The City of Prescott Preservation Commission voted 3–1 on July 22, 2025 to recommend that the City Council deny a revised design for the Prescott Plaza Hotel (file HP 25-004) on Whiskey Row.

Commissioners said the project’s four-story massing and projected balconies raised questions about whether the design meets local preservation guidelines that emphasize a 1–3 story historic scale for the courthouse plaza district. Kaylee Nunez, the city’s historic preservation specialist, told the commission that “the materials and details meet criteria. Windows and doors largely meet criteria,” but that the design raises issues for the commission to weigh against the district guidance.

The recommendation follows a presentation by Doug Stroh, the project architect, and more than two hours of public comment in which speakers were sharply divided. Stroh defended the revised design as smaller and simpler than earlier versions, saying the building “fits in, but it certainly won't be the focal point of Whiskey Row.” He described a four‑story, 47‑room hotel with an open fourth‑floor terrace; a main parapet height of about 43.5 feet; and an elevator overrun that would reach about 48 feet. Stroh also told the commission the applicant would change the front balconies to Juliet‑style balconies and that the new structure would be fully engineered and sprinklered.

Commissioners and many public commenters focused on three technical points: the number of stories, street‑level configuration, and the proposed balconies. Multiple sections of the preservation master plan cited in the staff report refer repeatedly to a 1–3 story historic range for buildings on the courthouse plaza; commissioners said those references informed their concerns about a four‑story proposal even where the design’s overall height is within the plan’s 48‑foot cap. Commissioner Rob Johnson said he had concerns that approving a four‑story hotel could set a precedent for future projects, and that he would support approval only if key modifications were made.

Public comment reflected a split in the community. Supporters said the hotel would add vitality and tourists to downtown; opponents called the design an eyesore that would overwhelm Whiskey Row’s historic character, raise safety and parking issues, and threaten views of Thumb Butte from the courthouse. Examples of speakers: Mel Rupp urged more ground‑level, pedestrian‑scaled uses and argued the current plan “does not show” the pedestrian experience; Shane Ortega, owner of the Hotel St. Michael, cited Secretary of the Interior guidance and said the project’s massing “presents concerns regarding its massing, which is inappropriate for its location within the historic Whiskey Row.”

The commission framed its recommendation as guidance to the City Council rather than a final action. Planning Manager Alex Bridal outlined the next steps: the Preservation Commission’s recommendation will go to council for a special meeting on Aug. 5; if council approves the project it still must complete a special use permit review and a water service agreement process before building permits and demolition could proceed.

Action taken: the commission moved to recommend denial of HP 25-004; the motion was seconded and carried 3–1. The staff report and the commission’s minutes will be forwarded to City Council for final consideration on Aug. 5. The applicant and several commissioners noted the design can be revised and re‑submitted, and the applicant indicated willingness to change the front balconies to Juliet balconies and to pursue additional refinements.

Prospective next steps for the proposal include Council review (special meeting Aug. 5), Planning and Zoning and city water committee reviews tied to special use permit and water service approvals, and then building‑permit and demolition reviews if the project advances.