Robert Flaxman, president of Crown Realty & Development Corp., says he's searched for two years to fit the right management company for Montelucia before deciding upon Schulze, who was the driving force behind the Ritz-Carlton brand. Schulze, who launched his Atlanta-based West Paces Hotel Group in 2002, will be training and managing a service staff of 300 full-time hotel and residential employees for Montelucia, according to Flaxman. A grand opening is planned for fall 2006.

Situated on 28 acres with Camelback Mountain in the background, Montelucia will take the place of the existing La Posada resort. It is designed to cater to the luxury-class traveler, high-end groups and elite social functions. Montelucia will include 157 high-end hotel rooms, signature restaurant with indoor and al fresco seating, 30,000-sf spa, grand ballroom, meeting space, boutique shopping and a wedding chapel with outdoor garden.

The Montelucia also will offer ownership opportunities for 34 Andalusian-style villas, averaging 4,500 sf; 24 cabana casitas, averaging 1,700 sf; and 66 resort-style suites. Swenson Realty Group of Phoenix is handling residential sales.