Save The Spire
Standing as a beacon in Paradise Valley for 61 years, the 78-foot steel spire that once crowned the Ascension Lutheran Church is being preserved as a symbol of local history, innovation, and architectural legacy. Now removed and in temporary storage, this iconic structure will soon find a permanent home where the public can once again experience its striking design and take in its inspiring presence.
Rendering: PHX Architecture
Preliminary rendering envisioning the restored spire as a future landmark in Paradise Valley.
Rendering: PHX Architecture
The Paradise Valley Spire Preservation Effort
The Taliesin Associated Architects firm was founded by apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright to carry on his architectural vision after his death in 1959 and the spirit of a community that values its architectural heritage. Their iconic design for the Ascension Lutheran Church was originally completed in the early 1960s, and the church’s spire has long been a visual landmark in Paradise Valley.
The church was recently sold and prior to it being demolished, the spire was salvaged and with the assistance of architects, archivists and design professionals, a plan was presented to the Paradise Valley Town Council. On June 24, 2024, the council passed a resolution to accept the spire as a Town artifact.
At the Town Council Meeting on May 14th, the council approved Resolution No. 2026-05, expressing support for citizen efforts to preserve the historic spire of the Ascension Lutheran Church; designating the Town Hall Property as an appropriate location for Installation of the Spire.
In an effort to re-erect the Paradise Valley landmark, a non-profit — Save the Spire, Inc — was formed. Your support helps fund restoration and relocation at a new location that will allow this icon to once again be accessible and meaningful for future generations.
Photo credit: 180 Degrees Design + Build
Team members from The Guild, a 180 Degrees fabrication studio, carefully dissassemble the spire for future reuse.
Be Part of the Legacy
We invite you to join us in raising $750,000 to move the Paradise Valley Spire out of temporary storage and install it permanently among the civic landscape of the Paradise Valley Town Hall campus.
Save The Spire is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and 100% of your tax-deductible donations will be used for building and maintaining the spire monument.
VISIONARY $100,000
Visionary donors will be individually recognized with a substantial pentagonal bronze medallion, specially designed and handcrafted by Cosanti artisans and engraved with the donor's name—a lasting tribute to those whose extraordinary generosity makes the Spire's return possible.
CORNERSTONE $60,000
Cornerstone donors will be individually honored with a distinctive bronze plaque, handcrafted in organic architecture tradition and engraved with the donor's name in recognition of their essential role in bringing the Spire to its new home.
BENEFACTOR $30,000
Benefactor donors will be recognized by name on a shared bronze plaque, permanently commemorating the philanthropy of those who helped ensure that the Spire will endure for generations to come.
EVERY GIFT MATTERS
Not everyone can make a gift at these levels, but everyone can be a part of saving the Spire. Gifts of every size will help bring this timeless expression of art home to its permanent place in Paradise Valley.
DONATE NOW!
Choose your gift by clicking on one of the links below. Credit card processing fees are automatically included.
Save The Spire is a 501(c)(3)
Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Tax ID:33-4196030
Rendering: PHX Architecture
Preliminary rendering envisioning the restored spire as a future landmark in Paradise Valley.
Contact Us
Credit: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Original section drawing of the Church for the Ascension of Paradise Valley, highlighting the dramatic 78-foot spire. The design reflects the geometric rigor and expressive structural language associated with the Taliesin tradition.
Founding Members and Sponsors
Arianna Urban
State Historic Preservation Office
Beth McRae
The McRae Agency
Bill Doughtery
Trends Magazine
Chris Winters
Chris Winters & Associates Landscape Architecture
Christine Labelle
Christine Labelle Real Estate Group
Colleen Steinberg
Chair, Paradise Valley Arts Board
Doug Jorden
Jorden Law Firm, P.C.
Erik B. Peterson AIA
PHX Architecture
Jenny Bryant-Nagel
Jim Palmer
Genesis Structural Engineers
John Anderson AIA
180 Degrees Design + Build
Jordan Rose Walton
Rose Law Group P.C.
Nick Prodanov, PE, PMP
LDG Civil Engineering | Land Surveying
Rod Cullum
Cullum Homes
Scott Jarson
Jarson & Jarson Real Estate