The Scottsdale Spire, also known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire, is a 125-foot tall, striking landmark in Scottsdale, Arizona, that embodies a brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright design conceived over five decades before it was finally constructed. This towering structure originated as a component of Wright’s bold 1957 proposal for the new Arizona State Capitol building, which he titled “The Oasis.” Though the comprehensive capitol design was ultimately rejected by the state for being too modern at the time, the distinctive, futuristic spire element was adapted and built in 2004 to stand as a dramatic tribute to the architect’s enduring legacy in the Sonoran Desert.
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Preservation and Management
The Scottsdale Spire is not a historic building but rather a piece of public art and memorial architecture built posthumously based on Wright’s original plan. Its construction in 2004 was spearheaded by the developer of the Promenade Scottsdale shopping center, who worked closely with one of Wright’s former apprentices, Arnold Roy, to adapt the original 1957 design to modern building codes and the site. It is managed and maintained as a permanent landmark by the ownership of the Scottsdale Promenade shopping complex. The structure is occasionally used as a host for local events, notably being adorned with a giant elf during the holiday season.
Plan Your Visit
Location
The Scottsdale Spire is located on the southeastern corner of the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale, Arizona. The spire sits within a small plaza and sculpture garden that forms the focal point of the Promenade Scottsdale shopping center. It is easily accessible, highly visible from the street, and is located approximately seven miles northwest of Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West.
Tours
The Scottsdale Spire is a piece of public art located in an open plaza, making it accessible for viewing 24 hours a day. No tickets or tours are required, and there is no charge to visit the spire and the surrounding area. Visitors can walk right up to the base of the structure.
The final 125-foot tall structure is constructed from 1,700 individual pieces of steel and weighs 75,000 pounds. Wright’s original 1957 design was conceived as one of three spires that would have topped the wings of the proposed State Capitol complex.
When the spire was finally built in 2004, the designers ensured it reflected Wright’s philosophy of Organic Architecture. The colors chosen for the spire’s translucent acrylic panels—turquoise blue and copper—were selected to represent the rich mineral ores and landscape prominent in Arizona. Furthermore, the design is said to align with the celestial equator, creating a unique man-made star map when standing beneath it. At night, the spire becomes a striking spectacle as internal LED lighting illuminates the structure, bathing it in a mesmerizing glow that can be seen from miles away.
Hotels in Phoenix and Scottsdale
- Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – The perfect choice if you want to experience more of Wright’s architecture and influence.
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
- Staybridge Suites Phoenix – Biltmore Area – All-suite extended stay hotel with kitchenettes
- Choice Hotels in Phoenix
- Holiday Inn & Suites Scottsdale North – Great location near Taliesin West with easy access to Phoenix and Scottsdale!
- Royal Palms Resort and Spa – A historic Spanish Mediterranean estate located very close to the David Wright House in the Camelback East area.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!
- Frank Lloyd Wright in Arizona (Amazon book)
- Taliesin West: Visit Wright’s famous winter home, which is located just a short drive from the Spire.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Spire – The Capitol that Never Was (Salt River Stories article)