40 US Historical Homes That Are Worth the Visit

12.The Wrigley Mansion

Who would have thought chewing gum would enable someone to build a 12,000 square foot house? This idea became the reality of Wrigley chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who had noted architect Earl Heitschmidt build the sprawling home in suburban Phoenix, Arizona. Despite the size, the Wrigley Mansion was one of his smaller homes, believe it or not. They used it for a few weeks each year. The architects constructed it between 1929 and 1931 atop a 100-foot knoll with a view of the greater Phoenix area. You could find its location near the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, which Mr. Wrigley Jr also owned.

They built the 24 room, 12 bath home in a strongly Mission-Spanish Colonial Revival style. It is a lovely fit for the surrounding desert landscape at the cost of $1.2 million. Wrigley’s former residence currently operates as a private club owned by Geordie Hormel. Sadly, to comply with zoning restrictions, the mansion is not open to the public. Do not fret! People can rent it for meetings, weddings, and other events. In 1989, they placed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. They were also designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride. Next up, we’re going to visit the humid heat of Louisiana!