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Just as no great achievement is the product of an individual effort, neither can a revitalized Downtown Tempe be attributed to one person or group. Past Mayors and Councils, Project Area Committees, Boards and Commissions, business and civic organizations, property owners, architects, builders, craftspersons, developers, private citizens and City staff have all contributed to the downtown's success. Three individuals do warrant special recognition, however, for having played primary roles over the past three decades in the transformation of a deteriorating district into the distinct destination we enjoy today. This document is dedicated to their vision and
determination.
DON HULL
Don Hull arrived in Tempe in 1970 to become Community Development Director. Under Don's direction, Tempe instituted one of the state's first design review ordinances, master-planned the Rio Salado Project and, in conjunction with Federal legislation, adopted and implemented the University-Hayden Butte Redevelopment Area. Don's professionalism, personal integrity and perseverance convinced Councils, persuaded architects and developers, and inspired staff to pursue excellence. In recognition, the highest award given in the annual Tempe Beautification Awards is The Don Hull Award of Environmental Excellence. Although Don passed away in 2002, his admonition to "go forth and do great things" continues to motivate those were fortunate enough to know him.
HARRY
MITCHELL A native son of
Tempe, Harry Mitchell was first elected to the City Council in 1974 and
served as Mayor from 1978 to 1994. It was during his tenure that the
most difficult strides were taken toward the revitalization of the
downtown, due, in no small part, to his tenacity and ability to achieve
consensus. Harry understood that a strong downtown is essential to the
health of the entire community. The downtown government center,
including the seminal 1970 Municipal Building and "Above the Crowd," a
public art piece commissioned in his honor, has been designated as the
Harry E. Mitchell Government Complex. He continued to actively
support Tempe's efforts to be the best place to live, work and play,
while serving for years in the Arizona State legislature.
Representative Mitchell currently serves in the U.S. House of
Representatives, representing Arizona's 5th District.
DAVE
FACKLER Dave was hired as a Planner II by Don Hull in 1978 to oversee Tempe's Design Review efforts. In 1979, Don appointed him Housing & Redevelopment Supervisor (later, Deputy Community Development Director), charging him with energizing a program that had seen little progress during its six years of existence. Under Dave's direction, over three million square feet of downtown development were realized, with current plans for as much more. Elevated to Development Services Manager in 2000, Dave continued to promote downtown redevelopment, while leading the entire department in providing high-quality service to the public. Dave retires from the public realm this year, but his impact will be long be felt in the economy and identity of downtown Tempe. The intersection of Fifth Street and Mill Avenue has been designated "Fackler Square" in his honor.
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