Doing The Lord’s Work In Paradise Valley

A former Mayor rightfully called Paradise Valley, Arizona “the best small town in America.”  Its lifestyle.  Its resorts.  Its low density.  Its architectural diversity.  It all contributes to that appropriate observation.

But there are two other reasons.  History and places of worship.  The former is more understood.  The town was the home of American giants like Goldwater, O’Connor and Rehnquist. It has also done an admirable job of recognizing its mid-century homes and other landmarks in the town like Cosanti that enrich its quilt.  The latter is celebrated less but any drive through Paradise Valley, especially down Lincoln, shows a diversity of churches and synagogues rivaling if not exceeding the spiritual promenade of North Central Phoenix.

Both of these tailor the tapestry of Paradise Valley and both have now converged into an opportunity that is civic activism at its very best.

When the Ascension Lutheran Church along Mockingbird, designed in 1963 by a Taliesin West architect, announced it was closing its doors and selling the property for residential development, historic preservation advocates recognized what a loss this unique building would be, especially the spire sitting atop it.

They quickly rolled into action coming up with a compelling plan and process to allow this piece of Paradise Valley history to be preserved.

All good so far, and one would think an idea to relocate it to the town’s civic campus, would be by acclimation.

Sadly, curiously, bizarrely it has not been.

Some of it has to do with a small contingent on the Paradise Valley Town Council opposing something just because others like it.  “Scottsdalian” one might call it, though dissension in Paradise Valley hasn’t received nearly the noise as their neighbor to the east despite its reality.  That’s unfortunate, especially since the minority in this case appears to be taking cues from a disgruntled former councilmember who infamously stole a crucifix from a memorial site in Town, like something out of an Omen movie.

Let’s quickly examine the two primary concerns.

The Spire is just too tall at 100 feet.  Really?  Remember it sat atop an approximately 3 story church for decades.  That was OK but preserving it now in a recessed spot next to Town Hall is not?  And keep in mind private not public funds will be used to pay for the installment.

Second, and you can’t make this stuff up.  People are going to climb it and that is going to pose a risk for the town one reluctant has opined.  Dude, this is not Jack and the Bean Stalk.  Comps can be instructive here.  There is another “spire” in the area, At Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Road.  A replica of  the street’s namesake design.  It’s been there for years without anyone training for Free Solo or Everest.  But we do acknowledge Elf on the Shelf climbs it annually during the holidays, an amusing tactic by the shopping center that is enjoyed by the community.  So if you oppose the possibility, however remote, of holiday cheer, Camp Grinch has a place for you if Santa, er Spire, is not allowed to come to town.

Finally, allow us this:  Future mayors now serving on the Town Council should know better than to listen to spiritual gangsters.  A blue ribbon panel of preservations has come together to “Save The Spire” because the merits are obvious and in keeping with the Town’s historical ethic . . . let us pray..