Why I Made a Deal…
There are many, many factors that entered into my decision to develop the property. I stayed awake many nights thinking through the ramifications of the opportunities that were presented to me.
There are huge changes taking place in Downtown Tempe, and they have had deep far-reaching impact on Monti’s La Casa Vieja. I have to adapt to this situation if we are to be here in the long run. If we try to freeze the restaurant in time and make it changeless, it will slowly fade away.
This is not a case of the City trying to use eminent domain to take away my property. Nor is this a David and Goliath fight with a “big, evil developer” as when Dan Harkins had a standoff with Hines over the Cine Capri. Rather, we have voluntarily entered into a cooperative agreement with a developer with whom we see eye-to-eye. I believe that the outcome will benefit Tempe, 3w, and me and my family.
This deal is necessary to secure the long-term future of Monti’s and the historic structure that has been in my family’s care since the 1950’s. We will respect the historic context and eclectic, authentic character of the Hayden House, La Casa Vieja. I love the place more than anyone, and spent 1 million to renovate it in 1994.
I was born in Tempe, and I live in Tempe with my family. I care about what happens here.
Monti’s is open. We are not going anywhere for the foreseeable future, while we plan the next steps. Come on in.
Best Regards,
Michael L. Monti
www.montis.com
