PHOENIX, Arizona, July 21, 2003 -- The "Jewel of the Desert" will reach a significant milestone in 2004, its 75th anniversary, that will be celebrated with a variety of events and activities throughout the year.  In order to make the year-long celebration more special, The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa has issued a "Call for Memories" � to both locate memorabilia that can be put on display and uncover intriguing anecdotes that can be recounted.

A landmark since opening in 1929, The Arizona Biltmore was the state's first resort and launched Arizona's now all-important tourism industry. Conceived in grand scope and style, with a design inspired by America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, from the beginning to this day it has been a haven for the rich and famous. It remains one of the world's most recognized resorts, known for its distinctive architecture, luxurious facilities and storied history.

With this background, the Arizona Biltmore believes there are people around the country, particularly many past guests, with vintage photos taken at the resort, logoed items and hotel memorabilia from the early years, unique stories of something that happened or a star they met at the resort, and more � which can be woven into the 75th anniversary celebration. 

A special email address has been set up for the Call for Memories: [email protected].   Or write to:  75th Anniversary Committee, The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

The Arizona Biltmore was built by wealthy Chicagoans Charles and Warren McArthur, who appointed their elder brother Albert, a former student of Wright's, the architect of record albeit with the assistance of Wright as the consulting architect. The spirit of the dramatic Wright style, favoring indigenous materials and influences, is imbedded throughout the design of the hotel, notably in the "Biltmore Block" construction. 

Made from desert sand on-site in 34 different geometric patterns, they were a variation on a block Wright used to construct private homes.  In 1929, chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. became the resort's owner, and over the next 43 years under the Wrigley family aegis it became world renowned as a preferred luxury oasis for celebrities, heads of state, captains of industry and other famous travelers. 

Today, The Arizona Biltmore is owned and operated by KSL Resorts, based in La Quinta, California. Other KSL Resorts properties include The Claremont Resort & Spa, Berkeley, Calif.; Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Florida;  Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, Maui,  Hawaii;  Lake Lanier Islands Resort, near Atlanta, Ga.; La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST, Palm Springs, Calif.;  and La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, Calif.

The Four-Star Arizona Biltmore is nestled on 39 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and majestic Squaw Peak. Facilities include 738 guest accommodations;  eight swimming pools;  seven tennis courts;  full-service spa, salon, and fitness center;  two 18-hole PGA golf courses, and an 18-hole putting course.