Bells of Wonder - Page 3

Soleri, FLWright Desert Architectural Tour

Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit the Scottsdale-Phoenix area—before the scorching summer heat kicks in. There, a number of charming architectural attractions await the MCM enthusiast.

First of all, both Cosanti (6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Paradise Valley, near Scottsdale) and Arcosanti (13555 S. Cross L Rd., Mayer, about 90 minutes away) are open for visitors.

There also are a number of remarkable structures in the area by Frank Lloyd Wright, whose organic architecture originally attracted Paolo Soleri to the area. Let it attract you as well:

• Taliesen West was designed and built by Wright with his students, the Taliesen Fellowship, in the mid-1930s to house Wright's architectural school and practice. Numerous tours available. (12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale)

• The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire was rejected when proposed for the Arizona state capitol in 1957. But the glass-and-steel, 125-foot tower was built in 2004 as an amenity in a shopping center. (7207 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale)

• First Christian Church of Phoenix is another rejected Wright design, this one from 1949, that didn't get built until 1973. It has a notable spire plus a bell tower. (6750 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix)

• The Biltmore Hotel dates to 1928 and uses concrete 'textile' blocks, which Wright also used in Los Angeles residences of that period. (2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix)

• Norman Lykes house. Drive by this private home, a remarkable 1959 Wright design—all concrete and curves and built into the side of a mountain. (6836 N. 36th St., Phoenix)

While in the area, when it's time to take a break from touring architecture, consider putting aside most of a day to take in the fascinating Musical Instrument Museum. (4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix)