The Hayden Flour Millhas been a landmark on Tempe’s Mill Avenue for nearly a century. But it stopped grinding grain for flour in 1998 and has sat empty since.
Now, the Tempe City Council has approved a plan to redevelop it while protecting its historic value.
Last week, the city council unanimously approved a 99-year lease with Chicago-based company, Baum Development, to transform the mill into a mixed-use space with shops, restaurants, a hotel and an entertainment venue.
But, according to Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, the deal also requires the developer to preserve the mill’s historic character.
“The developer does agree not to substantially obstruct the view of the flour mill or public streets,” Mitchell said. “We’re actually protecting Tempe’s most iconic structure.”
Mitchell also said, as part of the deal, Baum will be required to pay to try to get the property listed on the Tempe and the National Historic Registers.
