The Arizona Biltmore Resort was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and the influence of the teacher can be seen everywhere within this beautiful place. One of those features is the “Biltmore blocks” the specially designed concrete blocks that make up the buildings of the resort.
I told this story over a year ago, but I’ll repeat it for my newer readers. In the foreground of the above photo and in the photo to the left are two statues called the Biltmore Sprites. They were originally created by Frank Lloyd Wright for Midway Gardens in Chicago which closed in 1929. The building was demolished and pushed into Lake Michigan as a breakwall. It is said that the sprites were rescued by a member of the wrecking crew who held on to them at his farm for many years. They passed through many hands over the years and were eventually donated to the Arizona Biltmore by the Taliesin Associated Architects.
The Arizona Biltmore Resort was designed by Albert Chase McArthur, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and the influence of the teacher can be seen everywhere within this beautiful place. One of those features is the “Biltmore blocks” the specially designed concrete blocks that make up the buildings of the resort.
I told this story over a year ago, but I’ll repeat it for my newer readers. In the foreground of the above photo and in the photo to the left are two statues called the Biltmore Sprites. They were originally created by Frank Lloyd Wright for Midway Gardens in Chicago which closed in 1929. The building was demolished and pushed into Lake Michigan as a breakwall. It is said that the sprites were rescued by a member of the wrecking crew who held on to them at his farm for many years. They passed through many hands over the years and were eventually donated to the Arizona Biltmore by the Taliesin Associated Architects. 
7 comments:
tnx for the info ... nice resort & great statues , so unique.
Sprites are sure a bit odd looking, as if a spike were coming out of the one's head? I wonder if the guy (who saved them) had a wife who nagged; "Harry, when are you going to get those two OUT of our basement?" Great story and thank you for sharing it!
The Biltmore is a classic. They have a display in the lobby about how every President since Herbert Hoover has stayed there, except it has not yet been updated since Obama has been elected, and so far on his first several visits to Phoenix he has stayed at other resorts rather than the Biltmore. He needs to come back and stay at the Biltmore.
such a great story how could anyone let them be destroyed
How interesting! Gosh it just keeps staying sunny and warm there. As we get closer to winter, I visit your blog to enjoy the warm weather. :)
The Sprites just look like they were made to compliment that unique building.
The building is amazing! And so is the story of the statues!
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