The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation awarded Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona (Free Arts) a $2.5 million grant in August 2017 to purchase a new building allowing the nonprofit to double the organization’s physical space, and provide funding for two of its signature programs. Free Arts is pleased to announce they have selected architecture and environmental design firm Studio Ma to design and oversee the renovation of the new building located at 352 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix, which will be named The Bob & Renee Parsons Center for Hope & Healing. Point B, Inc., an integrated management consulting, venture investment and real estate development firm will continue to serve as Free Arts owner’s representative through planning and construction.
The 10,500-square-foot building will be renovated to accommodate onsite programming, staff and volunteer growth and create a community center that can be utilized for training, workshops and events. The goal of the multi-phased project is to transform the building into a highly functional and iconic location on Camelback Road. Studio Ma says construction on the first phase will begin in the summer of 2018 and the entire renovation will be complete by mid to late 2020.
“We’re honored to have been selected as the architect for Free Arts’ new home and humbled by the opportunity to create a place where children who have experienced the trauma of abuse or homelessness can come to be mentored, to feel valued and connected to a community, and learn new artistic skills to positively express themselves as they learn to trust and heal,” said Jason Boyer, AIA, LEED AP, a principal with Studio Ma.
Bob and Renee Parsons have been longtime supporters of Free Arts and, through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, have granted more than $3 million to the organization over the past six years. The organization hopes this gift will inspire others to support Free Arts as they work to raise an additional $700,000 to complete the building renovation campaign. To learn more about the work of Free Arts or how you can get involved, visit freeartsaz.org.
