PHOENIX — To preserve a historic museum, the Walker House was recently moved about four blocks from its original century-old location, the city of Tempe announced Thursday.
Moving company Wolfe House & Building Movers lifted the entire structure that dates back to 1903 over next to Tempe City Hall on 5th Street and Mill Avenue.
Its original home was at Seventh Street and Forest Avenue, where it also housed part of a city favorite restaurant, House of Tricks.
Besides the building movement, the city said it will restore the Walker House “for future public enjoyment, including potential retail or restaurant offerings” and a 30-story mixed-use development will take over its original space, according to a press release.
The mixed-use development will feature more than 800 apartment units and retail stores on the base level.
“This partnership (with developers Core Spaces and Wexford Developments) allows us to meet our city’s growing housing need while preserving an iconic piece of Tempe history,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in the release. “Redevelopment of a property, especially a space as beloved as the former House of Tricks location, can be a tough balancing act, and I’m beyond pleased that we were able to work with the development team to find a solution that benefits everyone.”
In addition to the museum, Tempe is committed to preserving First Congregational Church located at Sixth Street and Myrtle Avenue, which was built in 1899 and restored in 1953. The city will also become the new owner of the building.
“Now that the city has ownership of the Walker House, and soon the historic church sanctuary, we’ll be able to ensure they are both preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
Brief history on Tempe’s Walker House
The city museum was named after Harry Walker, a groundskeeper at Arizona State University, and he lived in the house for a period before moving to northern Arizona.
It wasn’t until 1954 that Thomas S. Montgomery, a local architect, used the building as a office and then shortly after opening in 1987, House of Tricks took over the space.
The beloved restaurant closed in 2022 after its owners retired.
“The beautiful historic homes and gardens we created around them were a significant part of what made House of Tricks so special to so many people,” Robin Trick, co-owner of House of Tricks said in the release. “We are thrilled that the Walker House will remain in our community.”
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