Local opinion: The legacy of the Arizona Inn carries on

In 1987, I stepped into the law office of Larry Hecker; my dad had scored me an interview for a job. Since I was 18 and had no skills of any value in a law firm, Mr. Hecker referred me to a contact at the Arizona Inn, who found an employment slot for me at the appropriate department — as a rookie busboy in the main dining room. While this was not my father’s hope for my future, Mr. Hecker’s redirection of my services inadvertently led me to two loves of my life: the fine dining world, and a few years later, my wife.

We worked in the dining room with people who would become best friends, groomsmen and bridesmaids. Since the Inn is open 365 days a year, the staff suffered through/celebrated all holidays together. Multiple staff romances led to marriage. We grieved the loss of co-workers and learned that illness and tragedy don’t always honor youth.

The Arizona Inn holds a special place in my heart. I had a private concert when I was assigned to serve Linda Ronstadt on the patio one evening as she sang to her baby. I was the lone bartender in the lounge when a family surprised their patriarch with a family reunion/surprise 90th birthday party, and as one, yelled “SURPRISE!” when he was rolled into the room. The surprise was too much, but as my fellow waiter later said, “Well, at least they were all here for the funeral.”

The Arizona Inn has been a fixture in Tucson for 97 years. When Isabella Greenway founded the Arizona Inn, people thought the idea was mad. (Her story is fascinating; you can read about her life — Isabella Greenway: an Enterprising Woman). The history and legacy of the Inn are testament to her grit and vision. Her descendants maintained that legacy with grace and commitment, as the Inn remained a family-run and -owned premier resort hotel and an oasis in the heart of Tucson.

Guests over the past century have relished the immaculately crafted gardens, the beautiful pool, the gorgeous main bar, the epic dining rooms and the breathtaking library. Graduations, family reunions, marriage proposals and weddings, holidays and the legendary Silver and Turquoise Ball all found homes at this iconic treasure.

So, the Old Pueblo felt no small degree of trepidation when the word came out earlier this year: The Arizona Inn was for sale. What if someone demolished the property to rebuild? Or almost worse: kept it intact but turned it ... corporate?

Rest assured, the Inn has landed in good hands. Last night, my family and I attended the Inn’s first annual tree lighting celebration. About 650 people showed up to stroll the grounds, mingle, enjoy complimentary sandwiches, cookies and hot cocoa — accompanied by professional carolers, and of course, Santa Claus.

We spoke with some of the new owners and management. Apparently, when Mrs. Patty Doar, who has been the family member steadfastly running the ship at the Inn since the late 80s, sold the property, it was with the understanding that the nature of the Inn would remain unchanged. “This is not a renovation; it’s a rejuvenation. No jackhammers, no sledgehammers,” a manager told us. The original spirit of the Inn will remain intact. With some new ideas and improvements, of course.

So, fear not, Tucson. The Arizona Inn is very much alive and well and open for business. Take it from someone whose life will be forever connected to the place — consider a revisit. Perhaps a staycation. The piano lounge is always an excellent option for drinks with ambience.

And that library with the Christmas tree is the ideal location to bask in the warmth of a fireplace and slow down during another busy December. Is there anywhere in Tucson better to absorb the holiday season?

Speaking of absorbing, back to the tree lighting. As the ginormous palm tree lit up after a countdown, a flurry of “snow” engulfed the delighted crowd. A girl next to me gathered up a fistful and hurled it at the head of another child. And that’s when I knew Christmas had truly arrived.