Westward Ho, the "Grand Dame" of Phoenix, Still Reigns
Article submitted by Westward Ho. For more information or to apply for housing at the Westward Ho, call the leasing agent at 602-258-6221 x 11.
In her heydays, the Westward Ho was considered the "Grand Dame" of Phoenix. She was strictly first class, with a soaring lobby, gold-leaf accents and plush furnishings. Even her name evoked feelings of action and energy, and she majestically towered over the city.
Today, all it takes is a glimpse of the Westward Ho's silhouette on the Phoenix skyline to create a flood of memories in the minds of life-long Phoenicians. While she no longer is a stopover for visiting movie stars or a place where the rich and famous come to party in the sun, and there are many buildings that tower over her, she is still the "Grand Dame" and the pride of Phoenix. She is home to individuals who are rich in memories, rich in knowledge and rich in friendships. Mayor Phil Gordon describes Westward Ho as, "...a sanctuary for its residents, a place of beauty and safety in the middle of the city. Where they are a short distance from the amenities of the library, live theater, museums, downtown parks and the statehouse."
The original 450 rooms where celebrities such as Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers, Myrna Loy, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy slept have been converted into 289 studio and one-bedroom units. Each unit has individual air conditioning, kitchen and bathroom.
Located at 618 North Central, in downtown Phoenix, Westward Ho provides H.U.D. subsidized - Section 8 housing specifically designed for the elderly and the non-elderly who meet HUD's definition of handicapped. The monthly rent for an apartment is equal to 30% of total monthly-adjusted gross income of all family members residing in the unit. Utilities excluding phone and cable TV are included in the rent.
Westward Ho amenities include a luxurious patio area and swimming pool, which was often used by Esther Williams, laundry facilities, and lounge area. The resident's organization maintains a reading library, video lending library, and a computer lab. Transportation is readily available through the City bus system, Dial-a-ride and soon to be Valley Metro light rail.