Ah, A-Mountain. Or, Tempe Butte as it is technically named.
Either way, students can see the giant A atop the butte from almost anywhere on campus and as they drive into Tempe.
Gazing upon the gigantic, bright yellow A isn't just a sign that you're in a college town - it instills a sort of pride in all of the students who really give a damn about this university.
But the students' view of this landmark is threatened by a potential 30-story hotel tower, a 23-story condominium tower and a 12-story office tower.
University Square - a 1.5 million square foot multi-use facility - could potentially be built along University Drive between Forest and Myrtle (see story "Hotel, condo could appear on University").
Tempe's redevelopment review commission approved two building permits that would allow construction to begin on the project at a public hearing last week.
To our shock here at The State Press, not a single student voiced an opinion at this meeting.
Now we know students haven't always had the best track record when it comes to being involved in Tempe City Council meetings. We also recognize that it's the middle of summer, and if by chance you're still in town, you must be much too busy relaxing to tend to City Council events.
But this is an issue that should be important to students - the A is a part of our history as Sun Devils. Even if we don't really care about it, we should respect its importance to ASU and its traditions.
Luckily, the Tempe City Council must also approve the permits before construction on University Square can begin.
That means there will be more opportunities for students to come out and voice their opinions over what this new complex might mean for A-Mountain.
Though we appreciate the people and the business this complex would bring to Tempe, we still believe it is our job as ASU students to protect the A atop the mountain. And not just from UA students who threaten to paint over it before a football game, but from anyone who attempts to cover it with a high-rise condominium tower, too.
We're not saying every ASU student has to chain him or herself to the butte in protest.
We're just saying we need to show a little bit of pride in our university by voicing our opinions when our landmarks are threatened.
