Phoenix College Interior Design Students' Work Captivates Wrigley Mansion Club Executives

What do Geordie Hormel and students from the Phoenix College Interior Design Program have in common? When it comes to selecting the décor for one of the most prominent city landmarks, five Phoenix College students have a great deal in common with this prominent Phoenix icon.

Whether selecting a striking Oriental rug for the Formal Dining Room or locating two glamorous "snail chairs" at an antique store for the Bride's Changing Room, the Phoenix College Interior Design Internship Program and The Wrigley Mansion Club have given a select group of students an opportunity of a life-time.

The Wrigley Mansion Club has attracted the interest of professional design firms across the country; however, it was the creative mindset, imagination and unique talent of five students from Phoenix College who managed to capture the hearts of Wrigley Mansion executives.

Phoenix College Interior Design Program Director, Ken Roberts was responsible for bringing this partnership together. Knowing the true talent of his students, he competed against other colleges and universities when pitching his idea and program to Wrigley executives. Due to his efforts, this relationship and internship exists today.

After a lengthy review process, The Wrigley Mansion Club selected the Phoenix College Interior Design Program to provide its expertise in interior historic restoration and design.

"The Wrigley Mansion Club owners and management decided to offer the internship opportunity to Phoenix College because they felt the students would best be able to research the Mansion's history and design the restoration while maintaining the unique 1930’s style," said Celeste Nichols, Director of Operations at The Wrigley Mansion Club.

What began as an experimental collaboration between the two entities, is now an ongoing project, currently in Phase II of The Wrigley Mansion Club renovation project. Students Marsha Cain, Sandy Astemborski and Michele Harp were responsible for pioneering Phase I of the project.

The impressive results have been deeply satisfying to both the Club and the students.

"Their overall dedication to this project and design work has literally blown us away," added Nichols. "These students have gone above and beyond what was expected of them. They have far exceeded our expectations and we have nothing but compliments for them."

Phoenix College Interior Design adjunct faculty, Cynthia Parker has advised the students since the beginning of Phase I of the internship. As an interior designer and historic preservationist herself, her guidance and instruction helped give students the confidence needed to succeed with this project.

"I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Cynthia for her expert guidance and unfailing support," said Phase I and Phase II intern Marsha Cain. "She has shared some of her vast stores of knowledge of historical details and provided reasons why an item would or would not work in the setting of the Wrigley. She manages in a way that is both informing and encouraging."

As the internship continues to progress, the goal remains the same.

"Because The Wrigley Mansion Club is a prominent Phoenix landmark, the goal established for interior renovation is to maintain the atmosphere of comfortable elegance established by the Wrigleys, who desired surroundings appropriate for entertaining wealthy friends and dignitaries who came to visit," said Parker. "While the charming ambience of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in this former ‘winter cottage’ will be maintained, new functional requirements must also be met as it is now a busy restaurant and club serving the needs of business meetings and social events. Color and design selections will be tailored to convey surroundings for guests that are warm, inviting and luxuriously comfortable."

As goals continue to be achieved and as proposals are implemented, the student interns become more attached to their project.

"As a Phoenix native, this project is extremely important to me," said Phase II intern Christine Cox. "Having the opportunity to work on the Wrigley has been an honor for me and will remain with me forever."

"The Wrigley Mansion has become a part of our hearts," said Phase II intern Cheryl Holden. "It’s been an honor to take part in the preservation of Arizona’s pride. It’s now become our pride."

For more information on the Phoenix College Interior Design Program, please contact Ken Roberts at (602) 285-7289.