The Arizona HEAT Center, short for Hub for Economic Advancement and Talent, is set to open in Phoenix’s Gateway District in early 2026, creating a new hub for workforce development and nonprofit collaboration. The center will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony later in the quarter.
Arizona HEAT Center Coming to 1.55-Acre Opportunity Zone Near Sky Harbor
The Arizona HEAT Center, located at 1 S. 24th St., spans 1.55 acres and is positioned near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The 5,534-square-foot midcentury modern building was designed by architect Kenneth Oberg.
The center can accommodate about 60 nonprofit organizations and will offer fair rent along with shared resources like front desk services and event space. The center will use an employer-driven model, where companies share their workforce needs and work with training cohorts to match talent to available jobs.
The approach will showcase skills and connect workers with available jobs. Job placement and retention will be tracked to ensure results meet employer needs.
Diverse Development Team Backs Arizona HEAT Center
One South 24th Street Development Group LLC is leading the Arizona HEAT Center project. It consists of many firms, including JMS Capital, led by James Shough, an Arizona-based strategy firm, AP & Associates LLC, led by national strategist Alan “AP” Powell, and RA Global Holdings, led by Reberta Abdallah.
Also a Gulf War veteran, Powell has worked in several industries like entertainment, venture capital, Fortune 500 companies and a partnership-driven approach to real estate development. “Real estate is a powerful driver of economic growth, but the real impact comes from how spaces are used,” said Powell.
“Arizona HEAT Center was intentionally designed to bring employers, talent, and community organizations into the same ecosystem. By aligning training with real-world workforce needs and supporting organizations with shared infrastructure, we are creating outcomes that benefit both people and the businesses that hire them,” Powell added.
“This project is about using real estate as a tool for opportunity,” said Reberta Abdallah, owner of RA Global Holdings. “By investing in a shared campus model, we are helping organizations focus their resources on serving people, growing talent, and strengthening the local economy rather than operating in silos,” Abdallah noted.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Lawrence Robinson of Rte 119 LLC has developed the business model for the Arizona HEAT Center. The branding and marketing assets have been created by Golden Rule LLC, led by Heath McCarter.
Arizona HEAT Center will be used as a shared campus for startup founders, education partners, civic stakeholders, and technology employers, helping better connect sectors that typically operate separately.
Some of the confirmed tenants are HeroZona Foundation, Four Angels Foundation, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s community outreach initiatives. In a shared space and employment-driven training, Arizona HEAT Center is set to create measurable outcomes for workers and organizations.
