Paradise Valley home recognized as historic property

By Allison Kotzbauer
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The Paradise Valley Town Council unanimously approved marking 5841 E. Hummingbird Lane as an official historic property in the town at its Sept. 10 meeting.

Property owner Elliot Rovinsky received a plaque recognizing the property as historically significant and unique under the town’s Historic Property Recognition Program. 

The program is a voluntary initiative approved in 2018 to honor local homes and businesses with unique architectural or historical character. 

Historical Advisory Committee Chair Catherine Kauffman presented the history of the home and recommended the council designate it as a historic property.

She said Frank Freeman purchased the five-acre property on the north side of Mummy Mountain in 1973. 

In 1974, his son, Stephen Freeman, designed and built the 3,500-square-foot home, incorporating its split-level design into the mountain slope.

The home was constructed with solid concrete masonry and wood trim and was designed to naturally regulate its temperature, Kauffman said.

More than 100 windows provide views from nearly every room, while the split-level design creates separate living spaces without the use of doors, she said.

“In 1992, while driving through the area, Mr. Rovinsky was drawn to the home by the striking stained glass, all-seeing-eye window, prominently displayed above the entrance. Associated with Freemason and as a Freemason himself, he was intrigued by the stained glass,” Kauffman said. “Even though the house was not on the market, Mr. Rovinsky inquired about purchasing it, and within weeks became its second owner.” 

Mayor Mark Stanton congratulated Rovinsky on his property’s new designation.

“Thank you for preserving such a beautiful home,” he said. 

Rovinsky praised the Town of Paradise Valley and his beautiful home as well as thanked the Historical Advisory Committee and the council. 

“I have been a resident of Paradise Valley for over 50 years and when I bought this home, it was very special for me,” he said. “I love Paradise Valley. I love waking up every morning looking at the views from my property.” 

Allison Kotzbauer can be reached at akotzbauer@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines

Allison Kotzbauer
Reporter | Paradise Valley

akotzbauer@iniusa.org

Community: I live in central Phoenix and my writing  focuses on Fountain Hills education, and the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale communities. 

Education: I graduated from Arizona State University in May 2026 with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. My studies focused on writing and visual story-telling.  

Random Fact: Growing up I had over 10 pets including 6 cats, 1 dog, 2 hermits crabs, and too many fish to count! 

Hobbies: I like to spend my free time hiking, crafting, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.