By David (Cowboy Dave) Segall

Written by David (Cowboy Dave) Segall

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Many concerns still plague the proposed Prescott Plaza Hotel, currently under consideration for construction in downtown Prescott, in the heart of Whiskey Row. On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Historic Preservation Committee once again voted to recommend to the Prescott City Council that the hotel be denied as submitted, as it had done in 2023.

There are still many issues and concerns, not just from the preservation committee, but also from residents. Some of these concerns are the design shape and size of hotel awnings, the design shape and size of room balconies and doors, as well as some of the fit and finish materials to be used, in addition to the concerns for front entry doors and window setbacks as expressed by the preservation committee and residents. 

However, the biggest issue and concern is found in the Historical Preservation Guidelines, which indicate a 1, 2, or 3-story building and a height not to exceed 48 ft. The current design is for a four, (4) story building. The sheer number of stories for this hotel makes this project incompatible with the downtown historic district and certainly out of place for our landmark Whiskey Row. After nearly four years of numerous requests for compliance from the preservation committee and the city council, the builder/owner still refuses to comply. Instead, he has decided to lawyer up.  

Other than the builder’s lack of compliance with the Historic Preservation Guidelines, there are numerous different issues that need to be addressed by the City of Prescott. 

It’s not just about the proposed hotel!  

This project affects not just Prescott residents; it also impacts everyone who lives, works, or visits Prescott and our Tri-City area. Here is a list of concerns, to the best of my knowledge, which remain unknown or unresolved. 

Parking for the hotel staff, guests, and those visiting the hotel, not to mention those coming to Prescott to shop, dine, and visit our downtown Courthouse Plaza. Prescott already has a significant lack of parking.

Traffic congestion during demolition and construction.  

Construction time frame: Potentially years. Just the Interior remodel for the Az National Bank took well over a year and there were NO structural changes.  

Site Demolition and debris removal time frame: 

Mitigation and protection regarding structural integrity to adjacent and nearby structures during demolition and construction: 

Economic impact due to loss of foot traffic for retail stores, bars, and restaurants: 

Economic impact, revenue Loss/Gain to all other existing Prescott City hotels (12 existing hotels, 10 of which are brand-name hotels, within the Prescott City limits).  

Economic impact of the potential loss of tourism because of all the above.                                                      

On August 5, 2025, the Prescott City Council will meet again to review the recent recommendation from the Historic Preservation Committee to deny this project. This is similar to the city council’s decision on March 26, 2024, when it agreed with the Preservation Committee and voted to deny the project. 

The real question is: How will city council members vote this time? 

Let’s take a trip down memory lane.  

In June of 2023, all candidates running for Prescott City Council and the Mayor position were sent the exact same survey and asked to respond. Read what they said below in response to the survey. Then listen to what they say now. Hotel portion starts at 1:39:00

Question # 1 of that survey was: 

1. Do you agree or disagree that one of the many responsibilities of the City Council is protecting the Heritage, and the general feel of that which has made the City of Prescott, referred to as “Everyone’s Hometown? How will you work to continue to protect and ensure future development and growth does not detract from our historical and cultural appeal?

       Response from Connie Cantelme:

• “I have spoken for years on the value of our historic downtown area and wondered why it had been allowed to deteriorate. The reason I became involved with the city and the boards and committees was to influence and educate people as to the value we have surrounding our history. Tourists come here to see our history, we must protect it.”

Perhaps Ms. Cantelme is no longer willing to fight to Protect Prescott and may simply be willing to give in to an attorney’s threat. I wonder where our nation would be if those brave and strong men and women who valiantly fought for our country’s independence, had given in to King George.  

         Response from Ted Gambogi: 

• “Heritage. Agree. The phrase “Everybody’s Hometown” suggests we are neighborly and friendly, but we’re not living up to our own mission. When it comes to issues you ask about throughout this survey we act like the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s driving a stake in the ground before we understand all the facts. My campaign theme is “Come Together Prescott,” which means let’s find where we can agree and see if our areas of disagreement can be overcome for the greater good of Prescott.”

More recently Mr. Gambogi says he doesn’t know what it means to “Keep Prescott, PRESCOTT”: how sad! Apparently, Mr. Gambogi no longer wants all the facts, nor does he seem interested in the greater good of Prescott. Perhaps Council member Gambogi is better suited for Phoenix. 

              Response from Lois Fruhwirth:

• “I fully agree. Our history, values, cultural appeal and quality of life attracted many of us to now call Prescott home. Protecting property owners’ development rights while shaping prudent future development code and water policies is a key responsibility of the council to ensure a vibrant future. The renewal of our city’s Historic Preservation Masterplan over the next 2 years by council will be central to preserving our “Hometown” look & feel.”

No, I do not agree with Ms. Fruhwirth, on the July 8th 2025 meeting when she said more information is required.  Why is she so willing to continue this matter? It was denied back on 3/26/2024 with a unanimous vote 7-0 by the City Council and was deemed final by SEC.9.18/ Appeal of Council or Board of Adjustment Decision. There appears to be no record of the applicant having filed an Appeal to the city council (regarding their decision on 3/26/2024) with a court of competent jurisdiction.   (Hotel meeting portion starts at 2:05:20).

             Response from Mayor Phil Goode: 

• “I agree. My website philgoode4mayor.com shows my detailed plans for managing growth within Prescott, to retain our historical and cultural appeal.” 

It appears that Mayor Goode is the only one to remain consistent and strong on preserving our historic Prescott. Thank you, Mayor Goode.

Please listen to the many public remarks from the community at large who overwhelmingly do not want this project on Whiskey Row. Many important issues were raised. 

Whether you are in favor of change or not: Change without a clear and concise vision and consideration of all contingencies usually is a recipe for disaster. 

If you have concerns regarding this hotel project, please sign this on-line petition. 

https://form.jotform.com/251947473906165 .

Sourced from PRICKLY PEAR