Exploring Arizona State University Tempe's Zip Code and Its Significance
Arizona State University (ASU), a public coeducational comprehensive university founded in 1885 and gaining university status in 1958, operates under the dedicated ZIP code 85287 in Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona. This article delves into the details of this unique postal designation and its connection to the university and the city of Tempe.
Historical Context of Tempe
Before diving into the specifics of the ZIP code, understanding Tempe's history provides valuable context. The Hohokam people inhabited the area, constructing canals to facilitate their agricultural practices. In 1865, Fort McDowell was established approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of present downtown Tempe on the upper Salt River, which spurred the development of new towns further down the Salt River. US military service members and Hispanic workers were hired to grow food and animal feed to supply the fort. Less than a year later, they established small camps near the river, marking the first permanent communities in the Valley since the decline of the Hohokam. Phoenix was settled shortly afterward, by 1867-68. These settlements, 'Hayden's Ferry' (named after a ferry service operated by Charles T. Hayden) and 'San Pablo', were located west and east of Hayden Butte, respectively. The ferry became the key river crossing in the area.
The Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad, built in 1887, crossed the Salt River at Tempe, connecting the town to the nation's growing transportation system. The Tempe Land and Improvement Company was formed to sell lots in the booming town, and Tempe became an economic hub for the surrounding agricultural area. The completion of Roosevelt Dam in 1911 ensured sufficient water for the growing needs of Valley farmers. Former President Theodore Roosevelt, on his way to dedicate the dam, praised the accomplishments of the people of central Arizona and predicted that their towns would become prosperous cities in the future.
Tempe's Geography and Demographics
Tempe is an inner suburb, situated between Phoenix and the East Valley. This location, coupled with being the home of ASU's main campus, contributes to Tempe's dense, urbanized development, especially near the Valley Metro Line. According to the United States Census Bureau, the landlocked city has a total area of 40.2 square miles (104 km2), of which 40.1 square miles (104 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) is water. The total area is 0.32% water, including Tempe Town Lake. Tempe is generally flat, except for Tempe Butte (A-Mountain), Twin Buttes, Bell Butte, and the buttes within Papago Park.
As of the 2010 census, Tempe had a population of 161,719 people, residing in 63,602 households, and 33,645 families. The population density was 3,959.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,528.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 77.5% White, 5.9% Black or African American, 2.9% Native American, 5.7% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 8.5% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races.
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Understanding the ZIP Code: 85287
The exclusive postal designation 85287 serves ASU's Tempe campus, the university's original and largest location. Located in Downtown Tempe approximately eight miles east of Phoenix, the 642-acre Tempe campus offers nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Notable landmarks include the iconic Palm Walk, Old Main (the oldest original building), the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed ASU Gammage performing arts venue, and Mountain America Stadium. Postal records show 39 ZIP+4 delivery codes and approximately 510 employees within this designation.
What is a ZIP+4 Code?
The ZIP+4 code is an enhanced version of the basic five-digit ZIP code. It consists of the original five digits, followed by a hyphen and four additional digits. These additional digits identify a geographic segment within the five-digit delivery area, such as a specific building, a group of apartments, or even one side of a street.
Decoding 85287-0002
For example, 85287-0002 is a ZIP Code 5 Plus 4 number of 1 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, TEMPE, AZ, USA. The first five digits (85287) direct the mail to the Tempe Post Office, while the last four digits (0002) pinpoint a specific location within ASU.
Arizona State University: A Hub of Education and Culture
Arizona State University offers a range of graduate and undergraduate programs at degree and diploma levels. The university serves more than 60,000 students from over 100 counties. ASU provides instruction in law, journalism, teacher education, and engineering. ASU also conducts classes in liberal arts, business, and technology. The university provides various athletic opportunities, as well as operates several libraries that maintain a collection of journals, research databases, articles, books and DVDs. The university additionally offers online educational programs. Arizona State University is comprised of School of Sustainability and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
ASU's Economic and Cultural Impact on Tempe
Tempe's economy is diverse, with headquarters of several major companies located in the city. Tempe is the headquarters and executive office of one Fortune 500 company: DriveTime. Benchmark Electronics, Carvana, GoDaddy, NortonLifeLock, First Solar, the Salt River Project, Circle K, and Fulton Homes are also headquartered in Tempe. Cold Stone Creamery was originally headquartered in Tempe, and location #0001 is still in operation today at 3330 S McClintock Drive in Tempe.
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ASU plays a significant role in Tempe's cultural landscape. Tempe was the longtime host of the Fiesta Bowl (1971-2006), where it hosted multiple national championship college football games. Tempe Town Lake is home to many national and international events, such as Ironman Arizona and Rock n Roll Marathon. Gammage Auditorium was also the site of one of the three Presidential debates in 2004, and Super Bowl XXX was played at Sun Devil Stadium. Mill Avenue, located just west of Hayden Butte, is a shopping and entertainment area in the city popular with pedestrians and students. Opened in September 2007, Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) is a community crown jewel for performing and visual arts. Tempe enjoyed a thriving alternative music scene throughout the 1980s and 1990s, producing acts including as the Gin Blossoms, Meat Puppets, Dead Hot Workshop, The Refreshments, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, Hans Olson, The Maine, and Injury Reserve. The Tempe Music Walk honors select bands, musicians, and musical venues with plaques embedded in the sidewalk on Mill Avenue.
Transportation and Accessibility
Tempe is well-connected in terms of transportation. Freeways form the major transportation system for the Valley. Valley Metro operates bus routes and the Valley Metro Rail system that serves Downtown Tempe and Arizona State University, providing service to Phoenix and Mesa. The City of Tempe operates a free neighborhood circulator service called Orbit involving five free shuttle routes near Arizona State University that operate on a regular basis seven days a week. Three other FLASH (Free Local Area Shuttle) circulate in northern Tempe around the university.
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