Real estate entrepreneur and Valley philanthropist Michael Pollack of Pollack Investments has transformed hundreds of shopping centers, totaling more than 10-million square-feet of space, but never in his 40+ years of rehabbing centers has Pollack made this dramatic of a transformation until now.
Pollack unveiled his rehabilitated shopping center at Gilbert and Ray Roads in Gilbert, alongside Cardinals’ quarterback Carson Palmer, who has spent the last six months rehabbing a torn ACL. Together Pollack and Palmer shared their two inspirational rehabilitation stories of 2015.
“For me this was the biggest architectural challenge of my career,” said Pollack. “We took something that was out of date and ugly, and refigured it to look like an old Hollywood western town. Just like Carson Palmer’s rehabbed knee will give fans something to cheer about this season, I’m confident this new refreshed center at Ray and Gilbert will keep the community happy for years to come.”
Gilbert Mayor John Lewis presented Pollack with a special recognition award, and Pollack presented a contribution to the Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge. The non-profit, which rehabilitates animals and horses across the Valley.
While Palmer might not be an expert in the area of renovation, the Cardinals’ QB can sympathize about the time it takes to rehabilitate something of significance.
“This guy definitely deserves the credit. Michael’s center may have actually been a bigger undertaking than my knee,” joked Palmer. “But in all seriousness, I have spent a good six months working with my doctors and physical therapists and I’m happy to report I am getting close to being in possibly the best shape of my career. Just looking forward to getting back on the field and having a great season.”
Palmer, who now calls the Valley home for much of the year, is very supportive of civic improvements and the local industry.
Pollack even found a special place to incorporate the fiberglass horse that he saved from the ugly 12,500-square-foot strip mall after he purchased it in 2013. During the press conference Pollack, alongside Palmer will use a crane to unveil the horse and its new Western setting.
“I can remember looking at that horse when I first rolled into town 22 years ago,” said Pollack. “It is a great feeling to know we not only saved the center, but today can find a new special home for the fiberglass horse and give some needed dollars back to an organization that rehabilitates real living and breathing horses right here in our own community.”
