Don Carson sits in the dining room of Don & Charlie’s, surrounded by walls peppered with sports memorabilia he has collected over the years. 

Employees roll in ahead of their shifts, getting ready to open the restaurant for another new day. Carson greets each of them, dishwashers and managers alike, by name.

Carson has owned the iconic Chicago-style steakhouse since 1981. Across from him sits Tyler Kent, the developer who plans to build a hotel around the 30-year old restaurant.

The new boutique hotel also will be called Don & Charlie’s and will rise six stories up to 75 feet.

Scottsdale residents have been wary of an influx in new development, worried about the new direction of the city and the height of new buildings blocking the views of the surrounding mountains.

But Carson and Kent say they’re very much a team, committed to honoring the history of Scottsdale while building something new.

The new Don & Charlie’s

Carson’s family has owned the property since 1959. But now, at age 74, he says it’s time to slow down and spend more time with his family.

“It’s not feasible for me to come in at 10 a.m. and stay until 8 or 9 p.m.,” Carson said. “I want to see my grandkids and I want to see my daughters.”

The Scottsdale City Council unanimously voted to rezone the land last week, allowing for a boutique hotel with approximately 181 rooms.

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The new hotel will feature an updated version of the restaurant, which will be approximately half the size of the current space, according to Carson.

Kent’s development firm, Op West Development. has offices in Phoenix and Tucson and participated in developing the Camelback Collective in Phoenix. The land is currently owned by DVDE Partners.

He says that the restaurant has become a part of the fabric of the community and that the new hotel will continue that tradition.

“There’s a tremendous amount of history here,” Kent said. “Don and I are both very proud that the vision for the project is that it’s going to become a larger gathering place.”

What the project includes

The hotel is seeking approval for three feet of bonus building height, a move that requires developers to offer some type of public benefit for the city in return. 

As a result, the developer will pay $192,025 for a realignment of N. 75th Street, to align with the section on the north side of Camelback Road, as well as a contribution of $74,088 to a trust fund that makes cultural improvements in downtown Scottsdale.

Kent says that the unique location on Camelback Road and the hotel’s design elements will set it apart from other Scottsdale developments.

“Creating the soul of the hotel is really where the magic is, just like Don’s restaurant,” “We do intend to honor the history of the property in the hotel.”

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The hotel will feature an interpretation of the Sonoran Desert architectural design that is consistent with the Scottsdale Sensitive Design Principles, according to planning documents filed with the city. The design principles lay out how development in Scottsdale should interact with the surrounding environment and incorporate sustainable building practices.

Kent said there was originally a mixed response from the community after the announcement of the hotel, but that’s to be expected.

An open house was held in March to gauge residents’ reactions. Several residents of the nearby Envy condominiums expressed concerns about the potential for blocked views, according to city documents. One attendee who lives nearby inquired about the potential for noise.

“I think with any change there’s trepidation, it’s hard for anyone to wrap their brain around,” Kent said. “We’re improving upon what was already here. Hopefully, people can stay open-minded and give it a chance.”

The future of Don

When Don & Charlie’s opened, there was nothing on the walls. Now, the hundreds of pieces of sports memorabilia will find a new home.

Carson says the memorabilia will be passed on to the new Don & Charlie’s location.

“There’s stories behind everything we have,” said Carson, citing the numerous sports officials who have come in to dine at the restaurant over the years. “It’s a restaurant that’s unique and has its own identity.”

Don & Charlie’s will maintain its regular operations at least through next spring, according to Carson. The hotel has tentative plans to break ground summer of 2019, Kent said.

Carson, who remains a regular presence at the restaurant that welcomes his guests personally, says he will still be a part of the new incarnation of the restaurant.

“I still enjoy hospitality, that’s what I do,” Carson said. “I’m available for anything anyone wants to ask me.”

Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @lolonghi.

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