Tempe City Hall: An Inverted Pyramid of Civic Pride

Tempe City Hall, located at 31 E 5th St, is more than just a government building; it's an architectural landmark and a symbol of Tempe's forward-thinking spirit. Designed by Michael and Kemper Goodwin, the inverted pyramid opened in 1971 and quickly became a defining feature of the city.The building's unique shape isn't just for show. The inverted pyramidal design helps conserve energy by shading the exterior glass, reducing the amount of heat that enters the building. The structure comprises a relatively small ground floor, with the building expanding outwards as it rises. The council chambers are located in a semi-buried basement level.Tempe City Hall stands on the site of the city's original City Hall, constructed in 1914. By the late 1960s, city officials considered moving the City Hall to a more geographically central location. However, community activists and the architects convinced the city to keep the building downtown, sparking a revitalization of the area. Today, the building continues to serve as the heart of Tempe's downtown, surrounded by plazas, gardens, and pedestrian areas.