Valley Art Theater
Category: Historical Properties
Address
509 S Mill Ave View on Google Maps
Tempe, AZ 85281
Details
YEAR BUILT: 1938
Harkins Theaters are a common sight in The Valley these days. But what some may not know is that the popular theater chain got its start in what would become Downtown Tempe. Valley Art Theatre, formerly College Theatre, was not the first venture for Dwight "Red" Harkins, but it certainly is his longest sustaining.
This building is particularly notable due to its unique, Depression-era characteristics. It is one of the last remaining single-screen theaters in Arizona, has a free standing ticket booth, and wood frame movie poster cases. Significant renovations include the demolition of the southern retail space, leaving the theater and northern retail space availabe.
Valley Art Theater still operates as a movie theater, with Mr. Mesquite Taqueria attached in the retail space.

Nearby Dining
- Varsity Tavern501 S Mill Ave (26 feet SE)
- Mesquite Fresh Street Mex505 S Mill Ave (60 feet S)
- The Lunchbox on Mill425 S Mill (86 feet NW)
- Cornish Pasty Co.425 S Mill Avenue (149 feet N)
Nearby Shopping
- Habitz Grab N Go425 S Mill Ave (108 feet NE)
- Lotions & Potions420 S Mill Ave (175 feet NW)
- Cactus Sports514 S Mill Ave (185 feet SW)
- Thirsty Dog 2 Go15 W 5th St (201 feet W)
Nearby Culture & Entertainment
- Harkins Valley Art Theater509 S Mill Ave (44 feet S)
- United Escapes of America Tempe414 S Mill Ave (326 feet NW)
- Sunbar Tempe24 W. 5th Street (368 feet NW)
- Ragsdale - MLK Park24 E 6th St (441 feet SE)
Nearby Parking
- On-Street Meters (68 feet NW)
- City Hall West Lot 5th St @ Mill (170 feet E)
- Maple Avenue Lot20 W 6th Street (412 feet SW)
- The Brickyard Parking Garage 6th St 6th St @ Mill (444 feet SE)