Rediscovering, then revitalizing, the Hayden Mill : AZ IMC

Tempe's iconic Hayden Mill is slated to be transformed and restored by a high-end development company, but with the extensive archaeological work that remains to be done, it might not happen any time soon.

The developer, Avenue Communities LLC, who bought the troubled property from MCW Holdings earlier this year, is waiting on the Hayden Flour Mill Archaeological Project.

Heading the project is Archaeological Consulting Services, Ltd. (ACS), a private firm on contract to the City of Tempe. Archeological fieldwork is planned through November of this year, and the final draft report from ACS is not expected until March of 2008. Any development will likely be delayed until then.

Victoria Vargas, Lead Principal Investigator for ACS on the Project, spoke enthusiastically about the opportunities presented from an archaeological point of view. "There is actually a prehistoric component ... and the historic aspect as well," said Vargas. The original Mill was built on the site of Hohokam canals, which Vargas' team has not dated, but as "just a guess," are probably from around 1000-1100 A.D. The construction of an actual mill on the site dates from the 1860's, and Vargas and her team are investigating the archaeological record up to 1955.

“When I found out this project was out for bid,” Vargas said, “I immediately took it to my boss, and said, 'please, let me work on this'…. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The Project, according to the City of Tempe's website, consists of four components: an archival project, consisting of preliminary research followed by analysis of the fieldwork as it occurs; initial archaeological investigations, to determine what is likely to be found and establish a plan of action; archaeological testing, which will comprise the bulk of the fieldwork; and a historic preservation plan for the site. The historic preservation plan is intended to serve as a model for future historical sites as well as the current one, designed as “a means for measuring progress in protecting the significant historic resources in the project area,” according to the City website.

Vargas also had positive things to say about working with Avenue Communities. "Sometimes we're the hated necessity for developers," said Vargas, referring to her firm's role as part of the legal process for developing some new sites, to ensure that construction will not disturb valuable archaeological records. Not so this time, according to Vargas: "It's very cooperative, and everybody seems to have the same goal."

“They want to really highlight the historical aspects of the site,” said Vargas, “and they're looking to us to give them the cool stuff.”

Chris Messer, Principal Planner / Ombudsman for Special Projects in Tempe, said, “So far it's been a very good working relationship,” between Avenue, ACS, and the city. “It's a great example, and we're all working together.”

He said that there had been a mixed response from the Tempe community about the Mill, with some citizens wanting the historic landmark preserved, and others that viewed it as an eyesore and wanted it torn down. “The city was not behind that,” Messer said, about tearing down the Mill. Asked if the cooperation between developers and city initiatives like this was unique, he replied, “No, it happens. It's refreshing, though.”

Andrea Herman, Marketing Coordinator for Avenue Communities, said that the company was, "... working with the city to develop the plans that would best suit Tempe." Due to the fact that many development plans could hinge on the Project's findings, she was unable to provide further details, but did state that, "Because the Flour Mill is a historic location, we're going to be revitalizing [it]."

Unofficial plans for the future site include Avenue Community's corporate offices, a bakery, and a winery, in addition to unspecified retail and residential spaces.