Back in July, our office-mates at Scoop Factory broke the news on big changes coming to one of the Valley’s most iconic dining space. Now those details have finally been, um, finalized. Read today’s Scoop to get all the delicious deets, including how a Valley billionaire’s widow hired her boyfriend’s ex-wife to run the joint. Until then, whet your appetite with a backgrounder on this landmark estate overlooking the Arizona Biltmore Resort.

It’s pretty hard to get lost in the shuffle when you’re a soaring 24 room, 17,000 square-foot mansion overlooking one of the Valley’s ritziest neighborhoods. However, that’s exactly the fate that’s befallen the Wrigley Mansion Club.

Perched atop a rocky outcrop in the heart of Phoenix’s Biltmore area, this Spanish Colonial stunner was built in 1931 by chewing gum tycoon, William Wrigley Jr., and served as the family’s ‘winter cottage’ until his wife’s death in 1958. More recently, the mansion served as a private function space for the adjacent Arizona Biltmore Resort, until another famous heir, Spam scion, Geordie Hormel purchased the home in 1992 and restored it to its former glory. However, despite adding the sleek Geordie’s Lounge, and featuring stunning 360-degree views out of its multiple dining spaces, the Wrigley is mostly forgotten by a younger generation of Valley residents. Instead, it serves as a wedding and private event venue, or a somewhat-musty dining spot for Valentine’s Day and other special occasions .

However, we hear that the powers-that-be at this iconic landmark are contemplating a comeback. Revitalizing the main dining room with a food-forward menu, and promoting the already sexy lounge as a see and be seen hotspot. It’s even listed on Foursquare. And while we sure hope it works, we’ll be a little sad about having to share this gorgeous gem that we’ve practically had to ourselves for the past decade.

2501 E. Telawa Trail, 602-955-4079 (As a private club, all guests must purchase a one-year $10 membership)

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