By City of Tempe
The City of Tempe and Tempe Sister Cities are working together to build housing, a boutique hotel, and a new event space in downtown Tempe – all while ensuring the historic Hackett House is protected and maintained.
The historic 1888 Hackett House at Fourth Street and Mill Avenue is one of Tempe’s iconic buildings. It’s been the home to Tempe Sister Cities for decades. However, the organization needs more space and a more modern commercial kitchen for its activities. Recognizing an opportunity, the City of Tempe and Tempe Sister Cities came together to craft a plan to maintain the historic Hackett House, create the space it needs and provide amenities for the community. This is a win-win for both the City of Tempe and Tempe Sister Cities.
Tempe Sister Cities offers exchange programs to Tempe’s 11 sister cities for students, teachers and professionals. The group has sent hundreds of people to build cultural bridges around the world. The organization also hosts cultural dinners, high teas, cooking demonstrations and other events. Tempe Sister Cities is also well known for hosting the annual Oktoberfest celebration held in October, which helps fund their exchange programs.
The City of Tempe owns the Hackett House and the .34 acres that serve as parking and tented event space. Setting aside and protecting the house, the City is issuing a Request for Proposals to find creative ideas to transform the remaining property into residential units and an amenitized hotel. This includes the ability for Tempe Sister Cities to use office space and have access to a 3.5KSF event space and a new commercial kitchen.
The project is zoned for mixed-use / 65 dwelling units per acre. The City is encouraging developers to include some units that would be affordable for those with low and moderate incomes or workforce housing for future hotel staff.
The RFP is for a long-term ground lease, not a sale of the property. Hackett House must remain intact as part of any agreement, and the RFP suggests that the first floor of any proposed development should tie in the historic look and feel of the Hackett House.
“Developments that include historic buildings can be challenging, but they can also be unique, inspiring and visually appealing,” said Tempe Historic Preservation Officer Zachary Lechner. “The work that was done to restore Hayden House as part of the 100 Mill development is evidence of that, as are the plans for the Hayden Flour Mill.”
This RFP is being sent out nationally in hopes of finding the best project partner. Those interested should apply at https://tempe-gov.bonfirehub.com before Aug. 20.