Mill ave in downtown Tempe (Phoenix, Scottsdale: 2009, lease, condos)

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

Parking isn't really an issue for downtown areas even if one must pay. Pedestrian traffic is increasing and the light rail makes it more convenient to get to such locations. I think the economy actually might be Mills saving grace when all is said and done. It will force Mill to revert to a more unique experience as it once was before the clone stores moved in like Abercrombie, Z Gallery, etc. When people explore downtown areas they expect to see unique shops that for the most part can't be had anywhere else but in those locales. This will help Tempe in the long run.

No joke there!

I remember Mill Ave from the early 1990's-----------it was a neat place.

As for the Tempe Marketplace; I was shocked at how well it has done............nary a vacancy since it opened two years ago--------and, said empty storefronts are rented out again quite quickly.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

And that is the point. The crowd that wants chain stores and lots of parking was by definition going to be happier with a suburban power center. The idea of turning out its unique campus-oriented offerings in favor of such stuff was a poor one. Mill Avenue shot itself in the foot.

Bingo!

[KarmaPhx]

I used to go to Mill a lot when I turned 21, I was your typical college guy drinking every weekend, I grew out of it, mainly due to outrageous price of drinks. I rarely drink anymore, and if I do I would rather go to a plae like Yardhouse, get a good draft beer, some good food, and watch a game or two.

[Bungle]

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

Oh man I loved Harkins Centerpointe! That was the one on Mill. I heard it was closed because they opened the new Harkins at the Tempe Marketplace and therefore the need for Centerpointe, which was aging, was gone. Hopefully when the economy rebounds and Mill fully takes on its new life a competitor like Cinemark or AMC will open along Mill. But like the Cine Capri, it would take on a whole new identity compared to what once was.

The former Harkins Centerpointe is now MADCAP Theaters. They show a lot of indy flics as well as sci-fi and horror. Also have poetry slams and live jazz bands. I find it a refreshing change from your typical mall movie theater and hope it never changes back.

Check it out...
MadCap Theaters

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

And that is the point. The crowd that wants chain stores and lots of parking was by definition going to be happier with a suburban power center. The idea of turning out its unique campus-oriented offerings in favor of such stuff was a poor one. Mill Avenue shot itself in the foot.

Exactly right. The moment that Tempe Marketplace opened, it siphoned off the chain shoppers, who generally want free parking and zero chance of running into a panhandler. Mill's best hope is to do what it can to incumbate small business and regain its indie cred.

[LocoAZnative]

Also dont forget a lot of the vacant storefronts are at centerpoint which was suppose to be redone when the towers opened so they didnt renew a lot of the leases there. Plus Tempe Marketplace took Rudy Tuesdays, Borders, Harkins, and some of the clothing stores. A lot of the action is towards 5th St to the Town Lake. Centerpoint is pretty much dead now. I was on Mill on a Sunday a couple weeks ago and it was booming still.

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by Bungle

The former Harkins Centerpointe is now MADCAP Theaters. They show a lot of indy flics as well as sci-fi and horror. Also have poetry slams and live jazz bands. I find it a refreshing change from your typical mall movie theater and hope it never changes back.

Check it out...
MadCap Theaters

Very cool, I haven't been and probably will go very rarely, BUT "traditional" movie theaters tend to attract a larger crowd and isn't a bad investment. However, I don't think a new movie theater will take over Centerpointe, but will open in a new location near Mill.

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by LocoAZnative

Also dont forget a lot of the vacant storefronts are at centerpoint which was suppose to be redone when the towers opened so they didnt renew a lot of the leases there. Plus Tempe Marketplace took Rudy Tuesdays, Borders, Harkins, and some of the clothing stores. A lot of the action is towards 5th St to the Town Lake. Centerpoint is pretty much dead now. I was on Mill on a Sunday a couple weeks ago and it was booming still.

They have Barnes and Noble in Tempe Marketplace but the point is Borders is an on-campus bookstore that students can study at. It is within walking distance of the dorms. How does that close???

I don't think chains are bad but they should have unique and trendy chains that college students would shop at. A lot of ASU students are wealthy and drive to Fashion Square and Chandler Mall. I would say 15% of Chandler Mall consists of ASU students at any given time. I shop there and it's easy to see the ASU students. For example, in Harvard Square, they have a lot of trendy stores that students shop at. They have a Diesel store and a 7 Jeans store. Those would do well on Mill Avenue. Those types of chain stores are not typically found in your suburban mall.

Other suprising things are a lack of a late night pizza place. You would think Mill would have a pizza by the slice place that is open until 3 AM. Where are those little eateries that drunken and debaucherous students flock to like "Flash Taco" in Chicago. Where is the Gyro/Fallafel drunken eatery. LOL

[silverbear]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

Other suprising things are a lack of a late night pizza place. You would think Mill would have a pizza by the slice place that is open until 3 AM. Where are those little eateries that drunken and debaucherous students flock to like "Flash Taco" in Chicago. Where is the Gyro/Fallafel drunken eatery. LOL

Slices on 6th St -- just half a block off Mill -- is open until 3 AM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as is its neighbor, the Munchies. Mill is one of the best places in the Phoenix Metro Area for late night eats.

[fcorrales80]

I think Borders closed because it really isn't an "on-campus" bookstore but a retail chain that suffered from the national recession. When I was in school and later at ASU for my MBA I didn't know anyone who went to Borders to study. We usually went to Hayden, another library, the business building, etc. Besides just going to Borders to study isn't really making the store money.

I agree with the stores you propose for Mill; just like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. Those aren't found in typical suburban malls but in places like Mill and CityScape.