When renovating a historic compound, construction becomes an adventure and teamwork is king. Such was the case with El Chorro Lodge, a Paradise Valley landmark since the 1930s. Today's El Chorro Lodge boasts an expanded exterior dining patio, outdoor lounge spaces, a renovated event pavilion and an indoor/outdoor bar that protects the open feel of the restaurant while growing its breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. Proudly LEED Gold certified, El Chorro also employs solar power, solar water heating, high-efficiency lighting and eco-friendly construction materials that together offset more than half of its total energy use. It also earned a Valley Partnership Environmental Excellence Award and was recognized as a Southwest Contractor Magazine and Building of America Best of 2010.