February 2010 Blog - El Chorro Reopens

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog and I’m a bit overdue. Needless to say, between the Holidays, the end of the year, project deadlines, and everything we have been up to it has slipped a little but it’s nice to put a few words together and update everyone on all that is going on at Candelaria Design.

El Chorro Lodge
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the last year has been our participation on the El Chorro Renovation project. One of the Valley of the Sun’s most favorite landmarks of all-time, El Chorro Lodge www.elchorrolodge.com , located at 5550 E. Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley, is completed and open for business.



The A-team assembled to complete the renovation on the existing 11-acre site was comprised of Candelaria Design – Architects, Desert Start Construction – Contractors, Berghoff Design Group – Landscape Architects, Vallone Design – Interiors, and Creative Designs in Lighting and of course our client and leader, Jacquie Dorrance. Jacquie joined forces with Tim & Kristy Moore who have operated Continental Catering for years and they brought on chef Charles Kassels from the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, to run the kitchen. The entire design team made it top priority to keep El Chorro’s rich history and classic charm while updating the facilities to today’s technology and energy efficiencies.





We took special care to embed environmental awareness into this project that is nearly undetectable to the eye. Materials were salvaged, doors and windows were updated to more efficient standards, and the tops of the buildings now capture solar energy for the restaurant’s use.



El Chorro was purchased by Jacquie Dorrance last May 2009 with the goal of wanting to preserve and improve one of Arizona’s longest standing restaurants. We began sketching in June and construction was underway by late August. Yes – it was a busy summer! The completed project combines old El Chorro elements such as the Classroom Bar, the white outdoor furniture, and the sticky buns – a favorite on the menu - with new, pristine interior spaces, an additional open air inside-outside bar, and the spirit and character that match the grand exterior spaces with views of Camelback Mountain and the other surrounding mountains in Paradise Valley.



El Chorro now has a total of 4800 SF of dining and bar space, 7500 SF of patio space, 13 fireplaces, three fire pits, indoor dining that seats 150, exterior patio seating for 200, a 4600 SF Event Pavilion that can accommodate up to 250 with an adjacent lawn area, a vegetable and herb garden, and a bocce lawn off the old Classroom Bar, one of my favorite past times! Other amenities include solar energy, updated entertainment sound systems, and free Wi-Fi.



Everyone that worked on this project and helped make it a reality deserves a pat on the back. I especially want to recognize my team, Jeff Kramer, Tim Mathewson, and Vivian Ayala who worked many late evenings and weekends to get the plans completed and get the construction underway.



El Chorro is truly an Arizona landmark that we can all be proud of and enjoy with our family and friends for many years to come. I invite you all to come by, kick back, play a little bocce and enjoy what Arizona outdoor living is really all about.



10-years of Beautiful Homes 1999- 2009 Candelaria Design Anniversary Book
After all of our hard work, we have finally completed our 10-year anniversary book titled 10 Years of Beautiful Homes 1999 ~ 2009. It is a great coffee table book with pictures of some of our most memorable projects over the past 10 years. If you are interested in reserving a copy, please call the office at 602-604-2001.



Phoenix Home & Garden AZ Style Showplace 2010
This past weekend , February 12-14, we participated in the Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine AZ Style Showplace 2010 at the Scottsdale Quarter and, I must say, what an amazing turn-out. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. We would especially like to thank my team leader, Nelson Rodriguez and all the craftsmen and vendors who helped make our Booth at the AZ Style Showplace 2010 a huge success! -- Architectural Design Works , Dave's Custom Millwork, Facings of America, H. Ryan Studio, Premiere Wood Floors, and Tierra del Lagarto.



Italy Trip 2010
The Candelaria Design Italy Trip is a go! We have had great interest thanks to our Candelaria Design Italy Trip 2010 Facebook Page (300 fans and counting) and we are excited for our 8th trip which will depart Phoenix on September 1st and return on September 12th. See our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Candelaria-Design-Italy-Trip-2010/415280225531?ref=mf for more details. I’m taking 10-12 travelers and we are about there. We have a great group going and I’m looking forward to the adventure once again.





Wrap Up
Well how’s that for things happening. We are happy to announce the rehiring of our good friend and Marketing Director, Megan Wahl. So be looking for more blogs, more updates, and more postings. Plenty brewing and some wonderful projects on the boards and under construction – we thank you ALL for the support and referrals. Thanks for following us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Candelaria-Design/147697373192 .