We have completed the Hero Kitchen! It is a bittersweet feeling having this special project come to an end.
We would like to give a shout out to ALL frontline heroes who are working during this pandemic and say, “Thank you”. Thank you for your strength and expertise as we navigate this new way of life.
A huge thanks to everyone who played a part in this remodel. None of this would have been possible without your partnership.
● To Showplace for donating cabinetry.
● To Conway Tile for fabricating and installing the countertop.
● To Arizona Tile for providing the quartz countertop material.
● To Benjamin Plumbing Supply for providing the plumbing, Silgranite sink and stainless-steel fixtures.
● To Arizona Wholesale for providing a full hi-end appliance suite.
● To Meeks Maintenance and Construction for appliance installation, demolition, and remodel work.
● To Desert West Cleaning Specialist for donating their time and efforts in cleaning and repairing the Saltillo tile.
● To our great install team for all the attention to detail.
Finally, to Banner Health University for providing us with this opportunity to make this a reality.
This is one of the biggest transformations Southwest Kitchen has ever done, proving that no matter the space, we can achieve your dream kitchen.
This journey began with Southwest Kitchen wanting to give back to a frontline worker. We reached out to Banner Health University and created the Hero Kitchen Giveaway Contest. To enter, we asked that videos be submitted telling us why they believed their kitchen was in need of a makeover. We received over 100 videos from heroes, their friends, and their family members.
We wanted to help them all, but sadly we could only choose one. Matthew Choate, a nurse working in the COVID-19 unit has a story that truly stood out to us. The immense sacrifices he’s
made for his family and for those he cares for in his profession exemplify what a hero means. He does all of this, while never asking for anything in return. In fact, he didn’t even ask for this kitchen. His roommates, Krystal and Daniel, nominated him in secret! These qualities, along with his genuine kindness and compassion, made him our winner.
After our Hero was selected, we held an exciting media blitz in our showroom to kick off this project. Matt then continued on to his first appointment with our designers. The main goal was to open up and brighten the home to create a modern yet functional plan that will allow for our Hero to cook and entertain for friends and family in the days coming when we are all
allowed to do this again!
The demolition and remodel work were all done by Stuart Meeks and his team in this 1960s home. This included moving doorways and electrical, installing a new double pane window, removing faux brick, cutting through masonry walls, installing new drywall, relocating the refrigerator, installing the sleek and contemporary sink and faucet kindly donated by Benjamin
Plumbing Supply. Details such as installing storage accessories, new lighting, fresh paint, and adding so much wonderful countertop space, made possible by the donation of time and material from Conway Tile and Arizona Tile, all helped to optimize functionality and organization.
Our team had decided early on that we wanted to add a little extra flare to this kitchen in the finishing touches. So, we created a message center on the side of the refrigerator panel with chalkboard paint and installing a galvanized metal sheet above it; a fun way to keep track of schedules and grocery lists! Plant shelves were added along the sides of the brand-new
window installed over the sink, to have fresh herbs easily accessible when cooking. These details helped brighten up the finished space, truly making this kitchen a gem!
New Saltillo tile was placed where the footprint of the kitchen had expanded. The new stainless steel, state of the art Samsung appliances, generously provided by Arizona Wholesale, were installed. Desert West Cleaning Specialists came in to make all the tile look new after cleaning and resealing the existing Saltillo flooring.
Keep an eye out for the May issue of Tucson Lifestyle. They’ll be featuring our Hero’s remodel journey with a professional photo shoot and media blitz!
Matthew Choate and his tribe were an absolute delight to work with and we are so very grateful for the experience. Southwest Kitchen set out on a mission to give back during this pandemic the best way we knew how; to help a very deserving member of our community bring a dream kitchen to life. Mission accomplished- just in time to celebrate all the progress that has been made with controlling the virus that devastated so many lives.
Tucson’s local businesses have stepped up in more ways than we ever could have imagined. Our deepest gratitude to everyone involved. We couldn’t have asked for better partners during this transformation of a dark and dated kitchen in need of some love, into a bright and modern space.
Thank you!!
Mel Elkins