In 1931, William Wrigley Jr. built a $1.2 million mansion as a 50th anniversary gift for his wife; it has now sold for $17 million to the Arizona Biltmore’s owner

0Built as a $1.2 million anniversary gift in 1931, Wrigley Mansion has a fascinating history and just sold for $17 million.William Wrigley Jr., the chewing-gum tycoon, gave his wife, Ada Elizabeth Foote, a lavish $1.2 million mansion for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Nearly a century later, the historic estate has made headlines once again after selling for $17 million to the owner of the Arizona Biltmore.

Earlier this month, the Arizona landmark was acquired by a joint venture involving Henderson Park, an international private equity real estate firm and several investment and hospitality partners.

The sale brings two of Arizona’s most iconic estates under shared ownership.

Wrigley helped establish the Arizona Biltmore before building the nearby mansion, creating a connection between the two properties that dates back to the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Now, the two historic properties are connected once again under the same ownership group, which acquired Wrigley Mansion from Jamie Hormel.

“There are very few opportunities in hospitality to bring two landmarks together that have been connected to one another from the very beginning,” Michael Hoffmann, vice president and managing director of Arizona Biltmore, said in a statement, as cited by AZ Central.

Moreover, Hoffmann expressed the company’s excitement about offering new services, experiences and activities to guests.

“Wrigley Mansion and Arizona Biltmore share a remarkable history, but what excites us most is the opportunity to create a new chapter for both — one that honors what makes each property special while introducing new experiences for guests today.”

Located on E. Telawa Trail in Phoenix, Arizona, Wrigley Mansion sits atop a small hill that rises about 100 feet above the surrounding area, overlooking the Arizona Biltmore.

The chewing gum magnate built the property in 1931 as a testament to his love and devotion to his wife.

The 16,000-square-foot mansion features 24 rooms, 12 bathrooms and visible elements of Spanish, California and Mediterranean architectural styles.

The Wrigley estate was meticulously designed, with some of its tiles reportedly shipped from the family’s tile factory on Catalina Island and carried up the hill by a donkey, according to historical accounts.

Unfortunately, William Wrigley Jr. died of a heart attack at the age of 66 at his Phoenix home in 1932, just a year after the mansion was completed. The Wrigley family eventually sold the property in 1973, and it changed hands several times over the following decades.

With its distinct design, Wrigley Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and was later recognized as a Phoenix Point of Pride.

Related: Linda Evangelista paid $1.4 million in 2001 for a Chelsea penthouse with a 2,500-square-foot roof terrace; 25 years later she sold it for $6.75 million

This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.