Tempe Strikes Deal With Developer to Downsize Project

PHOENIX-After reaching an agreement with city officials, a mixed-use development along the shores of Tempe Town Lake will be built further down from “A” Mountain and will include a third less space.

Hayden Ferry South, a mixed-use project that includes office space, retail shops, restaurants and residential developments, is planned for the southeast corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue, just south of Tempe Town Lake, a 2-mile long man-made lake built in the bed of the Salt River and adjacent to “A” Mountain. The mountain is so-named because of a giant “A” that adorns it, which is a symbol for nearby Arizona State University.

Preservationist and nearby residents were dismayed when the development first announced that it would have 728,500 sf of space and be built to such a height that it would obscure the view of the mountain. The developers also planned to do away with a flourmill silo that’s more than 50 years and considered a landmark for downtown Tempe.