Crews Demolish Historic Coronado Hotel in Phoenix

Work crews razed the long-standing downtown structure to clear the site for future housing development.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Construction

Crews Demolish Historic Coronado Hotel in Phoenix

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Demolition workers razed the historic Coronado Hotel and the site of the original Matt's Big Breakfast in downtown Phoenix. The project clears the way for the construction of new housing units at the location.

Why it matters

The site holds significant local history, having served as the Lamb Hotel in 1929 before becoming the Coronado Hotel in 1932. Removing the aging structures marks a transition toward new urban residential development in the city core.

The property footprint features an 800-square-foot building that replaced original structures in 1964. Workers utilized two large excavators to complete the demolition process.

The players

True North Studio

True North Studio is a local real estate development firm that submitted the application to demolish the property.

The details

Crews used two large excavators to tear down the building, while utilizing a long hose to spray water on the debris to control dust from the wood and brick. The site, which previously housed low-income long-term residents, was prepared for demolition following an application from True North Studio.

The building was constructed during the late 1920s.
The site became known as the Lamb Hotel in 1929.
The property was officially renamed the Coronado Hotel in 1932.
A redevelopment project replaced the original structure in 1964.
Demolition of the hotel and the original Matt's Big Breakfast location occurred on October 19, 2026.

Market Landscape

The project represents a shift toward modern residential intensification in downtown corridors. This development follows a pattern of urban infill similar to the ongoing redevelopment of the Roosevelt Row arts district.

Residents and those commuting through downtown Phoenix should note that the demolition site is now clear for incoming construction activity. The project signifies a change in land use that will impact the availability of housing units in the downtown area.

The takeaway

The demolition ends the use of a site that has been a part of downtown history since the 1920s. Residents can expect further updates as plans for the new housing units move toward the construction phase.