Last Updated on August 27, 2023 by Kim Labriola
Merritt Starkweather, FAIA was a well-known, prolific Tucson architect from the 1920s to the 1970s. He designed area schools, (Carrillo, Drachman, Bonillas to name a few) resorts, and homes. Many of his homes can be seen in the El Encanto Estates neighborhood.
Merritt Starkweather also designed the well-known, historic Arizona Inn located at 2200 E. Elm Street. The Arizona Inn was commissioned by Isabella Greenway (Arizona’s first congresswoman) and was built in 1930. The inn was designed to feature the beautiful outdoor courtyards, both large and small in scale. The Inn is located within the Blenman-Elm neighborhood and neighboring Catalina Vista neighborhood. It has become a Tucson institution for visitors and locals alike.
Tucson Citizen asked Merritt Starkweather: “What is you favorite sport or recreation?”
– Tucson Citizen newspaper, 4/23/1922
Starkweather replied, “Yachting, although Arizona is a peculiar place to choose this.”
This is part of a series about well-known Tucson architects. Next week will feature Josias Joesler, arguably the most well-known and most celebrated Tucson architect.
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