By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The Phoenix City Council approved a measure Wednesday to allocate $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to acquire a long-vacant former Kmart building.
The city is moving ahead with the purchase of the building at 2526 W. Northern Avenue from the Saia Family LP.
Phoenix wants to transform the empty retail space into an education and workforce training innovation center.
The aim is to bring some economic vitality to an area near Interstate 17 and 27th Avenue that struggles with crime, prostitution, seedy motels and blight.
The city could also allocate $6.5 million in ARPA COVID relief money to renovate the building.
Phoenix is also leasing an adjacent property as part of the economic development and workforce effort for no more than $234,000 annually, according to city documents.
The council approved the effort at its April 20 meeting.
Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona State University and other educational partners are also slated to be part of the effort and could contribute as much as $6 million to the redevelopment and innovation efforts.
