DT Spotlight: Hayden Flour Mill Restoration to Begin Soon
One of the Discovery Triangle’s most recognizable structures will soon begin another chapter of its long history. Work to restore the historic Hayden Flour Mill should start within days, bringing life to an iconic building that’s sat idle since 1997.
Mayor Hugh Hallman announced the project’s start date Thursday in the annual state of the city address, which will be the last Hallman will deliver as he wraps up two terms in office.
Hallman also revealed a major boost to fundraising efforts, with a $200,000 donation toward the $605,000 project. The money is from Wally Zaremba, president of the Zaremba Group, which is completing the West 6th apartment towers in downtown.
The Rio Salado Foundation has raised 2/3 of the project’s cost but will use loan money to start work as the final fundraising wraps up, Hallman said. The city is finalizing permits but is otherwise ready.
The effort involves only minor work to the concrete structure that was built in 1918. The mill will get a fresh coat of white paint and some of the more interesting items from inside will be pushed toward windows so the public can see what used to go on there.
Outside, a grassy area north of the mill will provide a gathering place or venue for small concerts or movie screenings. The work will take several months.
Tempe launched the mini-restoration on the fenced-off mill after more than a decade of private redevelopment plans floundered. Tempe plans to eventually sell the city-owned site with the idea a private developer will fully restore the mill while adding new buildings around it.
Read more from the East Valley Tribune.
DT Spotlight: Tempe’s Open Source Project Draws Creative Types
Following in the footsteps of collaborative workspace champion Gangplank in Chandler (and expanding to other cities) and the creative coworking space CO+HOOTS in Phoenix, Tempe’s Open Source Project is a magnet for creative entrepreneurs – and artists, musicians, and coffee drinkers in the Discovery Triangle.
“We decided to be hands-off when we opened to let the community decide what this place should be,” said Michael Witham, co-founder of the coffee shop/workspace/arts venue/neighborhood hangout. “It’s a coffee shop for the creative class and it’s turned into a hub for a widely diverse group of people to hang, chill and collaborate.”
Since opening in April, the traffic to the shop has increased with the ASU student population. However, Open Source has become a magnet for individuals of any age seeking a shot of diversity and creativity with their coffee.
Along with free WiFi and open work stations, Open Source Project also offers comfortable living-room-away-from-home lounging, outdoor patio seating, a ping pong table, artwork on the walls and evening events for musicians and beat mixers to team and perform live music. While the entrepreneurial set may be working away on laptops, artists are frequently seen working in sketch books or working on new drawings. Art showings with a collaboration of local artists take place on the last Friday of every month.
Musician/painter Ryan Gentry is Witham’s partner in the enterprise, along with part-owner barista extraordinaire Gianni Assam, an ASU global studies student.
“Open Source keeps evolving,” Witham said. “The coffee is the glue that holds everything together.”
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
1415 E University Drive
Tempe, AZ
480-406-3096
On Twitter: @OSPTempe
Tempe Streetcar Model on Display Sunday
Things keep rolling along in the Discovery Triangle. This Sunday, the public is invited to see the next mode of public transportation to hit city streets. Metro, the Valley’s light rail operator, is hosting a public viewing of the ameriTRAM modern streetcar from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Veterans Way/College [...]
Read the full article »Crosscut Canal Path Adds to DT’s Outdoor Amenities
Runners, cyclists and anyone wanting to experience the Sonoran desert without leaving the urban environment have a new option with the opening of the Tempe Crosscut Canal Multiuse Path. Located on the eastern edge of the Discovery Triangle, the one-mile paved path is an extension of the first phase of the Crosscut Canal Multiuse Path, [...]
Read the full article »Tempe Town Lake Attracts Evergreen Development
Tempe Town Lake is a bustling, popular spot for the Discovery Triangle and the Greater Phoenix region. Full of amenities, close to ASU and Mill Avenue, and easily accessed by the light rail and the 202 freeway, it’s a destination for both entertainment-seekers and residents. Soon to add to the mix is Evergreen Development’s proposed [...]
Read the full article »Tempe Mill to Become Events Venue
Sitting in limbo on the north end of Mill Avenue for the past 13 years, the landmark Hayden Flour Mill is getting a new purpose. Announced this week, the historic structure will be hosting public events as early as this fall, bringing more opportunities for people to explore and enjoy the amenities within the Discovery [...]
Read the full article »THINGS TO DO IN THE TRIANGLE – The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Despite fairly warm temperatures throughout the Valley, we can still have a taste of cold-climate fun thanks to CityScape’s Ice Skating in the Park in downtown Phoenix. Located in the shopping center’s Patriot Square, the outdoor rink is open until January 15. The cost for adults and children is $10, and includes unlimited skate time [...]
Read the full article »Did you hear the one about . . .
What does the relocation of an Arizona-grown tech company, the opening of an urban marketplace, a $123 million acquisition and the sale of a prominent 3.2 acre parcel in Tempe have in common? Check out this month’s good news from inside the Triangle! Limelight Networks Moves Headquarters to Tempe Gateway Urban Marketplace Join Bicycle Cellar [...]
Read the full article »Chambers on Board
The Greater Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe Chambers of Commerce have endorsed the Discovery Triangle. It’s a natural relationship — with our shared goals for growth and development of businesses, while enhancing the quality of life within our communities. Business Support Is Vital to Success Shop owners, restaurateurs, manufacturers and other business owners and their employees — their [...]
Read the full article »Scottsdale City Council vote does not affect our plans
This week’s Scottsdale City Council vote will not affect the plans for the Discovery Triangle. We are moving full-speed ahead with Papago Park as the northwest corner. Our priorities for the months ahead include completion of the asset inventory, development of best practices and guiding principles in public policy and each of the nine areas [...]
Read the full article »Stay Connected
In The Triangle
- Tempe Mayor Hallman feels the Force in this promo video for Geeks’ Night Out http://t.co/QQ3l8EbD @MADCAPTheaters @tempearizona
- In The Triangle: Bicycle Co-op Slated for Downtown Phoenix http://t.co/kZylkDYe @BicycleCellar
- In The Triangle: Bicycle Co-op Slated for Downtown Phoenix http://t.co/kZylkDYe
- Thanks to twitter, we've discovered @SmartCookieAZ. Always happy to know where the great cookies are! #eatlocal
- Arizona SciTech Festival Kicks-Off with over 250 participating organizations: http://t.co/Q67SYALw