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The historic Harry Walker House, once part of the beloved House of Tricks restaurant, had one more trick up its sleeve: a middle-of-the-night disappearing act. Though you don’t have to look too far to find its new location and purpose.
(Shutterstock)
The 1903 house was relocated overnight from its original location on Seventh Street near Forest Avenue to its new home next to Tempe City Hall on Fifth Street. The move and future preservation of the house is thanks to a partnership between the City of Tempe and developers Core Spaces and Wexford Developments.
A new 30-story mixed-use project will be built on several plots, including where House of Tricks once served up its iconic meals, while the city will restore and preserve the Walker House in its new location for future public enjoyment, including potential retail or restaurant offerings.
A second historic building will also be preserved through the project: the First Congregational Church on Sixth Street and Myrtle Avenue. The church has roots on the site going back to 1899, with the sanctuary building being rebuilt in 1953. The developer will preserve the sanctuary building at its existing site and transfer ownership to the city.
“This partnership allows us to meet our city’s growing housing need while preserving an iconic piece of Tempe history,” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said. “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. 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.”
Walker House history
The 1903 Harry Walker House is significant as an example of one of Tempe’s earliest residential neighborhoods. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Georgian Revival mode of the Neo-Colonial style and represents the type of house that was built for a modest working-class family.
The house is named after Harry Walker, a groundskeeper at Arizona State University (then Tempe Normal School). He resided in the home before relocating to northern Arizona, after which the house was used as a rental property.
In 1954, local architect Thomas S. Montgomery opened his offices in the building during a time when the downtown area was evolving to become more commercial.
The House of Tricks restaurant opened next door in 1987, before eventually taking over the Walker House as the restaurant grew and expanded thanks to its success. House of Tricks closed in 2022 when the owners retired after 35 years in business.
“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. We are thrilled that the Walker House will remain in our community,” said Robin Trick, who owned House of Tricks with her husband Bob Trick.
Two historic properties saved, one new development on the way
The process of moving the house took several months. Wolfe House & Building Movers had to support and then lift the house to prepare for the move. The City of Tempe, Valley Metro, developers, and other stakeholders coordinated traffic control and the removal of street signs, poles, and other objects on the path.
The house slowly traveled east on Seventh Street, north on College Avenue, and then west on Fifth Street until it reached its new location just east of Mill Avenue near City Hall.
With the Walker House relocated, restoration work can now begin on the building’s next chapter. Securing the structure, establishing utilities, and restoring the aesthetics of the house are next on the list. Once updated, the city can begin to explore new tenants, which could include retail or restaurant options.
Not a photo of the actual development site. (Shutterstock)
Over on the development site, a new 30-story mixed-use project will include more than 800 new apartment units and ground-level retail space. It will be among the tallest buildings in Tempe. The project site includes the area east of Myrtle Avenue and between Sixth and Seventh streets.
“Preserving this house is about more than safeguarding a structure. It’s about honoring history and embracing the local character of Tempe, which is important to us at Core. We’re grateful for the City of Tempe’s collaboration throughout this process and for the partnership of Wexford Developments, Findorff, and Wolfe House Movers in making this move possible. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we bring our new development to life,” said Doug Tichenor, Senior Director, Entitlements at Core Spaces.
“We have owned property in Tempe for almost a decade, and have always strived to do our best to respect the history of this great community. It was very important to us to preserve not one but two historic buildings as part of this development project, as we knew how much both the Walker House as well as the Church Sanctuary has meant to the people of Tempe. I want to sincerely thank our development partner, Core Spaces, for their shared vision in this regard,” said Sam Gordon, Principal and Co-Founder, Wexford Developments.
The restoration and preservation of the historic First Congregational Church sanctuary at its existing location will also be part of the project, and the city will take ownership of the property as the larger development progresses.
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