Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Withey Morris Baugh has completed the conversion of a former restaurant along Highland Avenue into a new office in Phoenix’s Biltmore area, reusing much of the site’s original structure while adapting the space for legal and client services.
The Arizona-based land use and zoning law firm relocated into the former Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill building through an adaptive reuse project focused on retaining existing architectural elements while creating modern workspaces and amenities, according to a press release.
The renovation transformed the property into meeting areas, collaborative work zones and employee spaces while maintaining identifying features from the building’s prior use. Firm leaders said the approach reduced redevelopment costs and timelines compared with new construction.
The office incorporates custom furnishings and design elements intended to reflect the firm’s connection to the region. Notable features include a 20-foot-tall mural depicting the Phoenix metropolitan area, painted by local artist Jane Goat, along with a private speakeasy-style gathering space and a small putting green.
Rather than pursuing a full demolition and rebuild, the firm opted for a targeted conversion that preserved defining elements of the original structure, including the bar. The project demonstrates how existing improvements can be repurposed to meet current office needs while keeping a sense of place.
“This building already had a story. We just got to write the next chapter. That’s the kind of work we love — honoring what came before, solving for what’s needed now and leaving the place better for what comes next,” Jason Morris, founding partner of Withey Morris Baugh, said.
Adam Baugh, partner at Withey Morris Baugh, said the project reflects the firm’s approach to complex land use challenges.
“Our practice is grounded in finding creative solutions within complex situations. This office reflects that philosophy. It’s a case study in what can be achieved through coordinated land use planning and execution. By letting the past be visible we show how law, clever planning and design can work together in real projects,” Mr. Baugh said.
The office is located next to the WaterView campus and reflects a growing trend toward adaptive reuse in infill areas, particularly for commercial properties with existing infrastructure.
Interior spaces integrate salvaged materials with contemporary finishes and technology-equipped meeting rooms. Firm leaders said the design illustrates how regulatory and physical constraints can be addressed through strategic entitlement planning.
Project partners included Plus Minus Studios, Mancini Duffy, Civitas Studios and V&P Nurseries.
