Tempe Directory of Historic Buildings 

Tempe has more than 200 historic buildings. Enjoy this searchable directory of information and photos.  For more information on any of these properties or to learn how your property can be listed, please contact Tempe Historic Preservation Officer Zachary Lechner at Zachary_Lechner@tempe.gov.

Many of the properties on the Tempe Historic Register, the National Register of Historic Places, or the list of Historic Eligible properties are privately owned and not open to the public. Please respect the privacy of those who may be living in these houses. 

Historic Eligible is a formal classification of parcels which contain buildings, structures, or sites which meet the criteria for designation as a Tempe Historic Property, but which have not been formally designated as "Historic." 

How to Use This Directory

You may search this directory by the categories of Tempe Historic Register, National Historic Register and Historic Eligible Properties. Simply click the down arrow on the All Categories box below and select the one you would like to see. All the properties in that category will appear.  

YEAR BUILT: 1909

HISTORY

The Cummins House was built as part of the 1887 Farmer’s Addition.

Aaron and Margaret Cummins bought an undeveloped lot in the Farmer’s Addition in 1908 and built the house. The Cummins were originally ranchers at a farm 3 miles outside of Tempe and the new house was to serve as their retirement home.

The Cummins Family occupied the house from 1913 through the 1930s. After Aaron passed away, Margaret and the couple’s son, Chester, continued to live in the house. Chester served several years as the Tempe Town Marshall and constable of the Tempe police precinct. Under Governor George W. P. Hunt, he also served as captain of the guards at the state prison.

ARCHITECTURE

The Cummins House is a single-story, wood-frame house built in the National Folk Style. While originally encased in board and batten, it is now covered in stucco up to the roof line. It sits on a crawlspace foundation and the roof is medium pitched and side-gabled with asphalt shingles and closed eaves. The porch has a shed roof that is supported by four square posts set on the porch’s concrete floor.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Janus Associates. “Inventory Number 221.” In Tempe Historic Property Survey. 1983.

Ryden Architects. “Survey Site No T-221.” In City of Tempe Multiple Resource Area Update: Final Report, Volume Two: Inventory Forms. 1997.

“T-221 (839 Farmer),” City of Tempe Historic Preservation Office.
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