Relax in the lovely grounds at Arizona Inn in Tucson

Merritt Starkweather – Tucson Architect

Last Updated on May 8, 2024 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.

Arizona Inn in Tucson features lovely grounds
Arizona Inn in Tucson features lovely grounds

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.

Play a game or 2 of Croquet at Arizona Inn, Tucson
Play a game or 2 of Croquet at Arizona Inn, Tucson

Tucson Citizen asked Merritt Starkweather: “What is you favorite sport or recreation?”
Starkweather replied, “Yachting, although Arizona is a peculiar place to choose this.”

– Tucson Citizen newspaper, 4/23/1922

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.

Arizona Inn, Tucson - take in the desert surroundings
Arizona Inn, Tucson – take in the desert surroundings

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