When Kitchell first built the Hotel Valley Ho in 1956, Scottsdale was on the verge of transforming into a modern desert oasis. Designed as a sleek, mid-century retreat, the hotel quickly became a magnet for Hollywood’s elite, hosting the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, and Humphrey Bogart. It was a vision of modern luxury, where the desert met design in a way that captivated visitors for decades.

But even icons need a refresh. By the early 2000s, the beloved hotel had begun to fade, and restoring its former brilliance required both technical expertise and a deep respect for history. In 2004, Kitchell returned to Valley Ho—not just as builders, but as preservationists—to breathe new life into a structure they had helped shape nearly 50 years before.

Honoring the Past, Elevating the Future
Kitchell’s approach to the Hotel Valley Ho restoration was as much about preservation as it was about expansion. Working in accordance with the City of Scottsdale’s Historic Preservation Commission, the team carefully analyzed the original construction plans—many of which had been designed to allow for future vertical expansion. This forethought allowed Kitchell to add a seven-story tower, seamlessly blending new guest rooms and luxury condominiums with the existing structure.

Key elements of the original 1950s design were meticulously recreated. Specialty artisans were brought in to replicate concrete panels, pivoting privacy screens, and stone veneers—materials and techniques no longer commonly used but essential to maintaining the hotel’s authentic mid-century aesthetic. Even landscaping elements were preserved, with 90% of the existing trees salvaged and reused.

A Collaborative Effort in Preservation
Reviving the Valley Ho was not just about construction; it was about collaboration. Kitchell worked closely with architects, historians, preservationists, and local artisans to ensure every detail aligned with the hotel’s original spirit. The result was not just a renovation, but a reinvention—one that honored the past while embracing the future.

The project expanded the hotel to 220,000 square feet, adding 194 guest rooms, 37 luxury condominiums, a new guest wing, ballrooms, a spa, boardrooms, and the now-iconic Café ZuZu. Every aspect of the renovation was designed to merge historic charm with modern comfort, creating a space that remains as relevant and captivating today as it was in 1956.

The restoration of the Hotel Valley Ho is a testament to Kitchell’s ability to unite craftsmanship with innovation. It represents more than just a construction project—it’s a story of revitalization, collaboration, and vision. The project embodies Kitchell’s ethos of bringing people together to create something lasting, ensuring that the Valley Ho remains an architectural and cultural landmark for generations to come.

From its origins as a Hollywood hideaway to its resurgence as one of the country’s best-preserved mid-century modern hotels, the Valley Ho stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when history, craftsmanship, and collaboration unite. And for Kitchell, it’s a project that brings us full circle—back to a place where our legacy in Scottsdale first began.

In 1962, Kitchell embarked on a journey that would shape Arizona’s healthcare landscape, beginning with the construction of Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. This flagship project not only marked Kitchell’s first hospital build but also set the foundation for decades of leadership in specialized healthcare construction, including pioneering efforts in ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) and interim life safety during active construction.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Kitchell’s work at Good Samaritan included transformative projects like a 21,370-square-foot E Wing addition in 1964, a 104,035-square-foot series of additions in 1966, and a 75,035-square-foot extended care addition in 1967. These projects, alongside investments in critical infrastructure such as a 9,000-square-foot central plant and a 200,000-square-foot parking garage, showcased Kitchell’s ability to build complex, large-scale healthcare facilities with precision and care.

The impact of this early work is clear—today, over half of Arizona’s hospitals have been built by Kitchell. The company’s expertise and dedication to healthcare construction continue to support medical professionals and improve patient experiences from California to Texas. Good Samaritan was just the beginning of a lasting legacy, one that proves Kitchell is more than a builder; it’s a partner in advancing community health across the nation.

For 75 years, Kitchell has been at the forefront of delivering complex, high-performance facilities that push the boundaries of innovation. The Grand Challenges Research Building (GCRB) at the University of Arizona is a testament to this legacy, bringing together world-class researchers in quantum computing, optics, and materials science under one roof.

As the design-builder, Kitchell collaborated with ZGF Architects and BWS Architects to construct a cutting-edge facility that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. The building’s cast-in-place concrete structure ensures the stability required for highly sensitive experiments, while modular lab spaces provide the flexibility to support evolving research needs. Designed for both function and connectivity, the GCRB features communal areas that enhance teamwork and state-of-the-art mechanical systems that maintain precise environmental conditions, even in Arizona’s extreme climate.

Sustainability is a key focus, with all-electric systems and energy-efficient infrastructure aligning with the university’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The GCRB is more than just a building—it’s a hub for discovery, a space where breakthroughs happen, and a reflection of Kitchell’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in construction.

Read more about this transformative project: Lab Design News

By 1953, Kitchell wasn’t just constructing buildings—it was constructing a future. Recognizing the inevitable ups and downs of the construction industry, founder Sam Kitchell made a game-changing decision: diversifying into real estate development. The experience building during the Korean War, coupled with economic fluctuations in the industry, reinforced the need for stability through counter-cyclical markets.

This foresight led to a partnership with Utah Construction and Mining Company, marking the beginning of Kitchell’s real estate development legacy. Their first major venture? A 100,000-square-foot office building in downtown Phoenix, developed and leased back to Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph (which later became CenturyLink). The success of this project propelled them to expand into Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they developed another office building.

But Kitchell didn’t just develop and build—it innovated. These projects incorporated a state-of-the-art construction technique: the lift-slab system. Instead of the traditional floor-by-floor approach, all concrete slabs were poured in the basement, then jacked up and welded to the steel columns. This pioneering method streamlined construction and set new efficiency benchmarks in the industry.

“We constructed what was then a Class A building for Mountain States for $8.50 per square foot and leased it to them for $1.10 per square foot per year, triple net,” Sam Kitchell recalled. It was a strategic and profitable move, proving that Kitchell’s approach to development was as smart as it was ambitious.

What started as a hedge against industry volatility became a defining force behind Kitchell’s long-term success. Today, Kitchell Development Company continues to shape communities, carrying forward the same spirit of innovation and calculated risk that laid its foundation decades ago.