Discovering Tempe's hidden past 6,000 years beneath the surface
Tempe Depot
Logan Simpson conducted archaeological excavation on this 2.4-acre site, located just two blocks from Logan Simpson’s headquarters. Working for RED Development and 3rd and Ash Owners, LLC, the project documented prehistoric and historic resources in compliance with the City of Tempe’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and Arizona state law.
The investigation revealed a well-preserved Middle Archaic thermal pit within a flood deposit predating Hohokam occupation. The site also contained prehistoric irrigation infrastructure — a canal and diversion channel — beneath a historic lateral of the Hayden Canal from the 1880s. Historical resources included remains of the original depot (moved to the site in 1908 and subsequently burned down in 1923), a blacksmith shop foundation from railroad operations (1887-1920s), and artifacts likely brought by Charles Hayden’s teamsters before the arrival of the railroad. The team identified fire-affected rocks indicating human activity and made a calculated decision to open 11 square meters through hand excavation after mechanically removing overburden. Because of thorough investigation and documentation, rapid approval from the City of Tempe Historic Preservation Office was obtained.