Golden Keys Townhomes by Haver, Nunn & Jensen for Dell Trailor, 1964
62nd Street and Pinchot, Scottsdale
There are some who may be skeptical of our claim that Golden Keys is a Haver & Nunn design but all we present are the facts that Dell Trailor and Ralph Haver developed a very good relationship in the 60s centered around "Gold Key Homes" in general and we believe this is where that relationship may have started.
The Golden Keys 1 subdivision is listed in the Haver portfolios under 1964. The neighborhood has similar architectural characteristics as Beekman Place and Sutton Place, both of the same time period and confirmed as Haver designs. It is possible that Golden Keys 1 was Haver's prototype for this style of townhome echoed at Sutton Place. There are two other Golden Keys developments in Mesa and Phoenix. It is probable that James Salter is responsible for the artistic entryway and also the pool house, as Jimmie Nunn reported that Salter designed the entryways and light fixtures for Dell Trailor developments. They are certainly in keeping with Salter's style.
The City of Scottsdale approached Golden Keys to determine if they were interested in a historic preservation overlay, and ever since the issue has been hotly debated. Modern Phoenix presented at a homeowner's association meeting in 2012 to outline the significance of the architecture and importance of preservation, but the invitation by Scottsdale remains unanswered other than that it will take more time to gain support for the nomination.
Modern Phoenix believes that regardless who designed Golden Keys, it is a fine example of affordable condominium living that reflects both the economic and aesthetic times of the early 1960s when condo living was a radical new concept. We urge Golden Keys residents to think beyond immediate concerns and toward the future for the benefit of generations to come. Without historic preservation guidelines, subdivisions like Golden Keys could become riddled with with historically inappropriate additions, materials and problems of scale.
The running bond of Superlite style block in the entryway is reminiscent of a European aqueduct or classical Greek arcades. The lighting and entire entryway was probably designed by James Salter AIA.
Based off our extensive research, there is no known development in Phoenix or Scottsdale that echoes this unique bent steel feature. It very well may be one of a kind. James Salter specialized in designing such iron work.
The pool house at Golden Keys features a "Neo-Neoclassical" colonnade that was favored by Haver's firm in the 1960s in everything from Barrow's Furniture stores to the Ciné Capri theater. In architecture history there is Classicism, Neoclassicism, and what we've started to call Neo-Neoclassicism (for lack of a better term). The 1960s experienced the third major revival of a stripped down and gleaming white echo of classical Greek and Roman forms. One could interpret it as Postmodernism for its historical reference and reinterpretation of classical forms.
Compare the archway and frieze style of Golden Keys above to another Dell Trailor development that Haver & Nunn absolutely designed during the same time period, Sutton Place, pictured below in a Warners furniture ad. The citiation in the citation in the portfolio, the coincidence of Salter's lighting style, the Dell Trailor connection and the similarity in Sutton Place below all have convinced me that this is the work of Haver's firm. Should anyone find evidence otherwise, do not hesitate to contact me.
