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.

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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.

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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.

$175,000 :: 1320 S Oak Street, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Mon, 21 May 2012




3 beds, 2.00 baths
Home size: 1,106 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,467 sq ft
Added: 05/15/12, Last Updated: 05/21/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential
MLS Number: 4759945
Community: Hudson Manor 3
Tract: Hudson Manor 3


Honey, Stop The Car! What a Gem in the Heart of Tempe! Spacious Newly Remodeled 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home on nearly One Quarter Acre Corner Lot! No Homeowners Association! Newly Painted, New Kitchen Cabinets & Counter Tops, New Kitchen Appliances, Refrigerator Included, New Garbage Disposal, New Plumbing under all the sinks, New Bathroom Cabinets, New Faucets, New Mirrors in the Bathrooms & New Lighting in the Kitchen and Bathrooms. Oversized Garage with Tons of Storage. RV Gate and room for RV Parking. Covered Patio with Outside Storage. Low Maint. Desert Landscaping, Mature Quiet Neighborhood. Close to Shopping, Dining, Hospitals,Easy Access to Highway 60 and Highway 101, Bus Line, Metro Rail, Arizona State University (ASU), Downtown Tempe. Traditional Sale! NOT a Short Sale or a Bank Owned.

Listed with Realty ONE Group

$795 :: 1416 S Jentilly Lane, Unit 102, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Mon, 21 May 2012




2 beds, 1.00 baths
Home size: 740 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,000 sq ft
Added: 05/14/12, Last Updated: 05/21/12
Property Type: Apartment Style/Flat, Residential Rental
MLS Number: 4759204
Tract: Jentilly Terrace


***COMPLETELY NEW SHOWERS, BATHS AND KITCHENS!!!******Located AT THE SOUTHEAST END OF Arizona State University's campus, the property is a perfect place for students to live and walk to campus. Complex has gated secured parking and on-site laundry facility. Unit amenities include New interior renovations, such as tile floors, new cabinetry, countertops, lighting, vanities, window coverings, and walk-in closets. AND MONTHLY CLEANING SERVICE!

Listed with Scottsdale Luxury Properties

$850 :: 1014 E Spence Avenue, Unit 110, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Sat, 19 May 2012




2 beds, 2.00 baths
Home size: 853 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 05/02/12, Last Updated: 05/19/12
Property Type: Apartment Style/Flat, Residential Rental
MLS Number: 4753379
Tract: Delario Condominiums
The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/19/2012 by 5%


This is a great property with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Large living area and open kitchen with updated cabinets and appliances. Fantastic location for ASU students, roommates or people who work in that area. Close to shopping, schools and freeways. Don't let his one pass you by. $75 of security deposit is non refundable evaluation fee. Move in Special $250 off first month rent.

Listed with Provident Partners Realty & Management, Inc

$1,100 :: 1014 S Butte Avenue, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Tue, 15 May 2012




3 beds, 1.00 baths
Home size: 1,473 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,500 sq ft
Added: 05/08/12, Last Updated: 05/15/12
Property Type: Single Family - Detached, Residential Rental
MLS Number: 4756458
Tract: Borden Homes


Great historic district in the heart of Tempe. A stones throw from the light rail! Also near ASU, Tempe Marketplace, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Ave and all freeways! This is a newly updated 3 bedroom 1 Bath house with a detached bonus room off the carport. House has a large yard with mature trees and storage shed. The kitchen has been updated and house has wood floors throughout. This is a must see house!!

Listed with 3rd Base Realty Group LLC

$186,500 :: 1183 E Cedar Street, Tempe AZ, 85281 - Tue, 15 May 2012




1 bed, 1.50 baths
Home size: 1,245 sq ft
Lot Size: 1,343 sq ft
Added: 03/13/12, Last Updated: 05/15/12
Property Type: Townhouse, Residential
MLS Number: 4728981
Community: Newberry Terrace
Tract: Newberry Terrace
The price of this listing was last reduced on 4/19/2012 by 4%


Gorgeous Townhouse in the heart of Tempe! Walk to ASU. 2 blocks to Light Rail. Minutes to Tempe Marketplace and more. This is a GREAT location!! Interior upgraded with Granite countertops, Stainless Steel appliances, custom paint, custom window treatments and upgraded carpet. Loft could be divided into one or two bedrooms at Buyer's expense.

Listed with HomeSmart

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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!”

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Kansas and Minnesota fans ride light rail to Insight Bowl for FREE is a post from: Rail Life

On Wednesday, December 31st the Insight Bowl will be played at Sun Devil Stadium. Fans of 7-5 Kansas and 7-5 Minnesota can take advantage of a free light rail ride to watch their favorite teams play. The closest light rail stop is right outside of Sun Devil Stadium which is just a short distance from Mill Avenue. This will be a historic game in that, it is the first bowl game where people can ride our new light rail line to Sun Devil Stadium. If you are coming from out of town and would like help in determining how light rail can best be utilized, please feel free to visit RailLife.com and to use our light rail map to help guide you to where you want to be.

Game time is 4:00pm and will be televised by the NFL network. Local radio station KKNT 960 will also broadcast the game.

Have fun and remember sports fans… “Your Life Is On The Line!”

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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.