Niels Petersen House

The Niels Petersen House is a brick residence in Queen Anne style featuring Victorian architectural elements including a wraparound porch and ornamental exterior details. The structure occupies a substantial property at the intersection of Southern Avenue and Priest Street.

Built in 1892 by Danish immigrant Niels Petersen, the structure represents an early period when agriculture was driving the development of the Salt River Valley. Its construction marks an important moment in how Tempe grew from a farming settlement into a larger community.

The residence reflects how successful farmers in the area expressed their status through grand homes with refined details and formal layouts. Walking around it, visitors can sense the pride and prosperity that agricultural wealth brought to early Tempe society.

The house sits at an easily accessible street corner in Tempe where visitors can view it from the public areas. The large property and exterior details are visible from the surrounding streets.

This is the oldest brick Queen Anne style structure in the entire Salt River Valley. Architect James M. Creighton designed it, giving the home its timeless form and distinctive character.

Location: Tempe

Architects: James M. Creighton

GPS coordinates: 33.39330,-111.96100

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04