In 1971, Kitchell completed ASU’s iconic Music Building—designed by Wesley Peters, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son-in-law, as a tribute to the neighboring Gammage Auditorium, one of Wright’s final designs. Together, the two structures reflect a continuous design legacy—sharing Wright’s signature use of bold geometry, sweeping curves, and sculptural form.

The Music Building carried that legacy forward with intention and precision. Circular in shape and finished in the same rough-textured, sand-hued masonry as Gammage, it earned the affectionate nickname “the birthday cake building.”

Now home to the ASU School of Music, the facility was both a technical and artistic achievement from the start. Kitchell served as general contractor, delivering a structurally complex and acoustically sophisticated environment tailored to the needs of a growing, world-class music program. Constructed with reinforced concrete and built partially underground to enhance sound isolation, the eight-level structure—three of them below grade—quickly became one of the most advanced learning environments on campus.

The original scope included:

• A 508-seat music theatre with continental seating, orchestra lift, sky loft, and counterweight scenery supports—designed for opera, faculty chamber music, and large ensemble performances.
• A 128-seat recital hall for student and small ensemble concerts.
• 51 offices and studios, 6 classrooms, 42 small practice rooms, 3 group practice rooms, 5 organ rehearsal rooms, and 2 ensemble rooms.
• A two-level music library with soundproof listening rooms and electronic listening stations.
• A rehearsal area matching the size and layout of the main theater stage.
• Administrative areas, faculty offices, and circulation spaces, all designed with acoustical isolation in mind.

Kitchell’s construction expertise was put to the test through the building’s uniquely curved design—essential to eliminating parallel walls and optimizing acoustics. To achieve smooth finishes on those circular forms, Kitchell partnered with Taliesin architect John Aubrey Banks and specialty trade firm Ora B. Hopper & Son, Inc. Together, they implemented an innovative IMPERIAL Plaster System that reduced labor time by an estimated 40% compared to traditional lath and plaster. The process required fast coordination in Arizona’s dry climate, with basecoats and finishes applied in tight succession to avoid cracking and ensure a seamless, sound-sensitive surface.

As Jim Seeman, then facilities and program coordinator for the ASU music department, put it:
“All in all, it’s a gorgeous building.”

More than 50 years later, the Music Building continues to anchor one of the most respected music programs in the country—its enduring presence a testament to visionary design, precise execution, and Kitchell’s legacy of turning bold ideas into lasting landmarks.

How Kitchell Helped Transform Scottsdale Fashion Square Into a Premier Retail Destination

When people think of Scottsdale Fashion Square, they picture upscale shopping, sleek storefronts, and one of the nation’s most iconic destinations. What many don’t realize is that a long-trusted partner—Kitchell—has been behind many of its most transformative expansions.

From its earliest beginnings in the desert to its current status as Arizona’s largest shopping center, Fashion Square has been shaped—literally and strategically—by Kitchell’s enduring vision and construction expertise.

And through it all, Kitchell has remained a steady hand in its evolution.

Building the Foundation

It began in 1961, when Kitchell Contractors broke ground on a 32-acre site that had once been home to farmland and rodeo grounds. Designed by Edward L. Varney Associates—best known for shaping regional icons like Hotel Valley Ho and Arizona State’s Sun Devil Stadium—the mall opened as a three-story open-air retail center at Scottsdale and Camelback roads, anchored by local names like Goldwater’s and AJ Bayless.

Kitchell’s role didn’t end with that first pour of concrete. It marked the beginning of a decades-long partnership that would evolve in tandem with the region itself.

Transforming with the Times

As Scottsdale grew, so did the mall, and Kitchell was there to lead every major leap forward.

In 1974, Kitchell oversaw a significant westward expansion that added a second level and nearly doubled the mall’s square footage.

Then in 1988, Kitchell delivered one of the mall’s most dramatic transformations: converting the open-air center into a fully enclosed, climate-controlled environment. The renovation added 1.5 million square feet, a food court, and a retractable skylight. The work elevated both the scale and sophistication of the mall, without shutting its doors to customers.

Building Without Pause

At Fashion Square, construction has never meant closure. For Kitchell, every milestone has required not just precision but respect for the retail experience.In 1991, Kitchell constructed a 100-store retail bridge over Camelback Road, lowering the roadway to create Goldwater Boulevard connecting Fashion Square to Camelview Plaza.

In 1998, the company expanded the bridge, adding 150 shops and a second level. That same year, two seven-ton escalators were replaced overnight. Crews lifted them through a temporarily removed skylight and had them operational by morning—all while mall traffic continued uninterrupted.

In 2003, Kitchell renovated the interior and food court, upgrading finishes and infrastructure to support an expanded dining experience. By 2005, the renovation culminated in the addition of a signature porte cochere—a dramatic new main entrance reminiscent of a grand resort arrival.

In 2009, Kitchell replaced the mall’s aging central plant—coordinating the critical turnover during its only full-day closure: Thanksgiving. A temporary chiller system kept operations running during the switchover, and with nearly 100 trades partners working around the clock, the new system came online just in time for Black Friday—one of the mall’s busiest shopping days of the year.

Elevating the Retail Experience

As retail trends changed, so did Kitchell’s role—improving not just what’s behind the scenes, but also the way the space looks and feels to shoppers.

In 2015, the company added 143,000 square feet of new space for DICK’S Sporting Goods and Harkins Theatres, directly above an active parking garage, which remained open and accessible to shoppers throughout construction.

By 2017, Kitchell was back to reimagine the Luxury Wing, anchored by Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s and home to luxury brands like Cartier, Dior, and Jimmy Choo. The renovation included a redesigned entry, valet drop-off, landscaping enhancements, and high-end interior finishes like stone flooring, glass handrails, and porcelain tile columns.

One of the project’s most complex feats was installing custom prefabricated panels on the bridge over Goldwater Boulevard. Each 12-by-48-foot, 10,000-pound panel was placed with surgical precision—navigating underground parking, traffic phasing, and wind conditions to deliver the project on time with minimal disruption.

To ensure seamless integration, Kitchell also conducted 2,257 laser scans over 120 hours, generating detailed as-built drawings across 850,800 square feet of space.

A Partnership Built on Trust

Behind the results is a relationship built on years of mutual respect and proven delivery.
Kitchell’s long-standing partnership with Macerich has brought rare continuity to Fashion Square’s evolution.

Reflecting on recent renovations, John Wallace, VP of Construction at Macerich, shared, ‘Given the stress of this job, Kitchell’s rapport with the owner is amazing.’

Whether rerouting utilities, replacing critical infrastructure, or threading new construction through existing operations, Kitchell’s team has delivered at every turn.

A Legacy Still Growing

Scottsdale Fashion Square is more than a mall—it’s a landmark of growth, ambition, and identity for the region.

For more than 60 years, Kitchell has played a key role in that evolution, bringing vision, precision, and partnership to every phase.

As Kitchell celebrates 75 years, Fashion Square remains a powerful symbol of what we build best: spaces shaped by trust, driven by innovation, and sustained through partnership.

 

Kitchell’s legacy with Mayo Clinic helped shape the foundation of world-class healthcare in Arizona. The partnership began in 1987 with the construction of Mayo’s first facility in the state—an outpatient clinic in Scottsdale—and evolved over nearly four decades into a series of technically demanding projects that expanded Mayo’s footprint across the Southwest. Among them: Arizona’s first Mayo Clinic hospital, completed in 1998, which was also the first in the nation designed entirely by Mayo physicians and staff. From complex infrastructure to vertical expansions, Kitchell’s work has left a lasting mark on the built environment supporting one of the nation’s most respected medical institutions.

Breaking New Ground in Desert Healthcare

The relationship began with a milestone moment. In 1987, Kitchell constructed Mayo Clinic’s first-ever facility in Arizona—an achievement that established Mayo’s presence in the Southwest. When the Scottsdale clinic opened its doors on June 29, it launched with 47 physicians and 225 allied health staff, and had already booked 1,800 patient appointments before the clinic’s opening day (Mayo Clinic, 2012). More than a single project, the project marked the beginning of a collaboration that would evolve alongside Mayo’s regional growth.

By 1995, that foundation led to one of Mayo Clinic’s most ambitious undertakings: its first hospital in the nation designed entirely by its own physicians and staff. Kitchell was selected by the Board of Trustees to bring that vision to life, delivering a 440,000-square-foot hospital and central plant on a 200-acre desert site in Phoenix, Arizona. Completed on time and within budget, the facility reflected Mayo’s uncompromising standards for quality, functionality, and care.

Meanwhile, progress also continued back at the original Scottsdale clinic, with the design-build delivery of the first additional concourse and underground parking structure. The 244,000-square-foot addition featured angled parking, wide drive aisles, superior lighting, and four times the shell space offered by competing proposals—raising the bar for healthcare campus design.

That ingenuity extended to construction methods as well. When faced with the challenge of cutting through 29 feet of vertical wall, Kitchell deployed a modified pipeline trencher to complete perimeter wall construction and shoring in a single operation. The result: five weeks saved and zero disruption to hospital operations—a project highlight that reinforced Kitchell’s reputation for creative problem-solving and seamless execution in highly-sensitive environments.

Vertical Expansion in a Live Environment

In the following decade, the Phoenix hospital campus underwent a vertical expansion that added more than 104,000 square-feet across two new floors built directly above the active hospital. The program included six new operating rooms, 36 inpatient beds, expanded emergency and dining areas, and five new elevators extending the existing core.

Executing this scope in a fully operational medical environment required extraordinary precision. Construction start times were shifted to reduce disruption, major structural work was timed for periods of lower patient volume, and close coordination ensured uninterrupted access to clinical services throughout the build.

What emerged wasn’t just a vertical expansion—it was a disciplined feat of engineering, executed within an active hospital with the focus and precision of an operating room.

A Track Record of Technical Delivery

Since the original clinic, Kitchell has completed more than 80 projects across Mayo Clinic’s Arizona campuses—from radiology and lab upgrades to nuclear medicine suites, shielded imaging rooms, and critical infrastructure improvements. Across each, the goal remains the same: create environments that support advanced care while preserving operational continuity.

This work has included over 400 miles of structured cabling, complex HVAC and MEP systems, and the expansion of highly specialized diagnostic spaces. With experience in both general contracting and design-build delivery, Kitchell has long been trusted to execute some of Mayo Clinic’s most technically demanding healthcare projects—requiring deep expertise, clinical foresight, seamless coordination, and the flexibility to build without disrupting patient care.

Kitchell’s expertise extended into academic medicine with the 2017 construction of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Scottsdale—the first medical school in Arizona. The 18,000-square-foot facility was designed to foster innovation and hands-on learning, featuring advanced simulation labs and collaborative spaces with panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains. Purpose-built to support Mayo’s forward-thinking curriculum in healthcare delivery and biomedical informatics, it remains one of only five medical schools in the state, underscoring Kitchell’s role in shaping the future of healthcare and medical education.

A Shared Vision for Healing Spaces

What began with Kitchell building Mayo Clinic’s first Scottsdale facility in 1987—a pioneering clinic in the desert—has become a defining chapter in our 75-year history. Built on shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to excellence, the relationship between Mayo Clinic and Kitchell continues to elevate healthcare infrastructure across the region.

As medicine advances, so has Kitchell’s role in shaping it—each project building on the last, each solution reinforcing a vision for what healthcare environments can and should be. These efforts have delivered more than cutting-edge facilities. They’ve created spaces that heal, educate, and drive innovation for generations to come.

Kitchell’s Role in NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

When NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) set out to build a facility capable of simulating the harshest environments in the known universe, they turned to Kitchell. In the early 1990s, Kitchell was selected to construct the Observational Instruments Laboratory (OIL)—a five-story, 72,000-square-foot research facility designed to support the development of powerful optical systems used in space telescopes and exploratory spacecraft.

JPL, managed by Caltech, has long been NASA’s epicenter for robotic space exploration. The OIL project was more than a building—it was a launchpad for discovery, designed to empower scientists to detect distant stars, planets, and galaxies with extraordinary precision.

Engineering Earth to Mimic Space
The challenge? Build an Earth-based facility with the precision of a spacecraft—an environment clean and still enough to develop instruments capable of capturing data across millions of light-years.

To meet this unprecedented performance threshold, Kitchell collaborated closely with JPL technologists and end users to deliver a facility engineered to extremes. The lab required Class 1,000 and Class 10,000 cleanrooms, vibration levels within 1–2 microns, and shielding from electrostatic discharge. Even a stray dust particle or minor tremor could jeopardize scientific outcomes.

To achieve near-zero vibration, isolation pads were installed beneath the penthouse structure, and ultra-low-vibration mechanical systems were selected. Circular ductwork minimized air turbulence. Advanced outgassing controls protected delicate materials during instrument assembly. Every detail—down to the flooring—was scrutinized for its impact on performance.

Innovation in Action
“It is vital that the building allow us to create the conditions found in outer space-very clean surroundings and very low vibration,” said Dr. William Whitney, JPL Division Technologist and project liaison. Even the slightest disruption, he noted, could compromise the integrity of the data.

The OIL was also among the earliest facilities at JPL to consolidate multiple optical disciplines under one roof, enabling cross-functional collaboration across astrophysics, Earth science, and planetary exploration. That vision shaped not only what was built—but how it was built.

Instruments developed in this lab went on to support some of NASA’s most ambitious missions—including Project Cassini, a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which delivered breathtaking insights into Saturn, its rings, and its moons. The facility’s contributions helped enable the precision optics and imaging technologies that made Cassini’s 13-year journey a landmark in planetary science.

Collaboration That Drives Discovery
Constructing a facility this advanced required more than expertise—it demanded shared purpose. Kitchell led an integrated team of over 65 subcontractors and six full-time JPL inspectors, ensuring open lines of communication and real-time coordination through interdisciplinary meetings.

One such collaboration tackled the application of specialized conductive flooring, balancing scientific rigor with practical constructability. These touchpoints weren’t just about solving challenges—they cultivated mutual ownership of the mission.

“We feel if the workers understand the reasons for the extra measures and their importance, they’ll take extra pride in meeting the quality standards,” said Jerry Leonardi, JPL’s owner representative. That mindset of shared ownership ultimately elevated the quality of the final product.

A Foundation for Exploration
Decades later, the Observational Instruments Laboratory remains a cornerstone in JPL’s innovation ecosystem—and a proud milestone in Kitchell’s legacy of delivering environments that enable scientific advancement. From exploring Earth’s climate to capturing first-of-their-kind images of distant star systems, the instruments born in this facility continue to fuel humanity’s greatest explorations.

At Kitchell, innovation goes beyond what’s built—it’s about enabling the breakthroughs that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

When most people think of DoubleTree Hotels, they picture warm cookies and global stays. What many don’t realize is that it all began with the bold idea of a construction company determined to expand beyond its traditional roots. In 1969, Sam Kitchell and Executive Vice President Pete Bidstrup launched the very first DoubleTree Inn — setting off a chain reaction that redefined hospitality and helped build one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.

Here’s how the story unfolded:

Seeing Beyond Construction

In the early 1960s, Kitchell began looking beyond building structures, identifying new opportunities in a rapidly changing America. As travel habits evolved, the company shifted into commercial real estate development, with hospitality as a key focus.

One of Kitchell’s first major moves into the sector was becoming a regional franchisee for Rodeway Inns, a fast-growing motel chain based in Phoenix. With a franchise territory covering Arizona, California, New Mexico, and West Texas, Kitchell developed and operated properties designed to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travelers.

 

A photo from this era shows founder Sam Kitchell breaking ground on a Rodeway project in El Paso, Texas — mule-drawn plow in hand — perfectly capturing the pioneering spirit that drove the company’s expansion into new markets.

Pioneering a New Concept in Hospitality

Success with Rodeway Inns soon sparked an even bigger ambition: to create a new kind of hotel experience — one that combined the accessibility of motels with the elevated service of hotels.

That vision led Sam to create DoubleTree Inns.

In 1969, Kitchell developed and built the very first DoubleTree Inn next to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Offering upgraded amenities, polished service, and a welcoming atmosphere, the new hotel quickly set a higher standard for regional hospitality.

Under the leadership of Sam Kitchell and Pete Bidstrup, the DoubleTree brand expanded rapidly across Arizona, California, and Washington, earning a reputation for consistently exceeding guest expectations.

By the end of the decade, Kitchell had firmly established itself not just as a construction leader but also as an innovative developer with a growing influence in the hospitality sector.

A Strategic Evolution

By 1979, DoubleTree Inns had grown to a portfolio of more than 2,300 rooms. That year, Kitchell made the strategic decision to sell its controlling interest, marking the successful conclusion of a bold venture into hospitality development.

Two decades later, DoubleTree — along with other Promus Hotel brands — was acquired by Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1999, securing its place as a major player in global hospitality.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, DoubleTree operates 692 properties with more than 155,000 rooms across five continents. The brand’s global success traces directly back to Kitchell’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

As Kitchell celebrates 75 years, its early impact on the hospitality industry stands as a powerful example of the company’s enduring vision: recognizing opportunities others overlook, having the courage to act on them, and delivering lasting value through bold ideas.

From building communities to shaping industries, Kitchell’s legacy of leadership and innovation continues to drive its future.

Over a decade ago, Kitchell had the honor of transforming one of Arizona State University’s most recognizable campus landmarks—Manzanita Hall. Originally constructed in 1967, this 15-story residence hall stood as a bold example of mid-century architecture, defined by its dramatic V-shaped structural members and sweeping views of Tempe.

By 2013, Manzanita Hall was ready for a new chapter.

Working in partnership with Studio Ma, Kitchell led a full reimagination of the space—completely gutting and restoring the building into a vibrant Student Life Community. This wasn’t just a renovation; it was a comprehensive transformation rooted in both innovation and respect for the original design. The exterior skin was enhanced to preserve its mid-century character, and two existing 15-stop elevators were fully rehabilitated. We also added two new 16-stop code-compliant elevators designed to accommodate emergency gurney access.

To achieve precise installation of new façade panels, our team used laser scanning to evaluate the elevations between each post-tensioned concrete deck. This technology helped us determine consistent exterior panel sizing and optimize the building envelope, all while maintaining the project schedule.

The complexity of the project extended far beyond design and construction. Manzanita Hall also functioned as a critical hub for ASU’s campus infrastructure. A central pull box and antenna system ran through the building, carrying active data lines and housing an Arizona Department of Public Safety transponder—both of which had to remain operational during construction. Underground tunnels linked the site to other parts of the campus, requiring tight coordination and sequencing to ensure connectivity wasn’t disrupted. Abatement of hazardous materials was also prioritized to safely maintain schedule momentum.

But what truly makes this project special is the legacy behind it.

Our connection with ASU dates back to Kitchell’s early years. Sam Kitchell, our founder, played an instrumental role in establishing the university’s Construction Management program. His vision helped shape the foundation for generations of construction professionals in Arizona and beyond. Reimagining Manzanita Hall wasn’t just about revitalizing a building—it was about continuing a legacy of partnership, education and forward-thinking construction.

Today, the new Manzanita Hall stands as a symbol of what’s possible when vision, technology and collaboration come together. It supports the next generation of Sun Devils, just as Sam Kitchell supported the next generation of builders.

At Kitchell, we’re proud to have shaped the future of campus life at ASU—and even prouder of the legacy we continue to build.

For 75 years, Kitchell has been at the forefront of constructing highly complex, high-performance facilities that support the ever-evolving needs of education, research, and healthcare. The University of Arizona’s Health Sciences Innovation Building (HSIB) exemplifies this legacy—delivering an iconic, award-winning environment that reimagines interdisciplinary learning and collaboration in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Named ENR’s Best of the Best Higher Education/Research Project and honored with a host of other national design and construction awards, HSIB is more than a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when innovation and precision come together in the built environment.

Design That Reflects Place and Purpose

Working alongside CO Architects, Swaim Associates, and Martin, White & Griffis Structural Engineers, Kitchell brought to life a design that balances architectural elegance with functional adaptability. Floor-to-floor transparency and natural light define the building’s ethos, with expansive glazing that brings daylight deep into learning environments and enhances visual connectivity throughout.

The building’s most iconic structural element—The Forum—is a soaring, four-story, glass-enclosed event space supported by five V-shaped concrete columns rising 144 feet. This striking design eliminates internal columns, creating an uninterrupted volume capable of hosting up to 1,000 people for conferences, lectures, or community gatherings. Retractable video walls, tiered seating, and seamless outdoor access amplify its impact as a campus centerpiece. The column-free space extends throughout the building maximizing future flexibility of the space.

An Iconic Skin, Engineered for the Desert

Spanning nine stories and 226,000 square-feet, HSIB is defined by its dramatic envelope: a custom terracotta façade designed to reflect the Sonoran Desert’s signature palette and textures. Inspired by the iconic saguaro cactus and traditional Southwestern craftsmanship, the façade comprises more than 8,000 hand-glazed ceramic tiles manufactured by Boston Valley Terra Cotta. Each tile was formed, extruded, and finished through an intricate process of digital modeling and artisanal fabrication, ensuring aesthetic continuity across hundreds of uniquely shaped pieces.

This was not just a design marvel—it was a construction challenge that required exceptional constructability planning. Kitchell’s team deployed a highly detailed Building Information Modeling (BIM) effort to quantify and coordinate every element of the skin system. The 3D model accounted for the façade’s curved geometry, anchor points, support framing, and integration with glass and metal panels, minimizing tolerance issues and sequencing clashes. The BIM model served as a live construction tool, guiding fabrication, delivery, and installation with millimeter-level accuracy.

Built for Flexibility, Connection, and Innovation

HSIB’s program is as forward-thinking as its form. From immersive AR theaters and smart classrooms to physical therapy labs, makerspaces, and breakout lounges, the facility is purpose-built for active learning and evolving technology. Modular floor plates and reconfigurable systems allow for continuous adaptation—ensuring that the building evolves alongside its users.

Constructing such a technically complex building on a tight urban site—with over $600 million in concurrent construction and active hospitals operating nearby—demanded meticulous planning. Kitchell coordinated extensive underground utility work, implemented off-hours material deliveries, and conducted weekly stakeholder meetings to mitigate impacts, uphold safety, and maintain momentum.

To further streamline construction on a constrained site and accelerated schedule, Kitchell strategically used prefabrication. As a response to labor shortages and limited space, 82% of the interior walls and 69% of the soffits were fabricated off-site in Tempe while structural work progressed in Tucson. This approach improved productivity by more than 30% and helped maintain project momentum.

Resilient by Nature, Sustainable by Design

From its high-performance façade and energy-efficient systems to regionally responsive materials, HSIB was designed for long-term resilience. The project achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting its sustainable foundation and alignment with the university’s broader environmental goals.

As we mark Kitchell’s 75th year, the Health Sciences Innovation Building stands as a testament to what we build—and how we build it. Through design excellence, cutting-edge construction technology, and true collaboration, we’re forging spaces that empower the next generation of learners, researchers, and health professionals.