Arizona State University Historic Properties

Arizona State University was established in 1885 as a teachers college on twenty acres of a former cow pasture donated by local residences. It became Arizona State College in 1945 and Arizona State University in 1958. Throughout the twentieth century, the university’s life was symbiotic to the history of Tempe and the State of Arizona. This legacy is reflected in the varying styles of architecture located on and around the Tempe campus.

In 2003, Ryden Architects conducted a study of historic preservation policy and procedures on ASU-owned historic properties. The Ryden report states that ASU is in disagreement with the Tempe Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as to the National Register of Historic Places eligibility of over a dozen historic buildings in their possession. Four of the buildings mentioned in the report have already been demolished.

• Charles H. Merritt House, 216 East 7th Street (1927)
• Duplex House, 208-210 East 7th Street (1937)
• First National Bank of Arizona Autobank, 811 S. Mill Avenue (1960). Torn down for a new Business-Arts complex that never materialized. A half dozen or so parking spots occupy the site.
• Valley National Bank building, 826 E. Apache (1962)

With the precedence set for demolition of historic structures that the university does not see as historic, whether lawfully or otherwise, the following properties on or adjacent to the Tempe campus are at risk (National Register properties astericked): Harrington/Birchett House (1895); Industrial Arts/Anthropology Building (1914)*; Matthews Hall (1925)*; Men's Gymnasium (1927); and Matthews Library (1930); B.B. Moeur Activity Building (1939)*; Center for Family Studies (1939); Irish Hall (1940); Lyceum Theater (1940); West Hall (1940); Dixie Gammage Hall (1941); Science/Agriculture Building (1948).

[For more information, contact Joe Nucci, historic preservation officer, City of Tempe, at 480-350-8870 or e-mail. Photo source of West Hall: Vince Murray.]

February 2008 Update:

• "Tempe tops among endangered historic properties," Arizona Republic, September 4, 2007
• “East Valley historic sites are fighting for survival,” East Valley Tribune, September 16, 2007
• "Shop Talk: Science at Colgate and Lehigh, Arizona Preservation," The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 17, 2007

Maple Ash Neighborhood

Tempe's Maple Ash Neighborhood consists of three subdivisions in proximity to Arizona State University. In this area is the largest concentration of historic resources in the city. The Gage Addition, Park Tract, and College View subdivisions are significant as one of the oldest surviving neighborhoods in Tempe. The area is adjacent to downtown Tempe, Arizona State University, and Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, each of which have exerted pressure on the neighborhood at various times in the past.

While the city historic preservation office and a majority of the homeowners in the neighborhood would like to have a historic district zoning overlay placed on the neighborhood, the property is zoned multi-family and many of the owners would prefer to develop their properties. Without some kind of control, local preservation advocates see the historic character of the neighborhood, and with it any potential National Register of Historic Places designation, in jeopardy. According to one homeowner, "In five years, there will be very little left."

[For more information, contact Joe Nucci, historic preservation officer, City of Tempe, at 480-350-8870 or e-mail. Photo source: Durrant Williams.]

September 2007 Update:

• "Tempe tops among endangered historic properties," Arizona Republic, September 4, 2007
• “East Valley historic sites are fighting for survival,” East Valley Tribune, September 16, 2007