HAYDEN FLOUR MILL

For the past 133 years the Hayden Flour Mill has been an integral part of Tempe History. At one time the Hayden Flour Mill complex spanned 30 acres on the north and west slopes of the Tempe Butte. The main buildings, the concrete Mill and the 150' grain elevator and its seven silos, each 117' tall, have been dominant architectural features that introduce downtown Tempe. Hayden Flour Mill redevelopment is a multiple phase mixed use infill development combining open plazas with street level retail, restaurants and office space. Phase one includes 14,824 SF retails space; 7,705 SF restaurant space; and 28,960 SF office space.

The Tempe/Hayden Canal is the most historic identified element of the Mill Complex. Its origins start in 1873 when the existing Kirkland-McKinney Ditch (might have been called the 'Hayden Branch of the Tempe Canal) was widened from 8' to 12' in preparation of supplying the Hayden Flour Mill. This canal later became called several different names: the Hayden Canal, the Hayden Ditch, the Hayden Branch of the Tempe Canal, or the Tempe Canal. In 1874, the canal was completed through the Mill area and began its service. It's not known exactly when the canal started its hydro power to the Mill, a 1890 Sanborn does not show a branch extending under the Mill. A 1893 Sanborn Map shows the canal dividing into two at the location of the Mill. One branch continued under the Mill and supplied a waterwheel that provided power to the Mill. The other branch went around the east side of the Mill. The two branches joined back into one just north of the Mill. The canal appears to have continued to be used in this fashion until 1924 when the water power that operated the Mill was replaced by Salt River Project provided electric power. A 1927 Sanborn Map shows the branch that used to power the waterwheel apparently filled in. The canal does run under the 'Sack Stage' on the east side of the 1918 Mill. The canals were abandoned in 1956.

The life blood of the old mill is this canal. Design of the new development will consider this a major feature. Images of this project will develop as the project moves forward.. stay tuned.. This project is in association with MSR architects.