Tempe council sides with developer, approves partial demolition and alteration plan for First Congregational Church site

Tempe City Council voted 6-0 to approve an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s March 12, 2025, decision and grant two certificates of appropriateness that allow removal of non‑sanctuary structures at the First Congregational Church site at 101 E. Sixth St., while preserving the church sanctuary and committing to relocate the Harry Walker House.

The vote by Mayor Corey Woods and council members Garland, Adams, Amberg, Chin and Hodge (Councilmember Keating was absent) followed staff presentations and a statement from appellant Darren Sender of Sender Associates, who represents the development team that includes Wexford. Vice Mayor Lauren Garland moved to approve the appeal; Councilmember Hodge seconded the motion.

Council and staff said the action balances historic preservation with a planned mixed‑use redevelopment. Ryan LeVake, deputy director for the Community Development Planning Division, summarized the city’s multi‑year review of the property and told council staff recommended support of the developer’s plan because the proposal preserves the sanctuary — the site’s most architecturally significant element — and includes commitments to preserve or relocate other historic features.

Darren Sender, representing Sender Associates, said the development team originally filed demolition permits in earlier years but later expanded the project site by acquiring adjacent parcels (including the Blue Fish office building and the House of Trix property).…