2021 was a very productive year for Park Central despite the continued obstacles the world faces with the COVID-19 pandemic. For the last few years, Plaza Companies and Holualoa Companies have been transforming this mixed-use development into one of Phoenix’s hubs for technology, innovation, and design.
Read our article below to learn about some of the amazing growth we’ve helped Park Central achieve in 2021.
Park Central Continues to Expand Its Impact on the Arts
In addition to being a hub in technology and innovation, the development is also expanding its footprint in the arts world.
Earlier this year, Park Central was part of the preparation of Violet Protest, a project supported by the Phoenix Art Museum. The Violet Protest is a public effort to send 50 hand-made textile squares to each member of Congress in support of these core American values: Respect for others, citizenship, compromise, country over party and corporate influence, courage, candor, compassion, and creativity.
Additionally, the City of Phoenix has chosen Park Central as the location of a significant new public art mural installation on the 3rd Avenue side of Park Central. The mural, which celebrates the community’s Hispanic heritage, was installed in November by artists Estevan Curiel and Jesus Gallo.
Park Central is already home to two major mural installations, one at the project’s entrance and another on the south side of the Catalina parking structure. It also has a significant sculpture, The Sun Worshipper, on the western portion of the project. The Arts Pavilion located on the inside of the development hosts numerous performances and events and interior spaces are frequently used for galleries and exhibitions.
There’s a New Member on the Security Team, His Name is Parker
If you’ve visited the development in the last 8 months or so, you might have noticed the newest member of the security team – Parker!
Parker is a Knightscope K5 autonomous outdoor security robot that runs 24/7 on its own including autonomously recharging itself without any human intervention. The 398-pound, 5-foot-2 ½ tall machine boasts a maximum speed of 3 miles per hour, but unlike his more famous movie counterpart, this RoboCop is designed for surveillance, not action.
Park Central Has Attracted a Number of Tech Companies
Central Phoenix is having a significant impact on the city and region’s overall efforts to attract tech companies and their employees. In fact, according to the AZ Tech Council, Phoenix has more than 66,450 tech employees within its boundaries — 50,000 more than the next-highest community in the Valley.
Central Avenue in Phoenix has one of the highest concentrations of tech jobs in the region, thanks to the fact that many tech employees prefer a work setting with established nearby neighborhoods and significant amenities. And one of the busiest locations for tech centers is around Park Central in midtown, where several key initiatives are taking place. It has become home to several important tech-related companies that are having an impact on the industry at large.
Creighton University is Open at Park Central
For more than a decade, Creighton University has been an academic mainstay in Phoenix, sending medical students to Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for education and clinical training. Since Creighton began its presence in Phoenix, a growing number of Creighton-educated physicians have stayed in Arizona for their residency programs. Creighton also has a large network of health sciences alumni throughout the state.
In October 2021, Creighton University opened the doors of the Creighton University Virginia G. Piper Health Sciences Building to students, professors, and staff to begin a new exciting journey in educating future health professionals. The 185,000 square-foot building features cutting-edge technology, equipment, and spaces that emphasize opportunities for students to learn, grow, and transform health care.
Plaza Companies is Proud of Park Central’s Success. Let Us Help Find Yours!
We’re proud of the work we have accomplished at Park Central and look forward to another year of growth and success. As one of the top Phoenix development, leasing and property management companies, Plaza Companies has partnered with a diverse range of clients. Contact us today to learn more about our services.