Paradise Valley resort planning expansion
Project to include pool, pavilion
by Philip Haldiman - Mar. 16, 2012 02:05 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com
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The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley is planning an expansion that includes 20 new guest rooms, a multipurpose pavilion and an addition to its women's spa.
General manager Mike Surguine said the changes are purely economical.
"Guest rooms are our most profitable product, and with the diminished demand for tennis, it just makes economic sense," he said.
Surguine said the proposed changes are in the north end of the 53-acre property, where the resort's tennis courts are located.
The Sanctuary was formerly the John Gardiner Tennis Ranch, which had a name recognition that drew international tennis stars, celebrities from Hollywood, and politicians from Washington, D.C. The facilities will be removed to allow for the room additions, but Surguine said that because of the heritage of tennis at the resort, the sport will continue to be offered.
"Fortunately, we have up to five additional courts available to us on the property, so tennis would continue to be an integral part of the Sanctuary as it has been since the early '70s when the property opened as John Gardiner Tennis Ranch."
The Sanctuary is also proposing a new pool and other water features south of the guest rooms as well as a minimum of 20 additional parking spaces, one for each new room. The resort, which now has 105 guest rooms, is at 5700 E. McDonald Drive, on the north side of Camelback Mountain.
The proposed changes require an amendment to the resort's special-use permit.
Last week, the Town Council unanimously approved a statement of direction that will allow the Planning Commission to begin its vetting process for the resort's request. Mayor Scott LeMarr recused himself because he is a member of the resort.
The Planning Commission's 90-day review period will expire June 6, but officials say the plan will likely move to the council long before then.
The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the special-use application on April 3.
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