Futuristic Fixer-Upper: Rare Googie Architecture in Arizona Available for $2.4M

A remarkable specimen of futuristic architecture, built in 1962 in Paradise Valley, AZ, is available for $2,395,000.

Set on an elevated, scenic, .81-acre lot within the Phoenix Mountain Reserve, the home was designed in 1959 by architect George Hall.

The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath dwelling is an example of space-age, Googie architecture, which first emerged in Southern California.

“There was a coffee shop in Los Angeles, designed by John Lautner, called Googie,” explains Jordan Cohen, who is representing the listing with North&Co. “That’s where the term came from. It was the most futuristic version of midcentury modern architecture.”

But there’s a catch to owning the home. Turnkey, it is not.

The 2,516-square-foot property is being sold as is and needs a total makeover.

However, included with the sale are permits and plans for a renovation that will expand the home to 4,853 square feet. These were created by architect W. Brent Armstrong, with ISOS Architecture.

Much like futuristic architecture itself, the project will take some vision. But the result could be a real showstopper.

“Whoever takes this on, they [will] really want to do it right,” Cohen says. “It could be in a magazine.”

Ready to renovate

The seller, who is an architect and the third person to own the home, snapped up the place in 2022 for $1,868,000.

“Her intention was to complete this project and live in it, but she ended up completing another project and moving into that,” says Cohen. “She’s pretty sad about giving up on this one.”

Features include a carport with a slightly vaulted roof, and—above the house—a cantilevered roof; walls of windows; a floor-to-ceiling, stacked-stone fireplace; and an octagonal living room.

“The condition is currently a shell of a house,” Cohen says. “It’s completely demoed on the inside, down to the studs. When my buyer took over, she basically started from scratch. She engaged with a new architect: His bread and butter are midcentury historic and eclectic properties. He seems like a very fitting choice to bring this property back to life.”

So, just how much would it cost to fix up the place?

“My seller’s intention was to spend $1.2 million to $1.5 million,” Cohen notes. “We’ve been talking [to potential buyers about it taking] $1.5 to $2 million to complete.”

He describes the home’s Clearwater Hills neighborhood as Arizona’s “version of the Hollywood Hills” and calls the area one of the most prestigious in Paradise Valley.

“It also has such dynamic architecture throughout the neighborhood,” Cohen says. “I would be super happy to see someone buy this and utilize the plans that are in place, instead of demoing it.”

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