Hotel Unveils Ambitious Plan to Add 23 Chic Shipping Container Casitas

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a conceptual review on October 1 for a significant renovation and rebranding plan of the Best Western Arroyo Roble in Uptown. The project aims to introduce a new restaurant, an upgraded pool area, and 23 unique casita-type units constructed from shipping containers, located on a vacant parcel behind the existing hotel tower and the Sedona Arts Center’s Art Barn.

Planning Manager Cari Meyer described the regulations governing the vacant land, highlighting that it permits a maximum of 23 lodging units. The current hotel, on the other hand, is allowed to maintain 61 units. “We did not see anything that raised a red flag,” Meyer stated about the staff’s preliminary assessment, noting the absence of significant concerns regarding the design and any issues that could prevent the proposal from moving forward.

According to Meyer, the expansion plan proposes significantly more parking than the minimum requirement, aiming to accommodate continuing parking needs for the Art Barn. While 117 spaces are mandated for the proposed number of rooms, the plan includes 146 spaces.

Randy McGrane, a partner at Ensemble Investments, expressed satisfaction with the current plan. “I’ve had a lot of crazy ideas for this site, but what you’re seeing today is, I think, appropriate,” he remarked. He emphasized that the design has developed through community input, refining initial proposals that included more extensive public amenities.

Architect Michael Marcoux from March Design Group detailed that each casita unit would be constructed using two repurposed shipping containers, ensuring a harmonious fit with the landscape. “Each of those casitas is going to be fully solar-powered,” Marcoux added, while also addressing the challenges of fully off-grid systems for sewage and water management typically involved in such projects.

McGrane clarified that the shipping containers will be constructed in Phoenix and installed on-site in about a month, with plans to keep the hotel operational throughout construction. Addressing concerns about zoning laws for shipping containers, Meyer explained that all development must comply with building codes, which the proposed project intends to meet.

Vice Chairwoman Charlotte Hosseini expressed excitement over the use of shipping containers in the project. Additionally, McGrane mentioned features like graywater recovery systems for the container units, and highlighted their method of securing the units to the ground, allowing water to flow beneath them. The cost for each casita in an off-grid configuration stands at approximately $184,000.

The proposed renovation will also include an arts plaza for events coordinated with the Sedona Arts Center, a complete overhaul of the existing hotel tower, the relocation of the pool, and an event deck for stargazing featuring telescopes. Plans indicate that permeable pavement will be used for new parking areas.

McGrane noted the presence of a dying Jordan apple tree on-site, which has sprouted new shoots. “We will still have original Jordan apple trees here,” McGrane stated, despite the main tree’s deterioration.

Concerns over employee housing were discussed, with McGrane suggesting that rather than building many units, they would contribute a significant amount to the city’s housing fund, although details were not disclosed.

Commissioner Sarah Wiehl inquired about a designated area marked as a bridge landing. Meyer informed her of prior discussions about a bridge connecting to Wayside Chapel, with space left for potential future construction. McGrane emphasized the importance of this pedestrian feature, stating, “You’re creating this pedestrian loop … I think that’s a really important feature the city should consider.”

Chairwoman Kathy Levin expressed her desire to ensure that the Sedona Arts Center’s needs were being met. Julie Richard, Executive Director of the SAC, shared her enthusiasm for the proposed expansion despite the omission of an amphitheater concept in earlier plans. McGrane confirmed the intention to rebrand the hotel as “Hotel Sedona,” branding it uniquely for the Uptown area.