Plan to restore Phoenix-area landmark Hayden Flour Mill takes next step

Restoration of the historic Hayden Flour Mill in Tempe is moving forward after city leaders approved development plans.

Baum Development got the go-ahead last week on a 99-year lease to build shops, restaurants, a hotel and an amphitheater in and around the downtown mill.

The proposal was chosen in December 2014 out of four submitted to the city. The Chicago-based developer plans to turn the 12-story grain mills on the site into a hotel and the four-story administrative offices into a retail and dining area.

In addition to the restoration of the existing buildings, a 4,000-foot public amphitheater and three buildings for retail, dining, ticketing and concessions are to be constructed on the site.

Although the restoration will breathe new life into the long unused flour mill, the city and the development company both intend to keep the historic integrity of the mill intact.

According to the Phoenix Business Journal, Baum Development has experience with redeveloping historic properties and Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell told KJZZ that the company will be required to pay to get the property on both local and National Historic Registers.

“The developer does agree not to substantially obstruct the view of the flour mill or public streets,” Mitchell said to KJZZ. “We’re actually protecting Tempe’s most iconic structure.”