2501 East Telewa Trail, Phoenix

602-955-4079

Hours:  Tues-Sat 10 AM and 3 PM, Restaurants open after 3 PM.

Wrigley Mansion History

The Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona (AZ), is a stunning historic landmark that epitomizes elegance and grandeur. Built in the late 1920s by the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., the mansion is a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Today, it stands as one of the premier historic landmarks in Phoenix, offering fine dining, event spaces, and breathtaking views of the Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix city skyline.

A Rich History Rooted in the Wrigley Chewing Gum Empire

William Wrigley Jr., the founder of the Wrigley chewing gum empire, commissioned the construction of the Wrigley Mansion in 1929 as a 50th wedding anniversary gift to his wife, Ada Wrigley. Serving as their winter retreat, the mansion was one of several homes owned by the Wrigleys, including the famous Wrigley Mansion on Catalina Island in California.

Tragically, William Wrigley Jr. passed away in 1932, just a few years after the mansion’s completion. The property changed hands multiple times over the decades until it faced the threat of demolition in the early 1990s. In 1992, it was saved by the late Geordie Hormel, heir to the Hormel Foods Corporation, and his wife, Jamie Hormel. They embarked on extensive Wrigley Mansion renovations to restore and preserve this historic treasure.

Architectural Marvel by Earl Heitschmidt

Designed by renowned architect Earl Heitschmidt, who was also known for designing homes for other affluent Americans like Henry Ford and Irving Berlin, the Wrigley House Phoenix is an architectural marvel. Heitschmidt masterfully blended Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival architecture with elements of California Monterey and Spanish styles, creating a unique and captivating structure.

One of the mansion’s most striking features is the extensive tile work imported from the Wrigley family’s tile factory on Catalina Island. These Catalina Island tiles add vibrant color and intricate detail throughout the mansion, symbolizing the connection between the Wrigley properties in Arizona and California.

Interior Elegance and Unique Features

The Wrigley Mansion boasts 24 rooms and 12 bathrooms, each featuring its own fireplace—a testament to the opulence of the era. William and Ada Wrigley had separate bedrooms and bathrooms connected by a shared closet, showcasing the luxurious design of the time.

A particularly unique feature is the original player piano that was deeded to the house, ensuring it remains a permanent fixture. This piano is a cherished artifact, adding to the mansion’s historical ambiance.

Fine Dining in Phoenix: Geordie’s and Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion

The Wrigley Mansion is now home to two exceptional fine dining establishments, making it a premier destination for luxury dining in Phoenix:

• Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion: Named in honor of Geordie Hormel, this restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a menu that blends classic and contemporary American cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meals in elegantly appointed rooms or on terraces overlooking the Phoenix city skyline.
• Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion: Led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher Gross, this restaurant provides an innovative culinary journey with a focus on modern French-inspired dishes. Chef Gross’s accolades and culinary expertise have solidified the restaurant’s reputation as one of Phoenix’s top dining destinations.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a celebratory feast, these restaurants offer the perfect setting to impress your guests.

Premier Phoenix Event and Wedding Venue

As one of the most sought-after Phoenix event venues and Phoenix wedding venues, the Wrigley Mansion offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Its event spaces are versatile and elegant, capable of hosting everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.

The mansion’s elevated location provides stunning panoramic views of the Camelback Mountain, the surrounding Phoenix mountains, and the cityscape below. These breathtaking vistas serve as a picturesque backdrop for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.

Tours and Experiences at the Wrigley Mansion

Visitors can delve into the mansion’s rich history through guided Wrigley Mansion tours. These tours offer an intimate look at the architectural details, the Wrigley family’s legacy, and the preservation efforts undertaken by the Hormels.

Tours can be booked through various platforms, including GetYourGuide, Viator, or directly through the mansion’s official website. Some tours also provide insights into the connection with the Wrigley Mansion on Catalina Island, offering a broader understanding of the Wrigley family’s impact on American history.

Membership and Exclusive Access

For those interested in exclusive access and benefits, the Wrigley Mansion Membership program offers a unique opportunity. Members enjoy priority reservations at the restaurants, special event invitations, and other perks that enhance the overall experience of this historic venue.

Preservation and Renovation Efforts

The Wrigley Mansion’s survival and current splendor are largely due to the dedicated Wrigley Mansion renovations and preservation efforts by Geordie and Jamie Hormel. Recognizing the mansion’s historical and architectural significance, they invested in restoring original features while upgrading facilities to meet modern standards.

Their commitment ensures that the Wrigley Mansion remains a vibrant part of Phoenix’s heritage, accessible and enjoyable for future generations.

A Connection to Catalina Island

The Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix shares a deep connection with the Wrigley Mansion on Catalina Island. William Wrigley Jr.’s investment in Catalina Island extended beyond his tile factory; he played a significant role in developing the island’s infrastructure and tourism industry.

The use of Catalina Island tiles in the Phoenix mansion symbolizes this connection and reflects Wrigley’s passion for high-quality craftsmanship and design.

Accommodations Near the Wrigley Mansion

If you’re planning a visit to the Wrigley Mansion and looking for a place to stay, there are several exceptional hotels and resorts nearby that offer comfort and luxury:

1. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” this historic resort offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a full-service spa. It’s located just minutes from the Wrigley Mansion.
   Book your stay at the Arizona Biltmore on Booking.com
2. Royal Palms Resort and Spa: This boutique resort blends intimate surroundings with modern amenities, featuring lush gardens, a spa, and gourmet dining options.
   Reserve a room at the Royal Palms Resort via Booking.com
3. The Camby, Autograph Collection: A stylish hotel offering contemporary rooms, a rooftop pool, and an upscale dining experience, conveniently located in the Biltmore area.
   Check availability at The Camby on Booking.com
4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore: Offering spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and an evening reception, this hotel provides excellent value and comfort.
   Book your suite at Embassy Suites on Booking.com
5. Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: Nestled at the foot of Camelback Mountain, this resort offers a luxurious getaway with beautiful views, fine dining, and a world-class spa.
   Experience luxury at Omni Scottsdale Resort through Booking.com

These accommodations provide easy access to the Wrigley Mansion and other local attractions, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay in Phoenix.

Find more details on TripAdvisor.

Conclusion

The Wrigley Mansion Phoenix AZ is more than just a historic building; it’s a living testament to a bygone era of elegance, luxury, and innovation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, a foodie seeking the best in fine dining in Phoenix, or someone looking for the perfect event venue, the Wrigley Mansion offers an unparalleled experience.

As one of the premier historic landmarks in Phoenix and a top Phoenix tourist attraction, the mansion continues to impress guests from all walks of life, blending the past with the present in a truly unique setting.

Q: Who owns the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix?

A: The Wrigley Mansion is owned by the late Geordie Hormel and his wife, Jamie Hormel. They purchased the property in 1992 to prevent its demolition and have since been instrumental in its restoration and preservation.

Q: Where is the Wrigley Mansion located?

A: The Wrigley Mansion is located at 2501 East Telewa Trail, Phoenix, Arizona (AZ).

Q: Which restaurants are at the Wrigley Mansion?

A: The mansion houses two acclaimed restaurants:

• Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion
• Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion

Both offer exceptional dining experiences and are considered top destinations for luxury dining in Phoenix.

Q: How can I book a tour of the Wrigley Mansion?

A: Tours can be booked through online platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator, or directly via the Wrigley Mansion’s official website. An extensive tour that includes the mansion is available here on Viator.

Q: Is the Wrigley Mansion connected to the one on Catalina Island?

A: Yes, there is a historical connection between the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix and the Wrigley Mansion on Catalina Island in California. Both were owned by William Wrigley Jr., and the Phoenix mansion features tiles imported from the Wrigley family’s tile factory on Catalina Island.

Q: What architectural styles are featured in the Wrigley Mansion?

A: The mansion is a blend of Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean Revival, California Monterey, and Spanish architectural styles. It was designed by architect Earl Heitschmidt.

Q: Can I host an event at the Wrigley Mansion?

A: Yes, the Wrigley Mansion is a premier venue for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Its elegant spaces and stunning views make it one of the top Phoenix event venues.

Q: Are the restaurants open to the public?

A: Yes, both Geordie’s and Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion are open to the public. Reservations are recommended due to their popularity.

Q: Does the mansion offer views of notable landmarks?

A: The Wrigley Mansion offers panoramic views of Camelback Mountain, the Phoenix mountains, and the Phoenix city skyline.

Q: What unique features does the mansion have?

A: Unique features include:

• Extensive tile work from Catalina Island tiles
• Individual fireplaces in each room
• A permanently housed player piano
• Architectural design by Earl Heitschmidt

Q: Who is Chef Christopher Gross?

A: Chef Christopher Gross is a James Beard Award-winning chef who leads Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion. He is renowned for his modern French-inspired cuisine and culinary innovation.

Q: What is the Wrigley Mansion Membership?

A: The Wrigley Mansion Membership program offers exclusive benefits such as priority restaurant reservations, special event invitations, and more. It provides members with an enhanced experience of the mansion’s offerings.

Q: How has the Wrigley Mansion been preserved over the years?

A: The mansion has undergone extensive renovations and preservation efforts by Geordie and Jamie Hormel since 1992. These efforts have restored the mansion’s historical features while updating it with modern amenities.

Q: Is the Wrigley Mansion considered a historic landmark?

A: Yes, the Wrigley Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as one of the significant historic landmarks in Phoenix.

A: You can book a tour on Get your Guide, Viator, and other online platforms. You can find an extensive tour that includes Wigley Mansion here on Viator.