Hackett House: Tempe's Historic Gem

Hackett House, located in the heart of downtown Tempe, is a significant historical landmark. Constructed in 1888, it is one of the oldest fired-brick buildings in the city, representing the Arizona Territorial Victorian commercial architecture style. William Hilge, a German immigrant, established Tempe's first bakery here, delivering fresh bread and pastries to Tempe and Mesa. The building's location was strategically chosen near the Hayden Flour Mill and the railroad.After Hilge's death in 1905, the Craig family purchased the property in 1907 and converted it into a residence. Their daughter, Estelle Craig, married Roy Hackett, giving the house its current name. The Hackett family lived there until 1974 when the City of Tempe acquired the property. The city restored the building to its 1912 appearance and added it to the National Register of Historic Places.Today, Hackett House serves as the headquarters for the Tempe Sister Cities organization, hosting various events and programs that benefit the community. It features charming indoor rooms and an outdoor tent-covered patio suitable for weddings, parties, meetings, and cultural events. The Hackett House provides a glimpse into Tempe's past and continues to be a vibrant part of its present.