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Originally Posted by Spitfiredude
As a downtown Tempe resident, I really like the Mill as is. I think it serves as a daily reminder of Tempe's history. I see people walking past it everyday looking at the plaques and memorials they have along the structure. Also, every other weekend there is an event going on outside in the new park/lawn they have put int. Its not dead if anyone thinks it is. Honestly, I think they just need to throw some paint on it and set it up as a museum and maybe put a small bakery inside (to go along with the theme). It can show the history of the Mill along with the entire city of Tempe. I think adding modern features to it would be strange and tearing it down would be absurd. Not every spot in Tempe needs to be developed. Its nice to have some history preserved and a park that hosts small events.
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I agree that it definitely needs to be preserved. However, Tempe already has beach park and given that it is prime real estate, I do think some modern additions that are respectful to the original structure while adding retail and community-focused elements would be beneficial to all parties and help connect the lake to downtown, which is really vital. The current setup is a great temporary use, but that corner needs and deserves to be much more of a gateway both into downtown and into the lakefront area.
Nothing taller than the mill, or if so, nothing that would dwarf it/ruin views from the bridge and 202. Additions to the front and back for retail, and a small midrise to the north would be perfect.
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No one wants to pay top dollar to live on a structurally deficient flour mill. It's clear that it's just left alone for nostalgia purposes, but it serves no good use.
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Please don't state opinion as fact. Plenty would pay to live in lofts if the mill or silos were to be converted. Living in one of the few historic landmarks in downtown Tempe with views and easy access to the lake and downtown? It would be an easy sell. The issue of it being structurally sound is irrelevant - neither would be converted if that couldn't be corrected.
It serves as a gateway into downtown Tempe, is a reminder of the city's routes, and is the reason why MILL Ave even exists. Downtown Tempe is modernizing quickly and the need to preserve its few remaining historic assets is critical for it to have any authentic feel and differentiate itself from competitor mid-sized cities. Glass boxes can be found in any city. It's elements like the mill that give a city its unique charm and identity.