It sounds like the plot of a Rodney Dangerfield movie, but, in a case of life imitating art, Arizona State University has opened an Independent living community for older adults 62+ located on one of the busiest corners of their Tempe, Arizona campus.

In December 2020 the facility, called Mirabella, and billing itself as a “lifelong learning community'' opened its doors to residents eager to experience the collegiate energy of what ASU’s president called “the world’s coolest dorm.” However, the luxurious 20 story high rise is a far cry from the cramped quarters and shared bathrooms many of us remember from our college days. Mirabella residents have access to all the amenities of the ASU campus, living alongside students as part of what they call “intergenerational” living.

Residents receive campus ID cards, have the option to attend classes, score free tickets to ASU Sun Devils athletic events, and enjoy campus facilities including the fitness center and libraries. There’s even a Mirabella discount at the campus bookstore.

Other interesting features of the community include a “musicians in residence” program where students of ASU’s graduate music program put on weekly performances for Mirabella residents in exchange for room and board, and a student mentor program where Mirabella residents can impart their wisdom to a younger generation.

But… the community’s location on a bustling college campus in a noisy city center has caused some headaches (literally.) A group of Mirabella residents sued a nearby music venue to stop them from generating excessive noise with their outdoor concerts. The case is set for a hearing this month. Tempe’s electronic dance music fans (as well as local merchants with earplugs in stock) are surely awaiting the outcome with bated breath.