The Valley of the Sun offers more than desert vistas and open skies; it’s home to a distinctive architectural heritage shaped by climate, terrain, and local history. Just beyond Peoria, AZ, a wide array of architectural landmarks reflects the region’s evolving design identity. From globally recognized buildings to under-the-radar gems, these spaces provide insight into how Arizona’s built environment has developed over time.
Whether you’re interested in organic architecture, mid-century design, or buildings that balance modern efficiency with environmental sensitivity, there’s something to discover in nearly every direction.
Taliesin West – Scottsdale, AZ
Located just over 30 miles from Peoria, Taliesin West is perhaps the most iconic architectural landmark in Arizona. This complex remains a showcase for his unique design philosophy, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937 as his winter home and architectural school.
Taliesin West was constructed using local desert materials, including rocks and sand from the surrounding area. The low, horizontal lines of the buildings mirror the landscape, and Wright’s use of natural light, open space, and indoor-outdoor integration was far ahead of its time.
The site continues to function as the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and welcomes visitors for guided tours, which provide both architectural context and personal insights into Wright’s daily routines and creative process.
Taliesin West was constructed using local desert materials, including rocks and sand from the surrounding area. The low, horizontal lines of the buildings mirror the landscape, and Wright’s use of natural light, open space, and indoor-outdoor integration was far ahead of its time.
The site continues to function as the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and welcomes visitors for guided tours, which provide both architectural context and personal insights into Wright’s daily routines and creative process.
Arizona State Capitol – Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona State Capitol, located in downtown Phoenix, represents a completely different era of design. Completed in 1901, the building originally served as the territorial capitol before Arizona gained statehood in 1912. The structure blends neoclassical influences with practical elements suited to the desert environment.
The building’s copper dome, sandstone exterior, and column-lined entrance reflect a style rooted in tradition but built with local materials. While newer legislative buildings now handle the state’s official functions, the original capitol remains open to the public as a museum. Its interior features preserved rooms, historical exhibits, and the Arizona State Library, offering a deeper look at how architecture intersects with civic history in the region.
The building’s copper dome, sandstone exterior, and column-lined entrance reflect a style rooted in tradition but built with local materials. While newer legislative buildings now handle the state’s official functions, the original capitol remains open to the public as a museum. Its interior features preserved rooms, historical exhibits, and the Arizona State Library, offering a deeper look at how architecture intersects with civic history in the region.
Burton Barr Central Library – Phoenix, AZ
The Burton Barr Central Library stands out among those interested in modern public architecture. Designed by the architecture firm Will Bruder + Partners, the library opened in 1995 and sits near Margaret T. Hance Park.
The structure features a five-story glass and steel atrium, a central open staircase, and a roof system that maximizes daylight through strategic positioning of skylights and louvers. At the summer solstice, the building's design aligns to create a unique lighting effect, showcasing how structure and sunlight can be deliberately paired. Inside, the library offers wide open reading areas, community meeting rooms, and an art gallery, all housed within a space that feels as forward-thinking as its function.
The structure features a five-story glass and steel atrium, a central open staircase, and a roof system that maximizes daylight through strategic positioning of skylights and louvers. At the summer solstice, the building's design aligns to create a unique lighting effect, showcasing how structure and sunlight can be deliberately paired. Inside, the library offers wide open reading areas, community meeting rooms, and an art gallery, all housed within a space that feels as forward-thinking as its function.
St. Mary's Basilica – Phoenix, AZ
Just blocks from the Capitol, St. Mary’s Basilica presents a striking contrast to the clean lines of modern architecture. Completed in 1914, this Spanish Colonial Revival church is one of the oldest religious buildings in the state.
The basilica’s thick adobe walls, arched windows, and twin bell towers evoke a sense of history, while the stained-glass interior and painted ceilings reflect intricate craftsmanship. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and it continues to serve as an active place of worship. For architecture enthusiasts, the church represents a careful adaptation of European design to the Sonoran Desert setting.
The basilica’s thick adobe walls, arched windows, and twin bell towers evoke a sense of history, while the stained-glass interior and painted ceilings reflect intricate craftsmanship. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and it continues to serve as an active place of worship. For architecture enthusiasts, the church represents a careful adaptation of European design to the Sonoran Desert setting.
Arizona Biltmore Hotel – Phoenix, AZ
About a 40-minute drive from Peoria, the Arizona Biltmore is one of the most historically significant resorts in the region. Built in 1929, the hotel’s design draws inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, though it was officially designed by his former protégé, Albert Chase McArthur.
The hotel’s signature feature is its "Biltmore Blocks," which are concrete blocks patterned with geometric designs and used extensively throughout the structure. Inside, the public spaces and guest areas retain a refined Art Deco influence, and the resort has hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries over its decades of operation.
The Biltmore serves as both a luxury destination and a living exhibit of early 20th-century desert architecture, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in design.
The hotel’s signature feature is its "Biltmore Blocks," which are concrete blocks patterned with geometric designs and used extensively throughout the structure. Inside, the public spaces and guest areas retain a refined Art Deco influence, and the resort has hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries over its decades of operation.
The Biltmore serves as both a luxury destination and a living exhibit of early 20th-century desert architecture, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in design.
ASU Gammage Auditorium – Tempe, AZ
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed posthumously, ASU Gammage is one of the final projects tied to his vision. The auditorium’s round shape, elevated walkways, and dramatic use of curves create an imposing and memorable profile in the heart of Tempe.
Gammage hosts a range of performances, including Broadway tours, concerts, and community events. Beyond its function as an entertainment venue, the structure is considered a significant contribution to Arizona’s architectural identity. Wright adapted earlier designs intended for Baghdad into this space, giving the building an international connection and further demonstrating his adaptability as an architect.
Gammage hosts a range of performances, including Broadway tours, concerts, and community events. Beyond its function as an entertainment venue, the structure is considered a significant contribution to Arizona’s architectural identity. Wright adapted earlier designs intended for Baghdad into this space, giving the building an international connection and further demonstrating his adaptability as an architect.
Real Estate Guidance Rooted in Local Insight
Whether you're drawn to timeless architecture or modern efficiency, finding the right home starts with understanding the landscape around it. John Rowan offers local expertise, up-to-date market knowledge, and a steady hand throughout the buying or selling process. From Peoria neighborhoods influenced by desert-modern design to communities just minutes from iconic landmarks, John helps clients connect their lifestyle goals with the right property. When you’re ready to search for homes for sale in Peoria, AZ, connect with John Rowan.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
