Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona has temporarily closed its Dobson House location in Mesa for renovations. The 16-room facility, on the campus of Banner Children’s at Desert, will undergo a full interior transformation and is expected to reopen this fall.

While the Dobson House is closed, families in need of housing will be provided rooms at one of RMHCCNAZ’s two other Phoenix-area locations, Roanoke House in central Phoenix and Cambridge House on the campus of Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus in Phoenix. When necessary, arrangements will be made with hotels near the Dobson House to host families so that no family will be turned away, according to a release.

The multi-million investment will ensure families caring for children with serious medical needs continue to have access to safe, comfortable and supportive accommodations free of charge while their children receive life-saving care, the release states.

“We are grateful for the donors and partners whose generosity makes this renovation possible,” Kerry Schulman, chief executive officer of RMHCCNAZ, said in the release. “Because of their support, we’re able to reimagine Dobson House as an even more welcoming and functional space where families can rest, recharge and spend meaningful time together during the most difficult moments of their lives.”

The renovation is to include a transformed main entryway and reception area to create a warm, modern first impression. The community kitchen is to be updated with new cabinetry, durable countertops, high-traffic flooring, upgraded lighting, modern faucets and sinks, fresh paint and new artwork. It will also feature brand-new industrial appliances, including multiple refrigerators, freezers, stovetops, ovens, microwaves and dishwashers to serve the needs of up to 16 families per day.

A newly redesigned dining room will provide a comfortable and supportive place for families to share meals and connect. The family-living area is to be remodeled to create a joyful, calming space where children can play and families can relax together. All guest rooms and bathrooms will receive new furniture and fixtures, to create a cozy, updated environment that feels like home.

“After more than a decade of daily use and consistently high occupancy that often nears 100%, Dobson House is showing visible signs of wear,” said Schulman. “These much-needed renovations will ensure Dobson House remains a place of comfort and care for families in the years to come.”

The project is being led by Concord General Contracting, with design support from Tucson-based Interiors in Design.

When Dobson House reopens, it will also launch a new day-use program modeled after the one being implemented at Cambridge House in May 2025. The program will provide families who live within 30 miles of the hospital and are not eligible for overnight stays a welcoming place to rest, cook meals, shower, do laundry and remain close to their child’s care team during the day.

Originally opened in 2014, the Dobson House is the third Valley location of RMHCCNAZ. It provides families with amenities including a shared kitchen, dining area, library and play space, two laundry facilities, a shaded playground and free Wi-Fi. Accommodation is provided to families who live at least 30 miles away from where their child is receiving hospital care.

More than 438 families stayed at Dobson House in 2024, accounting for more than 4,000 nights of stay and an average length of stay of nine nights.

For updates on the renovation and reopening, or to support the mission of RMHCCNAZ, visit rmhccnaz.org.