(Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 18, 2025) – The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has opened a new addiction recovery facility for its “Journey to Recovery” program. DLR Group’s design infuses the idea of communal gathering while integrating principles related to the cultural values and history of the Pima-Maricopa.

The facility and site amenities intend to provide a welcoming, “home-like” environment where community members can receive treatment with privacy and dignity. Building and site elements are designed to operate in harmony with nature and provide opportunities for communal activities and private reflection. The building blends in with the surrounding environment as the natural material used to construct it draws inspiration from the local landscape.

The project encompasses 48,000 SF of new construction. This includes a 48-bed, 18,200-SF residential unit, and a combined 4,900-SF space for a resident common area, a commercial kitchen, an intake and detox area, as well as a 6,800-SF outpatient building. In addition to the indoor spaces, a fire pit and sunken basketball court provide outdoor classrooms during warm weather.

To reduce the feeling of large-scale institutional structures, DLR Group designed a pavilion-like structure with a central courtyard, fostering openness, privacy, and protection. The buildings follow an east-west orientation, using forms that are harmonious with the land and strategically placed openings to respond to the arid climate. Shading structures and native landscaping help create transitional microclimates that enhance comfort and usability throughout the site. Taller volumes highlight communal spaces and invite interaction, while lower, more intimate areas support focused activity and personal retreat.