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.
Donors and Sponsors
Catherine Kauffman
Chair of the Paradise Valley Historical Advisory Committee
Chris Winters
Chris Winters & Associates Landscape Architecture
Christine Labelle
Compass Real Estate
Colleen Steinberg
Chair, Paradise Valley Arts Board
Doug Jorden
Jorden Law Firm, P.C.
Erik B. Peterson AIA
PHX Architecture
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
To make a tax-deductable donation, please scan the QR code.
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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.