ASU was founded in 1885 as a teachers college, according to www.tempe.gov. The college grew and became the ASU we know today in 1985. The history of Mill Avenue is not as well documented, but one can assume by looking at the history of Monti's Steakhouse that there's been entertainment around the Tempe campus for some time.
A lot of criticism has been centered on the fact that students at ASU's Downtown campus say they feel like there's nothing to do.
However, there are renovation plans for the Jackson Street entertainment district, as well as plans for "distinctive shopping."
"We're in the first two years of implementation of a 10-year plan," said Jason Harris of the City of Phoenix Planning Department.
The City of Phoenix has big plans for student entertainment. A 10-year plan is reasonable, given that the area around the Tempe campus had many decades to become what you see now.
While students are waiting for the development, Phil Jones of the Arts and Culture Department for the City of Phoenix, said there are lots of great little places downtown students can check out.
"The only problem is, it's [entertainment] not centered in one spot like Mill Avenue. But it's [entertainment] there, if you look," Jones said.
Jones listed off at least a dozen galleries and clubs and mentioned the city's efforts to get students involved in the theater downtown by offering "student rush tickets."
Roger Belfiore, owner of The Brickhouse Music Venue, said he is not convinced, however.
"I think it's just a matter of a conflict of interests," Belfiore said. "The City of Phoenix doesn't care about students, they care about ASU money. They aren't interested in ASU kids having a place to go." Ironically, Belfiore's venue is in the City of Phoenix's plans for the Jackson Street entertainment district, which will be something like Mill Avenue and designed to appeal to students.
A lack of communication may be to blame for Belfiore's unawareness, though, since the report that describes the project wasn't exactly passed out to Jackson Street business owners.
Regardless of the time it takes to build an entertainment district like Jones said, there are still quite a few options for those looking to have a good time downtown.
People like Belfiore are running businesses designed for fun, music and drinking. And the City of Phoenix has projects that have already been completed like the Arizona Science Center and The Herberger Theatre.
The Brickhouse Music Venue, at 1 E. Jackson St., provides an interesting mix of local and national acts, as well as more off-the-wall stuff like midget wrestling and playboy bunnies.
Along with its full bar, The Brickhouse serves an array of what the owner refers to as "comfort food."
Modified Arts, at 407 E. Roosevelt Road, is a good place for underage students that can't drink but still want to have fun. From movies to art and music, Modified Arts is always booked with events. Finding upcoming events is as easy as going to www.modifed.org and looking at the calendar.
For a good old Irish pub, there's Seamus McCaffery's Irish Pub and Restaurant, at 18 W. Monroe. This bar has live music on weekends and tables to relax in and eat. There's also a nice long bar to plop down at and drink and a patio out front. For the college student on a budget, there is a happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.
Alice Cooper's Town, at 101 E. Jackson St., is a destination spot for sports-lovers. Even when a game is not on, you'll find ESPN on all the hot spot's big-screen TVs. Cooper's Town has live music on weekends, but it is featured on a stage outside, so if you're there to catch a game, it won't be in the way. The location is huge and has upper and lower levels - in addition to a basement affectionately called "The Dungeon."
While these aren't the only options for having a good time downtown, they are a start.
One of the best times to explore is during First Fridays. Every first Friday of the month the galleries, venues and bars open their doors, displaying music and art.
The Arts and Culture Department of the City of Phoenix is putting together a "First Friday Committee" to see how the city can help this event continue to grow.
Reach the reporter at: jenifer.delemont@asu.edu.
