Plans are now underway for the upgrading of a nearly century-old structure in downtown Phoenix that is regarded as one of the most historic buildings in the city.
Located at 234 N. Central Avenue, the Security Building is seen as a splendid example of Second Renaissance Revival architecture and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places just over four decades ago.
Built at a cost of $750,000 for the Security Improvement Company, the nine-story building for decades served as the home to any number of insurance and real estate offices, as well as law firms.
At the time of its official opening in the summer of 1928, the Arizona Republic hailed its “dome-like lobby” and copper tower, contending that the structure “represents the new era of building ingenuity.”
A ninth-floor penthouse was added to the structure in 1958, while various aspects of the building were renovated in the 1980s and 90s.
Now plans have been announced by the company CivicGroup and the Kansas City based- Sunflower Development Group to substantially renovate the entirety of the structure, with the goal of building a 255-room hotel.
The CivicGroup’s owner, Chris DeRose, has told the Phoenix Business Journal that his goal is to do “everything possible to save this crown jewel of historic Phoenix.”
The renovation plans for the structure, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, include building out some 15,000 square feet of meeting space, and adding both restaurant and bar space.
It is thought that it will cost upwards of $135 million to renovate and upgrade the property, with work expected to begin sometime early next year.
September 21, 2026
By Garry Boulard
Vintage postcard of Security Building
