Eisendrath House: A Pueblo Revival Gem in Tempe

Nestled in the rolling desert landscape near Papago Park in Tempe, Arizona, the Eisendrath House offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and environmental consciousness. This beautiful Pueblo Revival adobe house, built in 1930, was once the winter residence of Rose Eisendrath, a wealthy Chicago widow. After being denied entry to a local resort due to her Jewish heritage, Eisendrath purchased 44 acres and created her own desert retreat, a welcoming space for all. She named her Sonoran retreat Lomaki which in the Hopi language translates to “beautiful home.” The house was designed by architect Robert T. Evans, who used mud adobe blocks sourced from the nearby Salt River. The 5,250 square foot structure is the largest and best-preserved example of Pueblo Revival architecture in Tempe. After passing through several owners, the City of Tempe acquired the house in the early 2000s and restored it as the Eisendrath Center for Water Conservation.Visitors can explore the house and grounds through guided tours and open house events. The tours delve into the history of the house, its architect, and its occupants, as well as its connection to tourism and the environment. The house also features educational interpretive displays on water conservation and sustainable living. The site includes a Water Education Facility that hosts classes and meetings. The Eisendrath House is next door to the Sandra Day O'Connor house, which was moved to the Tempe campus from Paradise Valley in 2009.Note that the historic nature of Eisendrath House may affect accessibility for some people with mobility considerations.