Westward Ho: Reinventing Classic Appeal

The Westward Ho is a historical landmark of Phoenix. Once an architectural experimental design redefining luxury accommodations in the 1920s, the Westward Ho attracted former Hollywood icons and political leaders for several decades until it closed its doors in the early 1970s. Now categorized as a low income subsidized living residence, many diverse yet high-risk groups of people currently call the establishment "home." While considered home to most, a Needs and Assets Assessment survey conducted by Arizona State University students and professionals exposed that the residents feel disconnected from each other as well as from the external greater Phoenix community. From the survey, it was discovered that 50% of interviewees have been clinically diagnosed with a mental illness and 50% have less than two friendly contacts outside the Westward Ho. Their health and social needs are not being met by the current conditions and operations of the Westward Ho. Results like these as well as other in-depth research of the city of Phoenix including demographics and local business feedback provided a supportive framework for the development of the recommendations. Two recommendations were proposed using a business model framework in order to describe a rationale for generating value to the consumers. One recommendation suggested renovating the Westward Ho in order to become a boutique hotel, which would attract consumers locally and nationally. While an opportunity to attract new interests to the city of Phoenix, it would be a great investment that could be adversely unfavorable to the residents considering their physical and mental vulnerabilities. Another recommendation is to use a currently unused but visually ornate room (Kachina Lounge) in the Westward Ho to start a community center. No other space in Phoenix competes with its historical charm and uniqueness. After conducting a cost/benefit analysis, the community center creates, delivers and captures the most value with less risk. The residents have the ability to build an internal community by working together to handle low skill operations of the community center, and the Phoenix community has the opportunity to breach the once unfamiliar doors of the Westward Ho. With community and city council support, the Westward Ho could become a center for social change while awaking cultural awareness.