College (Valley Art) Theater
Category: Historical Properties
Address
505-509 S Mill Ave View on Google Maps
Tempe, AZ 85281
Details
YEAR BUILT: 1938
The College (Valley Art) Theatre was constructed in 1938 by Dwight "Red" Harkins. This was Harkins' third theater in Tempe. He opened his first theater, the State Theater, in 1933 on Fifth Street. In 1934 Harkins started an outdoor theater in Tempe Beach Park, which operated for one summer only. The College Theater was a successful expansion of Harkins' theater operations in 1938. Later, Harkins and his son, Dan Harkins, expanded their theater operations across the Salt River Valley. The building is importantly associated with Depression-era business in Tempe. Entertainment was one of the few areas that were economically successful during the Depression.
This building is significant as the only Depression-era theater constructed in Tempe. Virtually intact, it provides a positive contribution to the historic character of the streetscape along Mill Avenue. Character-defining elements include the wood frame movie poster cases and freestanding ticket booth. Due to its historic significance and high degree of integrity, it would be considered individually eligible to the National Register.
At the turn of the century Dan Harkins undertook an historically sensitive restoration of the theatre to honor his father’s life work thereby cementing his legacy in time and history. The theatre historically representative of the late depression era remains as “Red’s” living monument. Modifications to the screen size and location were carefully considered so as to maintain the historic accuracy of the auditorium and the period theater-going experience. The restored theater showcases original features including wall sconces and paneling and maintains original circulation and layout configurations. Overall attention to detail and respect for historic integrity created a meaningful restoration of this very significant theatre.

Nearby Dining
- Varsity Tavern501 S Mill Ave (43 feet SE)
- The Lunchbox on Mill425 S Mill (75 feet NW)
- Mesquite Fresh Street Mex505 S Mill Ave (78 feet S)
- Cornish Pasty Co.425 S Mill Avenue (131 feet N)
Nearby Shopping
- Habitz Grab N Go425 S Mill Ave (91 feet NE)
- Lotions & Potions420 S Mill Ave (163 feet NW)
- Henna Shoppe411 S Mill Ave (187 feet N)
- Cactus Sports514 S Mill Ave (199 feet SW)
Nearby Culture & Entertainment
- Harkins Valley Art Theater509 S Mill Ave (62 feet S)
- United Escapes of America Tempe414 S Mill Ave (312 feet NW)
- Sunbar Tempe24 W. 5th Street (360 feet NW)
- Ragsdale - MLK Park24 E 6th St (454 feet SE)
Nearby Parking
- On-Street Meters (62 feet W)
- City Hall West Lot 5th St @ Mill (169 feet E)
- Maple Avenue Lot20 W 6th Street (423 feet SW)
- The Brickyard Parking Garage 6th St 6th St @ Mill (461 feet SE)