City of Phoenix leaders, community members and partners celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking of Innovation 27 on May 7. The event marked the official launch of this dynamic initiative, which will serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development and workforce readiness in one of the City’s most vital growth corridors.
The 15-acre site will feature a mix of high-tech industrial space, job training facilities and amenities designed with community benefit in mind. Innovation 27 will serve as a launching pad for next-generation industry, offering cutting-edge space for businesses, education and training programs, and green infrastructure. The project will prioritize spaces with sustainability features and educational value, reinforcing Phoenix’s commitment to resilience and equitable development.
“Phoenix leads with intention in growing smart, sustainably, and with a focus on high-wage, innovation economy jobs that create opportunity for all,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Innovation 27 brings together collaboration across academia to meet the skills demand created by attracting and growing advanced technology and science companies throughout our city. For our residents, it presents access to meaningful career paths and pay that will support a family and lead to a vibrant community.”
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Once renovated, a currently vacant building at the northwest corner of Interstate 17 and Northern Ave., formerly a Kmart, will serve as the Innovation 27 facility.
Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien, Chair of the City Council Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee, underscored the citywide significance of the project: “Innovation 27 represents the future of Phoenix’s economic growth strategy. It’s about advancing high-quality job creation and creating development that turns vision into impact for our economy and our residents.”
District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado, who represents the area in which Innovation 27 is located, highlighted the impact for local families: “Innovation 27 is exactly the kind of investment west Phoenix deserves. It brings together good jobs, education, and community-driven design in a way that uplifts our residents and creates lasting opportunity for working families. I’m proud to see this project take root in our district.”
Christine Mackay, Director of the Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department, emphasized the long-term vision of the initiative, stating: “This is about more than breaking ground on a site – it’s about building lasting opportunity. Innovation 27 creates a pipeline for new industries and new talent, with the infrastructure and support to keep Phoenix on the leading edge.”
Representatives from Gensler, the architecture firm designing the renovation, CHASSE Building Team, which will manage construction of the facility, along with academic partners from ARIZONA@WORK, City of Phoenix, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Maricopa County Community Colleges, and Washington Elementary School District also participated in the groundbreaking celebration.
