The world ambassador
phoenix
BEST PROJECT
Sent by: Oakland construction
Owner: Fox Hotel 1 LLC/Common Bond Development Group
Main design company: Nelson Partners
General contractor: Oakland construction
Civil Engineer: Wooden patel
Structural Engineer: Associates PK
MEP Engineer: Energy Systems Design
Landscape designer: Berghoff Design Group
Interior Designer: Testani Design Troupe
Subcontractors: Apodaca Wall Systems; Specified Electrical Contractors Inc.; AEC solutions; Fulcrum Co.; Iron Horse Cos.; Recreate Body.
One of Phoenix’s newest luxury hotels features 141 guest rooms spread over five floors and five signature restaurants with the backdrop of Camelback Mountain. The 200,000-square-foot structure includes a 9,000-square-foot members’ club and wellness center, with one of five restaurants occupying an 18,000-square-foot rooftop. Rooms range from 460 square feet to 2,000 square feet.
Teamwork proved essential when incorporating additional structural modifications and interior design features. These improvements included the transformation of a planned rooftop mechanical patio into an event space, the installation of custom-designed architectural elements, and the addition of specialized interior finishes to achieve a distinct international aesthetic.
Photo by Kevin Brost
Regular meetings and detailed documentation helped inform decision-making and alignment on project priorities. This collaborative approach also allowed the project team to adjust construction sequencing, optimize workflow efficiency, and mitigate any unforeseen complexities arising from the additional scope without compromising the overall integrity of the project.
Integrating these changes into the existing construction schedule also required meticulous planning. Extensive evaluations and discussions with business partners and suppliers ensured that all materials matched up-to-date design specifications.
Accommodating the project’s growing scope and new design improvements extended the original substantial completion date, but this decision was carefully reviewed and approved by the owner. The project was delivered in April 2024 after about 2.5 years of construction.
Photo by Kevin Brost
High-quality materials and finishes sourced from around the world included brass fixtures, white brick, antique plastered ceilings and marble floors, which elevated the hotel’s design aesthetic.
For the exterior of the building, the design team chose to use an insulated masonry veneer system that incorporates continuous insulation and an air and water resistant barrier.
A high-strength fixing bed mortar adheres to the thin brick veneer without the use of mechanical fasteners, which will reduce thermal bridging. This will help reduce energy consumption and better maintain indoor temperatures throughout the year.
Photo by Kevin Brost
The project team’s use of building information modeling helped ensure accurate installation of the hotel’s complex architectural elements and mechanical systems. Augmented reality also helped increase stakeholder engagement by enabling real-time visualization of design concepts and construction progress, encouraging informed decision-making and promoting transparency.
