Chandler Heights Service

The Chandler Heights Citrus Lodge was a collection of colorful summer houses with a decidedly Egyptian pattern, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. There were a dozen structures, including a residence for the tract manager, W. R. Klink: half a dozen sleeping quarters for guests, two office buildings, a large recreation hall, a dining hall, and a culinary building.

The establishment aimed to provide for all walks of life. Frank Lloyd Wright designed tents for the laborers who worked at the orchard to live in. These tents ended up being the only structures Wright ever built in Chandler.

Chandler citrus grove owners at Chandler Heights organized a non-profit corporation called Chandler Heights Service in 1937. The object of the organization was to obtain efficient grove service at the least possible cost. Well-known Arizona representatives of business and professional life participated in this group; they held an interest in growing Navel and Valencia oranges and grapefruits right at the lodge.

The citrus tract at the foot of the mountain was a favorable spot for growing these fruits. The quality of the soil, year-round sunshine, and Chandler Heights' location was under the warmest district for irrigation in the valley. It was five thousand acres of land stretching over seven miles along the Hunt highway, perfect for growing fruit. The citrus grove had close to a million seedlings, or “sour stock,” ready to begin harvesting just before Christmas of 1931.

Unfortunately, due to the Great Depression, the price of citrus greatly dropped and the business never became profitable. This forced the farmers to produce fruit in order to satisfy the banks and keep their land.