A team of Phoenix-based architects and builders envision a unique use of the west end of the Grand Canyon. Addressing Mohave County supervisors Monday, they pitched a project that would involve construction and development of a hotel project into the side of the canyon, in much the way the Anasazi indians dwelled in towering cliffs 1,000 years ago.
Architect Michel F. Sarda, President of the Art Renaissance Initiative, said such a project would extend and enhance the experience of tourists who average less than an hour per visit at the Grand Canyon. Sarda said team members would mix science and sustainability components with nature's splendor in the venture.
``More important maybe than the creation of a resort or a hotel or whatever name we put on this would be the fact that it could become a world-wide beacon or center of interest for new technologies," Sarda said. He explained the development would have a space station-like quaility in that water and energy would have to be created on site or difficultly delivered.
``The idea, considering the problems we are facing in terms of energy, in terms of sustainability, in terms of water management, are so acute that this project could become really an experiment that could bring experts and new technologies from not only around the country, but possibly from around the world because also of the magnificent showcase offered by the Grand Canyon," Sarda said.
Jeffrey Denzak, a Design Partner with Swaback Partners, said firms and principals involved in the development team plan to draw heavily from the terrain-blending design philosophies of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and sustainability commitments of Wright's project partners and associates. ``We're interested in working on a special case project that's based on a vision," Denzak said.
Denzak noted Swaback has the Arizona Biltmore resort and a number of other major projects to its credit. Chanen Construction Company, Inc. is also part of the team and senior Project Manager John Stelfox told county officials that the firm was involved in building most of the significant high rise structures in the greater Phoenix area.
Stelfox said Chanen is particularly interested in the project because of the various challenges presented.
Sarda said the project would provide jobs, stimulate the economy and perhaps put another tourist asterisk in a county that is already a gateway to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam and home of the London Bridge.
``This would be an outstanding addition to our county," said supervisor Buster Johnson. He said the science and sustainability aspects of the project would only bolster the various major solar and wind power endeavors beind pursued in the county.
Supervisors directed county manager Ron Walker and staff to engage the project team and honor Sardin's request to support their effort to initiate a feasibility study. Sarda also asked for county assistance in finding a site that would accommodate the proposed development.
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