Looking Back

Hayden Flour Mill
Famous for its hopping college district namesake, the Hayden Flour Mill finds its historic significance as the oldest continuously used industrial site in the Salt River Valley.

Following the demise of two antecedents named for Charles T. Hayden, the current mill was constructed on the same site in 1918.  This time around the structure remained intact even as it discontinued operations in 1998.

However, new life will soon be breathed into the industrial landmark, which features a mid-century addition of a seven-silo grain elevator. Local developer, Avenue Communities was awarded the rights to develop the iconic building in 2006. 

The renovations will pair a restoration with a glass and steel addition that will sit atop the existing structure. Avenue’s first phase of development includes office, restaurant and retail components. In homage to the building’s roots, a bakery that mills its grain on-site is also in the works. More retail spaces along Mill Avenue will follow. A trailhead for Hayden Butte has even been slated in the plans. Construction on phase one is expected to begin this summer.

Photo and rendering courtesy of Avenue Communities