Tempe moves to preserve, redevelop Hayden Flour Mill
Feb 13, 2022, 7:00 AM
The iconic Hayden Flour Mill and silos is a key link between Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake.
PHOENIX — After more than two decades closed, officials are moving to preserve and redevelop Tempe’s Hayden Flour Mill.
The city on Thursday entered into negotiations with construction and redevelopment companies Venue Projects and Sunbelt Holdings to keep the 5-acre flour mill property a landmark, officials said in a press release.
Once a draft of the development agreement has been created, it will head back to the City Council for approval. No timeline has been set for when the draft will make its way at the future public meeting.
The proposed plan includes uses oriented toward specialty retail food and beverage, arts, and hospitality.
There will be several opportunities for local residents, businesses, the Four Southern Tribes and historic organizations to give input, according to the release.
“Development that values the history of the Hayden Flour Mill, the cultural significance of Hayden Butte Preserve and the well-being of our residents can truly benefit our whole city,” Mayor Corey Woods said in the release.
The property is adjacent to the preserve, commonly known as “A” mountain, which is culturally significant for the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Tohono O’odham Nation.
“The intersection of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway is a key gateway to our downtown. A future flour mill development could bring high quality jobs, great new restaurants and businesses,” Economic Development Director Donna Kennedy said in the release.
The project could be completed in phases over the next few years if the City Council approves the agreement.
The CEO of Sunbelt Holdings said both companies “are committed to honoring the legacy and culture of the community and creating a sense of place that will honor its heritage.”
