ARIZONA NEWS

Outdated motel near downtown Chandler transformed, set to debut in May

Apr 22, 2022, 4:35 AM | Updated: 5:44 am

PHOENIX — A motel in Chandler that has been around for more than half a century received a much-needed renovation and is getting set to open its doors once again with a fresh look.

The Aloha at 445 N. Arizona Ave. has been reimagined into a 26-room boutique motel that looks to be a place to stay for people who want to explore downtown Chandler and the surrounding area, the city said in a press release on Wednesday.

An opening ceremony will take place May 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., concluding a renovation project that began in 2019.

“We are excited to see The Aloha reopen and give visitors to our community a unique place to stay,” Mayor Kevin Hartke said in the release.

“This is a great example of thoughtful redevelopment, preserving the best aspects of a classic Chandler property while giving it new life.”

Local design-build company J-Squared Construction was hired by investors John Hylton and Bill Simmonds to redevelop the hotel that was constructed in 1950 and sported a traditional u-shaped motor court with rooms surrounding a swimming pool, the city said.

“We knew that redeveloping The Aloha would be a challenge, but we saw potential,” Hylton said in the release.

“It had a funky Hawaiian vibe that we wanted to keep, while creating an option for travelers looking for something more than a typical desert motel. We envisioned a fun boutique destination, convenient to all the amenities that downtown Chandler has to offer.”

Design firm Goodlooks preserved the hotel’s mid-century charm but updated it with a multi-colored façade and a new mural based on the double meaning of the word aloha, the city said.

Visitors inside the room will be greeted with a retro beach vibe featuring vintage Hawaiian photos from local collector Douglas Abrahamson, the city said, along with local artist Randy Slack’s photography of his VW bus “Myrtle.”

Aardvark Partners was picked to manage operations of the renovated hotel.

For more information on The Aloha, click here.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)...

SuElen Rivera

Arizona Gov. Hobbs vetoes bill that sought to ban photo radar on state roads

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican bill last week that sought to ban the use of photo enforcement systems on Valley roads.

21 hours ago

A new Census report says Pinal County added 6,347 new housing units from 2021 to 2022, a 3.5% growt...

Jasmine Kabiri/Cronkite News

Room to boom: Pinal County housing grew at fastest rate in state

It’s unclear which came first in Pinal County, the houses or the people filling them. What is clear is that both continue growing at some of the fastest rates in the state and, in some instances, the nation.

21 hours ago

...

Brandon Gray

Glendale police looking for vehicle involved in fatal crash

Glendale police are looking for a vehicle involved in a crash that left one teen dead and three others injured Thursday at 53rd and Grand avenues. 

21 hours ago

File photo of construction on a home with downtown Phoenix, Arizona, in the background. Phoenix has...

Associated Press

Phoenix becomes largest US city to successfully challenge 2020 census numbers

Phoenix has become the largest U.S. city to successfully challenge its population count from the 2020 census.

21 hours ago

Arizona State Route 87 was closed northeast of metro Phoenix on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, because of a...

KTAR.com

Brush fire closes portion of State Route 87 northeast of metro Phoenix

State Route 87 was closed northeast of metro Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon because of a brush fire, authorities said.

21 hours ago

Tazbah Spruhan of Window Rock, Arizona, reacts after misspelling "Groenendael" during a preliminary...

KTAR.com

2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee starts with 3 Arizona students

Three Arizona middle school students, including one from the Valley, qualified to compete in this week's Scripps National Spelling Bee.

21 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

How to identify the symptoms of 3 common anxiety disorders

Living with an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause significant stress for those who suffer from the condition.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Outdated motel near downtown Chandler transformed, set to debut in May