Doherty: From positively awful to positively beautiful
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By Bill Doherty, chief executive officer at Walton Global | Guest Commentary
Paradise Valley is a unique community that offers a special kind of lifestyle for its residents. I love Paradise Valley because of the incredible views and small-town community. It is why I live here. But there is always room for improvement.
The SmokeTree Resort is one of Paradise Valley’s oldest hotels, originally constructed in 1954 — seven years prior to the Town of Paradise Valley’s incorporation — before closing its doors in April 2019. It now stands as a defunct, abandoned resort.
This is why when I was introduced to the opportunity to acquire the SmokeTree Resort and turn it into a boutique luxury resort, I jumped at the chance. Walton Global acquired the property on June 29 with a vision to redesign SmokeTree with the elegance and beauty that Paradise Valley is known for, deserves and that will produce economic benefits for the town.
Our team includes some of the “best in class” professionals including Allen & Philp, Scottsdale-based architectural firm with several award-winning hotel properties including The Sanctuary and Fairmont Princess.
Throughout this redevelopment process, it is important to us to hear from Paradise Valley residents and Town Council as we work to finalize our designs, staring with several community events.
You should know we are seeking no condominiums as “for-sale” residential as part of our plan. No rooftop bars. No requests that haven’t been granted at other hotel properties in Paradise Valley.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the old SmokeTree on Lincoln just west of Scottsdale Road, Walton Global will be hosting a Community Open House for Paradise Valley residents. Come see it for yourself.
Enjoy complimentary food and drink, entertainment, and opportunity to learn more about our plans for SmokeTree redevelopment from the Allyn & Philp team and our plans with the owners of The Mission, Zinc Bistro and Fat Ox. They are our culinary partners.
This is a unique opportunity to not only build a boutique luxury resort, but to create something truly special that captures the essence of the Paradise Valley experience and honors the long history of the SmokeTree Resort. With your passion and our dedication, we hope to create an outstanding new, boutique hotel to replace the eye sore that is there today.
