NOTE: This blog post also appeared on the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce website
In the heart of Phoenix lies an area undergoing a remarkable transformation — a metamorphosis fueled by innovation, education, and healthcare. Recently designated as the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER, this vibrant hub is poised to become a cornerstone of bioscience advancement and medical excellence in the region.
At the nucleus of this burgeoning medical district is Park Central, a historic landmark undergoing a revitalization effort spearheaded by Plaza Companies and Holualoa Companies. Once a premier shopping destination, Park Central is now evolving into a dynamic center for bioscience, education, and research.
The cornerstone of Park Central’s transformation is the Virginia G. Piper Creighton University Health Sciences Campus. With state-of-the-art facilities spanning nearly 200,000 square feet, Creighton University is educating the next generation of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists. This institution serves as a beacon of learning, fostering hands-on experience and innovation within its nine cutting-edge labs.
Nearby Creighton University, Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, in collaboration with Barrow Neurological Institute, expanded its footprint with the introduction of the Barrow Neuroplex. This state-of-the-art facility, complemented by the recently opened Ivy Brain Tumor Center global headquarters and a groundbreaking research laboratory, underscores the commitment to advancing neuroscience and patient care.
As part of the focus on medical innovation in the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUAERTER, Barrow is the inaugural site for the Neuralink PRIME Study because of its expertise in caring for patients with the most complex of neurological conditions. Neuralink was founded by Elon Musk to “create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs in the near term and unlock human potential in the long term,” according to a press release on the initiative. Recently, a Neuralink was able to operate an external device using brain activity, a significant breakthrough for the project.
Additionally, Barrow Neurological Institute has developed an innovative new 10,000-square-foot dry laboratory at Park Central that will further establish Phoenix as a destination center for medical discovery. The new laboratory opens in May 2024.
Park Central is attracting a diverse array of bioscience entities and educational institutions. From the WearTech Applied Research Center to Arizona Diagnostic Radiology, and from the Alliant School of Nursing to DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services, the area is becoming a magnet for innovation and collaboration.
The significance of Park Central within the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER is further accentuated by the City of Phoenix’s ambitious plans for 3rd Avenue. This revitalized corridor, connecting Park Central with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute, will prioritize pedestrian-friendly design, integrating art, shaded walkways, and enhanced accessibility for patients, researchers, and the community at large.
Mayor Kate Gallego describes the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER as an embodiment of Phoenix’s emergence as a leading bioscience market. This designation not only underscores the city’s commitment to healthcare excellence but also heralds a new era of innovation and growth.
The focus on bioscience within Park Central will not only save lives but also create jobs and drive economic revitalization. Indeed, Park Central’s metamorphosis into a vibrant destination aligns perfectly with its vision of fostering innovation and advancing medical education and care.
The PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER represents a beacon of innovation — a region dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the mind and pioneering transformative advancements in healthcare.
As Park Central continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking vision. With its rich tapestry of educational institutions, research facilities, and bioscience enterprises, Park Central is truly the beating heart of the PHOENIX MEDICAL QUARTER.
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