El Chorro Lodge

When renovating a historic compound, construction becomes an adventure and teamwork is king. Such was the case with El Chorro Lodge, a Paradise Valley landmark since the 1930s.

Within a record breaking five-month fast track renovation, Team DSC® salvaged and incorporated existing materials into an array of mechanical and environmental enhancements while maintaining the original history, architecture, and traditions that make El Chorro one of America’s most beloved icons. El Chorro employs solar power, solar water heating, high-efficiency lighting and eco-friendly construction materials that together offset more than half of its total energy use.
 

Property Details

  • Year Renovated: 2010
  • Size: > 10,000 sq ft
  • Style: Contemporary Southwest
  • LEED Certification: Gold
  • Honors: Building of America Award, Golden Nugget Merit Award

IN HONOR OF MOTHER EARTH

Sustainable building practices were introduced early on by Desert Star Construction with the goal for the entire renovation team to work together to achieve the state’s first LEED Gold certification for a full service restaurant. Many of the original materials were salvaged, preserved, and repurposed to enhance the restaurant’s interior and exterior design.

REFRESHED PERSPECTIVE

Today’s El Chorro Lodge boasts an expanded exterior dining patio, outdoor lounge spaces, a renovated event pavilion and an indoor/outdoor bar that protects the open feel of the restaurant while growing its breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. The aim of sustainable construction and design is to achieve a higher degree of occupant comfort and control not only for the guests of the venue, but also for the organization as a whole.

AN AWARD WINNING TEAM

With the incredible support and effort of an award-winning team, this custom build earned both the Valley Partnership Environmental Excellence Award and Building of America Award. Jacquie Dorrance, philanthropist and El Chorro Lodge owner, shared, “We made the commitment early on to embrace and preserve the history and charm of this Valley icon, and I feel good about what we have accomplished in making El Chorro Lodge more relevant now than ever before.”

With special thanks to our clients and: