintendent, Kitchell Contractors

For Sammy Trejo, construction isn’t just a career—it’s a family legacy. Nearly 35 years ago, Sammy’s father—who spent almost four decades at Kitchell—opened the door for his son to join the team. Sammy’s first assignment? Kitchell’s self-perform concrete division on the Scottsdale Fashion Square Phase 3 project, a massive, fast-paced site that left a lasting impression. Coming from a job bussing tables, Sammy recalls, “holy cow, there is a lot going on everywhere.” That moment ignited a career built on hustle, resilience, and a relentless drive to keep projects moving.

From the Field to the Helm

Sammy’s path wasn’t about shortcuts. He cut his teeth in the trades—boots in the dirt, hands on the tools—before earning his way into management. That climb gave him a ground-level perspective he still carries as a Project Superintendent. Colleagues know him as the one who stares down challenges, adapts under pressure, and pushes projects across the finish line.

His guiding principles? Honesty and integrity. Or, in his words: “Keep the drive, grit and determination to get it done—even when it seems impossible.”

To Sammy, Kitchell’s vision of “Forging the Future of the Built World” isn’t just about innovation—it’s about preparing the next generation. He’s intentional about mentoring field leaders who will uphold Kitchell’s reputation for quality and client trust.

Rising to the Challenge

That determination was on full display during Sammy’s first-ever client interview—a milestone in his nearly 35-year career. Regional Executive Aron Kirch reflects:

“When the team identified Sammy as the best candidate for a complex hospital renovation at Banner Desert, there was absolutely no doubt he would shine in his first client interview. I’ll admit I was a little concerned when his project demands kept him from attending any practice sessions—but once we were in the room, Sammy was Sammy. He exuded confidence and charm, quickly winning over the client and showing them he was the right person to lead this complex build. Sammy is a true Kitchell legend.”

Building More Than Projects

For Sammy, success isn’t measured only by completed structures—it’s about building people. His focus now is developing the next generation to carry forward Kitchell’s grit, determination, and client-first culture.

As he puts it: “Develop and mentor the right people to keep the Kitchell way ongoing.”

Sammy’s story is proof that leadership in construction isn’t handed out—it’s forged through hard work, adaptability, and the courage to step up when it matters most.

 

 

For more than 30 years, Kitchell has been on the front lines of designing and constructing facilities that safeguard communities—fire stations, training centers, and emergency response hubs that serve as lifelines across California and the Southwest. These projects aren’t just buildings; they’re anchors of protection, resilience, and readiness.

It all began in 1994 with the City of Alhambra Fire Station No. 74. Rising from the site of a historic station damaged by an earthquake, the $8.4 million, 6,050-square-foot facility honored its past by preserving original bricks, signage, and decorative concrete—while adding modern dormitories, apparatus bays, and public spaces. This balance of heritage and innovation became a hallmark of Kitchell’s approach.

Since then, Kitchell has delivered more than $1.1 billion in public safety construction, partnering with cities and counties to create purpose-built spaces like:

• City of Chandler – Fire Station 282 Reconstruction, Chandler, AZ
• City of Tempe – Fire Medical Rescue Station No. 2, Tempe, AZ
• City of Novato – Fire Station 64, Novato, CA
• Contra Costa County – Fire Stations 86, 90, 94, 16, 9 & 70, CA
• City of Hayward – Fire Station 6 and Regional Fire Training Center, CA
• Madera County – Fire Station 3, CA
• City of Costa Mesa – Fire Station 1, CA
• San Luis Obispo County – Co-Located Dispatch Facility, Templeton, CA

 

That legacy continues today with multiple public safety projects underway, including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community – Fire Station #295 in Scottsdale, AZ by the Au’ Authum Ki | Kitchell joint venture. Spanning 79,746 square feet, the new station and resource building blends innovation, functionality, and cultural pride to enhance emergency response, wellness, and training for the Salt River Fire Department.

Some of Kitchell’s most notable projects push beyond single-use design. The 44,000-square-foot LEED Gold San Rafael Public Safety Center co-locates fire, police, EMS, and dispatch services under one roof. The $61.5 million City of Hayward Fire Station and Regional Training Center features nine new structures designed for operational readiness, advanced training, and resilience.

“Fire chiefs want a facility that will last 50 to 60 years and support the well-being of their crews,” says Bill Johal, Kitchell’s public safety expert and Senior Vice President. “We’ve trained our teams to walk onto these projects ready to deliver from day one. We bring the discipline, the know-how, and the experience to get it right.”

Kitchell’s design-build expertise is shaped by direct feedback from veteran fire officials like Mark Heine, a long-time collaborator and Retired Fire Chief. This ensures every project addresses the evolving needs of modern fire departments—gender-inclusive living quarters, decontamination zones, and sustainable systems like rooftop solar.

From the first brick laid in Alhambra to state-of-the-art dispatch centers and multi-functional safety hubs, Kitchell’s public safety facilities are built with technical precision, operational insight, and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve. They’re made to perform today—and endure for generations.

Few places reflect Phoenix’s transformation more clearly than Park Central—and few builders have been more closely tied to that story than Kitchell. From its earliest days as a dairy farm to today’s dynamic mixed-use campus, Kitchell’s long-term role in the development reflects the impact of building with vision and purpose.

Transforming Farmland into a Community Anchor

In the 1950s, while most saw the site as little more than remote farmland, developers Ralph and A.J. Burgbacher envisioned something far greater—a modern retail destination that would serve a growing city. To bring that vision to life, they turned to Kitchell. In 1957, Kitchell completed Park Central Shopping City: a pioneering 11-acre, open-air retail center featuring modern amenities for its time, like air-conditioning. It was a first for the region and set a new standard for shopping in the Valley.

Decades of Reinvention

As Phoenix grew, Park Central grew with it, and Kitchell remained the trusted builder behind every major transformation:

In 1967, Kitchell added a 240,000-square-foot JCPenney—then the largest suburban department store in the nation—along with a 350-vehicle covered parking garage to shield shoppers from the desert heat. A newspaper photo from the groundbreaking captured the leadership team in white summer tuxedos and cummerbunds, celebrating in classic 1960’s style.

Over the next two decades, Kitchell remained a driving force behind Park Central’s evolution. In 1977, a 33,000-square-foot remodel unified the original mall structures. Just a few years later, in 1980, a new 17,000-square-foot Walgreens expanded the retail mix. By 1985, the site underwent a sweeping update—adding 5,000 square feet of new space, remodeling 45,000 square feet, and constructing 54,000 square feet of new walkways. These phased enhancements helped solidify Park Central’s place as the retail heart of Uptown Phoenix.

By the mid-1980s, Park Central had become one of Arizona’s defining destinations—with Kitchell as its long-term partner in growth.

Delivering the Next Chapter

More than 60 years after its original debut, Park Central entered a new era, and once again, Kitchell helped lead the way. In 2020, partnering with GLHN Architects and Engineers, Kitchell completed the Catalina Parking Garage: a 10-level, 2,000-space facility built on the south side of the campus to meet the growing needs of a revitalized district. As Arizona’s tallest precast parking structure, it was delivered on an accelerated design-build schedule and thoughtfully designed to blend into its surroundings.

Featuring one of the largest public art installations in Arizona, The New Archive brings bold color and meaning to the site—turning the garage into both a civic landmark and a point of pride.

Built to Endure

From delivering Phoenix’s first modern shopping center to constructing Arizona’s tallest precast parking structure, Kitchell has been instrumental in shaping Park Central—creating spaces built not just to last—but to evolve alongside the people and communities they serve.

Misty Perchal, Finance Director, Kitchell Development Company

After nearly 27 years at Kitchell, Misty Perchal continues to forge new ground—both for herself and for the future of Kitchell Development. What began as her first job out of college has evolved into a career marked by growth, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how the business works from the inside out.

Misty’s journey is a testament to advancement in every sense of the word. From early days managing daily cash at Kitchell Corporation to senior accounting roles across multiple business units—including American Refrigeration Supplies (ARS), Kitchell CEM, and the Kitchell stock program—she steadily built a foundation of knowledge that led her to her current role as Finance Director. “I guess you can say I got to see a lot of how Kitchell worked,” she reflects. But it was under the mentorship of Jeff Allen that she found her stride: “Every development deal is different, and that’s what I love the most.”

Along the way, Misty built something just as valuable as financial expertise: strong, trusted relationships. She credits much of her success to the people around her—mentors who shared knowledge, teams who collaborated closely, and partners who challenged her to grow. “Be someone that people can count on,” she says. “Build great relationships with your teams and partners. Take ownership in your work and empower others.”

Her ability to lead with both precision and connection has made her an integral part of Kitchell’s forward momentum. She embraces the mindset that “you’re only as good as your next deal,” keeping her focused on progress, not past wins.

To Misty, Forging the Future of the Built World means staying adaptable and innovative—ready to evolve not just how Kitchell works, but how Kitchell works together.

In Kitchell’s early days, founder Sam Kitchell didn’t just manage projects—he flew to them. With work spread across Arizona, Sam piloted a Piper Tri‑Pacer and later a Cessna 182, often landing right at remote job sites.

One story has lived on in Kitchell history. Flying into Casa Grande, Sam swooped low over a cotton gin project, skimming telephone wires and aiming for a narrow strip of dirt between the unfinished walls and the job trailer. “The laborers hit the dirt,” recalled then superintendent Floyd Swann. “Sam offered me a ride back to Phoenix, but no way was I gonna’ take him up on that offer!”

Sam’s daring flights captured his hands-on leadership style. He was an estimator, supervisor, and pilot all in one—bringing management straight into the field and shaping the get-it-done culture that still defines Kitchell today.

Floyd’s own career took flight too: he progressed from superintendent to senior superintendent in 1980, and ultimately president of Kitchell Contractors-Arizona in 1984—a testament to the growth opportunities and spirit of advancement that have defined Kitchell for 75 years.