Rail Life “Flickr Pic” Of The Week – Tempe Tavern Coming Soon is a post from: Rail Life

This past week, I noticed that “Tempe Tavern” was painted on the old historic building known to some as the White Dairy Barn, which was later turned into Murphy’s Pub at McClintock and Apache. Old timers around here know that the White Dairy Barn was built in 1919 and has been part of a lot of Tempe history over the years.

Back in February, I noticed a zoning hearing sign out front and saw that a place called the Tempe Tavern had petitioned to be allowed to sell alcohol and have live music. After a few months, the sign was down and I thought maybe they had already been a victim of the economy. Given the fact that it looks as if people have been working there and the sign was recently painted, it looks like we might be getting a new beer joint along the line.

Speaking of beer joints, my buddy Jack ( Mr. Social Media ) and I had lunch about a week ago and decided it was time for Rail Life to have a “Rail Life Drinks” map for people to find places to wet their whistle. Eventually, I will try to have reviews and will add more places and categories, but feel free to take a look at what I have started with. If I missed your favorite spot, let me know and I’ll try to add it. ( I have a few that I know are missing, so don’t shoot me. ) See the map below.  You can click on it’s url to enlarge and check out what is currently listed.

View Light Rail Drinks in a larger map

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event, etc.

Light Rail Station – Priest and Washington is a post from: Rail Life

The light rail station at Priest and Washington in Tempe is near many large job centers and has several places to grab something to eat near by. Minutes from the Phoenix zoo and spring training baseball, this station is also known as Papago Park Center. At the papago station, there is very little housing near by but the many large employment centers near by keep this station pretty busy. There is a Starbucks, a few sandwich shops and a pretty good mix of choices for a quick bite to eat.  To get a better feel for the area, see our light rail map for more information.

Light Rail Station – Center Parkway and Washington is a post from: Rail Life

The Tempe light rail station at Center Parkway and Washington in Tempe is located just north of the Mill Avenue District. In 2009 this light rail station was one of the stations with the fewest boardings. The low number of boarding probably indicate that this station is not a large destination for students or recreational users as many of the heavier stations are. Located near some commercial buildings and a large apartment complex, there is also some vacant land near by. the station is probably very convenient for those working and living close by.

Please visit out light rail map for more area information.

ASU Museums host FREE Open House is a post from: Rail Life

Looking for something fun & free to do to celebrate Presidents Day? Then jump on the light rail and head to the Arizona State University campus.  For today only, ASU is hosting "We Love ASU Collections" with free open houses to their museums. Start at the Welcome Table at Old Main Building, pick up a map and begin your adventure.  This will be a fun activity to take the kids to, too.

Open to the public, from 9am to 5pm today, you can visit the Planetarium, Life Sciences Living Collection (with rattlesnakes), Historical Foundation, Archeological Institute, and of course, all of the fine art campus galleries will also be open.  

For more information on which galleries are open, visit ASU's museum site or give them a call at 480-965-3283.

As we like to say here at Rail Life, "Your Life is on the Line"

Light Rail Station – Dorsey and Apache is a post from: Rail Life

The Tempe light rail station is located just East of the main campus at ASU and is a popular station for people living near the school. The housing choices and number of small, locally owned businesses near by are many.
The Dorsey and Apache station has two park and ride locations nearby with 190 spaces.

Located just North of Hudson Manor, the Dorsey Station can be described as a light rail station with a “neighborhood” feel to it. Area residents tend to be very receptive to public transportation and the light rail has brought new life to this area that was previously one of Tempe’s more hidden gems.

Take a look at our Tempe light rail maps to get a better feel for this dynamic part of town.

Below, you will find a sample of homes for sale near the Dorsey and Apache station in Tempe.

$1,020 :: 1336 E Lemon Street, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Tue, 07 Feb 2012




2 beds, 1.00 baths
Home size: 972 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,500 sq ft
Added: 01/10/12, Last Updated: 02/07/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential Rental
MLS Number: 4699361
Tract: Tomlinson Estates


Great home in a nice, quiet Historic Tempe neighborhood. Great floor plan. Eat in kitchen. Stove is newer but not pictured. Retro kitchen w/microwave & dishwasher. Covered patio off back. Lg fenced in yard w/orange tree. Nice size shed off carport. Washer & Dryer incl. WiFi is avail from ASU. Close to ASU & light rail station. Flood irrigation included in rent.

Listed with Prudential Arizona Properties

$248,900 :: 1414 S Terrace Road, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Sun, 05 Feb 2012




3 beds, 3.50 baths
Home size: 1,685 sq ft
Lot Size: 3,153 sq ft
Added: 01/23/12, Last Updated: 02/05/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential
MLS Number: 4705488
Community: Newberry Terrace's At Asu
Tract: Newberry Terrace
The price of this listing was last increased on 1/26/2012 by 5%


NEW HOME MODEL - 3 BEDROOM/3.5 BATH - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - 3 BLOCKS TO ARIZONA STATE - 2 BLOCKS LIGHTRAIL - ORBIT(TEMPE'S BLUE BUSES) STOPS IN FRONT - FLOORPLAN IS DESIGNED W/ROOMATES IN MIND. UPSTAIRS - 3 BEDROOMS W/ ''EN-SUITE'' BATHS & WALK-IN CLOSETS ALSO A LAUNDRY - DOWNSTAIRS IS A GREAT ROOM & KITCHEN - NEW HOME 2/10yr. WARRANTY - GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT *** OR YOU COULD BUY AN OLD 1950'S HOME AND DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS ***

Listed with HomeSmart

$233,900 :: 1404 S Newberry Lane, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Sun, 05 Feb 2012




3 beds, 3.50 baths
Home size: 1,685 sq ft
Lot Size: 3,153 sq ft
Added: 06/06/11, Last Updated: 02/05/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential
MLS Number: 4598220
Community: Newberry Terrace's At Asu
Tract: Newberry Terrace
The price of this listing was last increased on 1/30/2012 by 0%


NEW HOMES BEING BUILT - 3 BEDROOM/3.5 BATH - WE ARE STARTING THIS AS A SPEC AND WE ARE 90 DAYS OUT - COMPLETION APRIL 25TH - CALL FOR BUILDERS INCECTIVES - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - 3 BLOCKS TO ARIZONA STATE - 2 BLOCKS LIGHTRAIL - ORBIT(TEMPE'S BLUE BUSES) STOPS IN FRONT - FLOORPLAN IS DESIGNED W/ROOMATES IN MIND. UPSTAIRS - 3 BEDROOMS WITH ''EN-SUITE'' BATHS & WALK-IN CLOSETS ALSO A LAUNDRY - DOWNSTAIRS IS A GREAT ROOM & KITCHEN - NEW HOME 2/10yr. WARRANTY - GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - CALL FOR INCENTIVES AND AN APPOINTMENT *** OR YOU COULD BUY AN OLD 1950'S HOME AND DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS ***

Listed with HomeSmart

$233,900 :: 1411 S Terrace Road, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Sun, 05 Feb 2012




3 beds, 3.50 baths
Home size: 1,685 sq ft
Lot Size: 3,153 sq ft
Added: 06/06/11, Last Updated: 02/05/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential
MLS Number: 4598218
Community: Newberry Terrace's At Asu
Tract: Newberry Terrace
The price of this listing was last increased on 1/30/2012 by 0%


NEW HOMES - 3 BEDROOM/3.5 BATH - WE ARE STARTING THIS AS A SPEC AND WE ARE 90 DAYS OUT - COMPLETION APRIL 15TH - CALL FOR BUILDERS INCECTIVES - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - 3 BLOCKS TO ARIZONA STATE - 2 BLOCKS LIGHTRAIL - ORBIT(TEMPE'S BLUE BUSES) STOPS IN FRONT - FLOORPLAN IS DESIGNED W/ROOMATES IN MIND. UPSTAIRS - 3 BEDROOMS WITH ''EN-SUITE'' BATHS & WALK-IN CLOSETS ALSO A LAUNDRY - DOWNSTAIRS IS A GREAT ROOM & KITCHEN - NEW HOME 2/10yr. WARRANTY - GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - CALL FOR INCENTIVES AND AN APPOINTMENT *** OR YOU COULD BUY AN OLD 1950'S HOME AND DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS ***

Listed with HomeSmart

$106,000 :: 1417 S Jentilly Lane, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Fri, 03 Feb 2012




2 beds, 1.00 baths
Home size: 728 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,990 sq ft
Added: 01/19/12, Last Updated: 02/03/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential
MLS Number: 4704092
Tract: Jen Tilly Terrace Lots 19-29 /Tr A


This updated single family home has 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, kitchen, living room with lighted ceiling fan, 1 car garage & large backyard. Energy efficient block construction. Tile floors in main areas, carpeting in bedrooms. Double pane windows & wood blinds throughout. Gas oven, new refrigerator, new washer & new dryer included. Parking area for multiple cars, plus RV gate & RV parking. Close to Arizona State University, restaurants, shopping & light rail. Seller is licensed real estate agent.

Listed with DPR Realty, LLC

The first Light Rail New Year’s Eve – Mill Avenue Style is a post from: Rail Life

This coming New Year’s Eve will be a historic occasion in that, it will be the first time people will be able to take light rail to and from Mill Avenue. This year, there will be a slight change to the area near Third Street and Mill because of it’s proximity to the new light rail stop. The area will be sectioned off to allow people to pay for or show their tickets to gain entry to the block party. There was once a thought of temporarily closing the station at Third Street and Mill because it would be inside of the block party. A decision has been made to keep the station open to allow people to ride light rail to Mill Avenue for the festivities. According to my friend at the City, it was the best decision and I would agree.

Speaking of the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party, it might just be THE place to be this year! “More than 100,000 party-goers annually celebrate in Tempe’s Beach Park and Mill Avenue District amidst spectacular fireworks displays and an official midnight countdown drop. With legendary rock band Styx headlining the event, more than 40 local bands and entertainers, beer gardens, dueling pianos, freestyle motocross jumpers and more”

Of course, prior to the Block Party, thousands (including some of the Rail Life crew!) will have already gathered (many riding the new light rail line) to see Kansas and Minnesota battle it out in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Heck, if you don’t need the exercise, you can even ride the light rail from just outside of Sun Devil Stadium a couple of blocks to the Third Street and Mill Ave Station. Why not? It’s a FREE ride! :-)

After the Insight Bowl, I’ll be heading to Monti’s La Casa Vieja on Mill Avenue for dinner. I see from Michael Monti’s blog that ”Guests may purchase tickets through Monti’s for $20 each. Any guest purchasing at least 2 Block Party tickets will receive a Block Party Parking Pass that will allow them to park in the US Airways Parking garage” With the purchase of the ticket’s from Monti’s, they will be giving a discount off of your dinner of 1/2 of what you paid for the tickets. ie: You buy 4 passes for $80.00, your dinner bill is discounted by $40.00. Please see Michael’s blog for official details and to see how to purchase the tickets.

Of course, a big part of the beauty of the light rail route is that you can now get from Mill Avenue to Downtown / Midtown Phoenix to check out some of the events planned there as well. We understand that the Clarendon is having a party as well as a bunch of other cool stuff going on. So, you can probably even do some serious party hopping if that is your thing.

Remember, parking can be a nightmare. I have a list of street closures in Tempe and a list of the Park and Ride lots for you to take advantage of. I know that Tempe is encouraging people to take the light rail to the area.

On New Year’s Eve, I’ll be having a great time and will be taking the light rail to get there. I hope to see you around! After all, this New Year’s Eve. “Your Life Is On The Line!”

]]> http://raillife.com/blog/2008/12/23/the-first-light-rail-new-years-eve-mill-avenue-style/feed/ 0 http://raillife.com/blog/2008/12/07/kansas-and-minnesota-fans-ride-light-rail-to-insight-bowl-for-free/ http://raillife.com/blog/2008/12/07/kansas-and-minnesota-fans-ride-light-rail-to-insight-bowl-for-free/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:25:00 +0000 Rail Life /blog/post/2008/12/07/Kansas-and-Minnesota-fans-ride-light-rail-to-Insight-Bowl-for-FREE.aspx Kansas and Minnesota fans ride light rail to Insight Bowl for FREE is a post from: Rail Life

Tempe South Transit Study- Public Input Welcome is a post from: Rail Life

Recently, we talked about the public involvement meetings for the Northwest Extension. Soon, there be two more public meetings in Tempe to discuss the "Tempe South Study" where we will have an opportunity to learn more about future routes and transit modes to connect South Tempe and parts of Chandler to the upcoming 20 mile Light Rail "starter line." We have heard of a few different possibilities for the area that is bounded on the North and South by the 202 Freeways (Red Mountain and San Tan) and from the 101 Freeway on the East to the Union Pacific railroad tracks to the West. Studies have mentioned bus, rapid transit, light rail transit, modern streetcar and/or commuter rail. Some of the challenges have been the East/West running railroad tracks and having a light rail line cross them. (could be a disaster waiting to happen?) Others have been the fact that Mill kind of "dead-ends" at Baseline and would need to shift over to Kyrene. (again crossing the railroad tracks in that area) There has also been a mention of the lack of room along Rural to run mass transportation down that road. McClintock appears to have some promise but all have their own little quirks that will (hopefully) be discussed in more detail at these next meetings. To make sense of my poor explanation, check out this map..

Tempe has seen the growth of it's public transportation quadruple in the past decade. With the added convenience of Light rail running through the North part of the city, it would appear the growth in public transportation will continue. The existing bus lines will feed nicely in to the rail stops and there have been talks of creating more pedestrian and bicycle friendly paths near the light rail lines.

We will try to post a re-cap of information from the meetings but please feel free to come and participate. The schedules are as follows.

Tuesday, June 10, 6 – 8 p.m.
Tempe Public Library
3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe

Wednesday, June 11, 6 – 8 p.m.
Corona del Sol High School
1001 E. Knox Rd., Tempe

If you have any questions or comments for Metro concernig this stuff, they can be directed to pcecere@metrolightrail.org. Or, feel free to leave a comment here on the blog. If we don't know the answer, we will be glad to look in to it for you and maybe even do a follow up article.