Tempe Sister Cities is working together with the city of Tempe 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 and has been the home to Tempe Sister Cities for decades, a city release explained. But 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. 

“Our organization continues to grow to serve the global need for cultural exchange. The opportunity for us to help shape the space we need in collaboration with the city of Tempe is amazing,” Tempe Sister Cities President David Carrera stated in the release.

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 release detailed. 

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, according to the release.

This includes the ability for Tempe Sister Cities to use office space and have access to a 3,500-square-foot 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.

“When the city of Tempe owns the land, we can ask that affordable housing be part of the development,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods stated in the release. “This is a fantastic opportunity to create homes in the heart of our downtown that are affordable for people who work in our hotels, restaurants and schools.”

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, the release detailed.

“Developments that include historic buildings can be challenging, but they can also be unique, inspiring and visually appealing,” Tempe Historic Preservation Officer Zachary Lechner stated in the release. “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.