Chanen Construction has wrapped up its ambitious renovation of the newly rebranded Mountain Modern Sedona Resort—marking the brand’s expansion from its Jackson Hole roots to the red rock vistas of Arizona. The transformation of the former Sedona Real Inn & Suites began in June 2024, launching a full-scale refresh of eight buildings housing 89 guest rooms, studios and suites.

Taking a phased approach, the Chanen team tackled two buildings at a time while the rest of the property remained open for business. The strategy demanded precise coordination and close collaboration with hotel staff to minimize disruption and maintain a positive guest experience.

Despite the complexity, the project stayed on track, culminating in a successful spring Grand Opening that brought a bold new chapter to the Mountain Modern brand.

The scope of work included new paint, flooring and large millwork pieces throughout the property. A key feature of the renovation is the transformation of the lobby, which includes a new bar and expanded kitchen to service a destination-inspired culinary outlet. The pool area also endured a complete redesign, enhancing the property’s recreational offerings and appeal to adventure-seeking travelers.

One of the project’s most significant challenges was adhering to Sedona’s strict regulations while achieving the desired aesthetic and functional improvements. Dean Howard, VP of Development for Chanen Construction, highlights the company’s approach to these unique requirements. “We worked closely with the city of Sedona to honor dark sky ordinances and color restrictions. This ensured compliance while achieving the project’s aesthetic vision. It’s a delicate balance, but one that showcased our ability to adapt to local needs while delivering a high-quality renovation.”

The dark sky ordinances, in particular, require careful consideration in the lighting design for both interior and exterior spaces. We collaborated with lighting specialists to create ambiance that enhances the guest experience while minimizing light pollution.

Color restrictions presented another unique challenge. Sedona’s regulations aim to preserve the natural beauty of the area by limiting the use of certain colors on building exteriors. Our construction team worked with design experts and local authorities to select a palette that complemented the surrounding landscape while meeting the brand’s aesthetic goals.

Local Economic Impact and Collaboration

Our continued commitment to local economic development shines through in its approach to sourcing contractors and materials. We worked mainly with Arizona-based contractors, with many sourced from the Verde Valley region.

Our notable local partners included Pur Solar & Electrical from Cottonwood, which handled the complex task of updating the property’s electrical systems to meet modern standards and energy efficiency requirements. Tyler Baxter Enterprises, another local firm, managed demolition, framing and drywall work, bringing valuable expertise in working with the area’s unique architectural styles.

Straightline Custom Painting, a subcontractor with historical ties to the original Sedona Real, provided invaluable insight into navigating local color ordinances. Their experience with the property and understanding of local regulations proved crucial in achieving a result that satisfies both aesthetic and regulatory requirements.

Collaborating with local contractors not only supports the regional economy but also brings a wealth of area-specific knowledge to the project. Their familiarity with local regulations and building practices was instrumental in navigating the unique challenges of this renovation.

Design and Functionality for the Modern Traveler

The renovation transformed the property into Mountain Modern Sedona, a brand that caters to adventure-seeking travelers. Each renovated room features a striking 7-by-5-foot mural showcasing different Sedona landscapes, created by photographer Ryan Sheets.

The murals serve as focal points, bringing the beauty of Sedona’s iconic red rocks and sweeping vistas into each guest room. “The design emphasizes functionality for the adventure-seeking traveler, with minimal yet high-quality amenities,” Howard says. “We’re creating spaces that serve as comfortable basecamps for exploring Sedona, with durable materials that can stand up to the needs of active guests.”

The rooms incorporate ample storage for outdoor gear, easy-to-clean surfaces, and versatile spaces that can adapt to different guest needs. The overall design aesthetic blends modern simplicity with touches that reflect Sedona’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Project Timeline and Coordination

We worked diligently to complete this ambitious project by this April, bringing each renovated section up to code while adhering to this tight timeline. This aggressive schedule required careful coordination and efficient project management.

Our team was constantly balancing the need for speed with our commitment to quality and minimal disruption. We worked closely with hotel staff to coordinate access to critical areas, such as the laundry facilities, ensuring the hotel can maintain its operations throughout the renovation process.

The phased approach allowed for continuous refinement of processes as the project progressed. Lessons learned in the early phases inform strategies for subsequent stages, allowing for increased efficiency and problem-solving as the renovation advances.

Overcoming Challenges in an Operational Hotel

Working in an occupied hotel presented unique challenges that our Chanen Construction team addressed through careful planning and execution. Noise and safety protocols played a crucial role in ensuring a positive experience for guests staying in the non-renovated sections of the property.

Work hours were thoughtfully scheduled between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to minimize disruption. We also implemented strict dust control measures and maintained a clear separation between construction zones and guest areas to ensure safety and comfort. Our team also coordinated closely with hotel management to schedule work around peak check-in and check-out times, as well as any special events or high-occupancy periods. This flexibility allowed the hotel to maintain its revenue stream while improvements continued.

A Model for Complex Renovations

The Mountain Modern Sedona project exemplifies Chanen Construction’s expertise in navigating complex renovations in challenging environments. By balancing the needs of an operational hotel with the demands of a major renovation, adhering to unique local regulations, and emphasizing local economic impact, Chanen Construction sets a high standard for similar projects in the hospitality industry.

Mountain Modern Sedona will stand as a testament to Chanen Construction’s ability to transform properties into modern, adventure-focused destinations while respecting and enhancing the unique character of their locations.

Rivers Anderson is the Project Manager for Chanen Construction, a Dick Anderson Construction (DAC) company.