A Legacy of Design Innovation in Phoenix
For 150 years, Shepley Bulfinch has countered the status quo with forward-thinking buildings and spaces inspired by living, learning, and healing. In this adventure, we explore our impact on some of the iconic and significant buildings that shape the city of Phoenix.
Ready to join the adventure?
Explore the city’s rich design history for yourself.
Shepley Bulfinch, Phoenix, AZ. Photo by Nic Lehoux.
Phoenix Financial Center South Rotunda
Originally built in 1964 to house banks, the North and South rotundas and the Phoenix Financial Center’s tower — the whimsical high-rise dubbed the “Punchcard Building” in which banking executives worked — were designed by W. A. Sarmiento. In 2014, Shepley Bulfinch had outgrown its previous office space and jumped at the opportunity to lease the iconic South Rotunda. Before moving in, the firm’s thoughtful renovation emphasized the Rotunda’s distinctive features — from installing dark cork flooring on the surfboard-shaped steps of the grand staircase to re-storing the original walnut paneling on the second floor.
Other noteworthy features in the rotunda include Carrara marble around the gold elevator doors, a curved tunnel wall that connects the rotunda to the tower, the original bank vault, and a soaring domed ceiling still features its original blue stained-glass star.
Shepley Bulfinch, Phoenix, AZ. Photos by Nic Lehoux.
Location Coordinates
Location Question
Which movies has the Phoenix Financial Center appeared in?
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Our firm has deep roots in Phoenix, one of our early historic buildings is located the Valley of the Sun — the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. In 1910, predecessor firm Shepley Rutan and Coolidge designed the original Trinity church campus, with two subsequent additions completed in 1915 and 1920 by successor firm Coolidge and Shattuck to form a cathedral close. The design incorporates elements from the early 20th century, with hard aspects like structural steel beams and concrete floors juxtaposed by softer wood trusses and warm colors. The cathedral’s unique blend of historical, Mission, and modern architectural elements makes it a significant Phoenix landmark.
After a major fire in the cathedral in 2002, we returned to our historic design to restore the original interior, some 80 years later.
Location Coordinates
Location Question
The cathedral houses a four-manual pipe organ. How many pipes are in this organ?
MonOrchid
Completed in 2014, MonOrchid is an interdisciplinary creative hub in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix. Built within a former historic warehouse, MonOrchid’s studios, event area, art gallery, small start-up business pods, and retail spaces co-exist in an open, collaborative, and innovative environment. The building design is intentionally flexible to adapt to different entrepreneurs’ and artists’ needs while providing space for larger community gatherings.
The project involved close collaboration with the City of Phoenix Development Services and Adaptive Reuse Program and has been cited as one of the important factors in the redevelopment of not only the nationally recognized Roosevelt Row Arts district but also downtown Phoenix itself.
MonOrchid in Phoenix, AZ.
Location Coordinates
Location Question
Who designed the original historic warehouse that Shepley Bulfinch adapted?
The Link at 3rd Street and Pierce
The Link, on 3rd and Pierce, is one of the largest multi-phase urban developments in the history of the City of Phoenix Central Business District. The site is the transition between the core of downtown and the burgeoning Roosevelt Row Arts District that has gained national attention. Designed as a multi-family project targeting demographics between 25-and-55 years old, the concept introduced quality high-rise living to the market.
The Link in Phoenix, AZ.
The ground floor hosts amenities that promote creative business, including an incubation and maker space for start-ups. On the lower levels, the parking garage is wrapped with a metal scrim which dissolves the exterior massing and provides a dynamic composition at the pedestrian scale. With openings to the residential tower at the south and north, tenants are able to experience maximum daylighting while the design minimizes direct sun exposure in the summer months. Finally, the building reaches its apex moment on the 30th floor with a rooftop pool, lounge area, and unparalleled views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains.
Moontower in Phoenix, AZ.
Moontower
Moontower is a 24-story residential tower that overlaps the southern edge of the Roosevelt Row Art District. Completed in late 2023, the infill project stitches the urban fabric together by activating previously vacant land and providing continuity along the pedestrian-level streetscape. Adding local boutiques, cafes, and social art space between the adjacent existing businesses and buildings, the tower melds seamlessly with the already bustling and vibrant arts community.
Urban design strategy links ground floor retail and shaded walkways, considering views of and from each of the surrounding buildings. The residence supports local businesses by incorporating locally commissioned public art and an artist-in-residence program that includes housing and exhibition space, reflecting the influence of the adjacent Arts District.
Ready to join the adventure?
Check your answers by exploring Phoenix’s rich design history for yourself.
Peter Rasmussen, AIA, LFA
Principal
A principal at Shepley Bulfinch, Pete is a leader in our higher education, housing, and community development work.
