Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort | Virserius Studio

Virserius Studio repurposed and repositioned the historic Biltmore Waldorf Astoria, which opened in 1929. This major scale project comprised work on the Saguaro Pool, Spire Bar and Lawn, Wright’s Bar and guest cottages. Considered an architectural masterpiece, the Arizona Biltmore showcases the groundbreaking influence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who consulted on the hotel with his protégé, Albert Chase McArthur, whose own important influences are woven throughout the original design. Our goal was to honor their respective legacies but bring the design forward to the 21st century for guests to enjoy for many more years to come.  

When Biltmore opened back in 1929 it quickly became the embodiment of old Hollywood glamour. We understood the magnitude of retaining and continuing its illustrious history, identity and panache and have been working to return it to its glory. We began with a deep dive into the hotel’s history, reviewing old photography and stories with the idea to create more for a new generation.  
Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie architecture is mostly retained throughout the hotel; he served as consulting architect and his family served as the hotel’s developers. Albert Chase McArthur was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, together he and Wright created the signature “Biltmore Block,” abstracted leaves inspired by the trunk of palm trees. We are working with a company to recreate and cast the blocks on-site, replacing those that may have been damaged through the years. There are also nods to American art deco influences throughout the space, as seen in the various geometric patterns.