Park Central Hotel Project Opens, Hospitality Training Program to Launch
The Phoenix IDA team recently attended the grand opening of Park Central’s newest hotels — Home2 Suites | Tru by Hilton Phoenix Midtown in the Phoenix Medical Quarter! After nearly two years in the making, Plaza Companies, Holualoa Companies and Fayth Hospitality Group hosted a grand opening celebration for the 207-room, dual-branded hotel project on Nov. 12. Both the Phoenix IDA and the Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corp. (PCDIC) contributed loans to help bring this exciting project to life.
Following the grand opening, an innovative eight-week program dubbed the Park Central Hospitality Training Program will provide students from nearby Grand Canyon University with hands-on experience in everything from guest service to community engagement. Participants will gain real-world skills, work experience and job placement assistance – all while contributing to Phoenix’s thriving hospitality sector.
Additionally, during the construction phase of the project, South Mountain Community College students interested in careers in construction were mentored by general contractor Layton Construction and the City of Phoenix as part of another innovative workforce development program.
Glendale Apartments to Offer Affordable Housing to Seniors, Veterans
The Phoenix IDA recently assisted developers The Richman Group Development Corp. and their partner Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing with bond financing in support of the Glendale Apartments, a new affordable housing community for low- to moderate-income senior tenants (ages 55 and older).
The project will include a total of 45 rental units comprising 600-square-foot, one-bedroom/one-bathroom and 800-square-foot, two-bedroom/two-bathroom units.
At least 11 of 20 subsidized units will be reserved for U.S. military veterans. Project amenities include a community center, fitness room, common laundry room and mailroom, and a courtyard.
The development, located near Glendale and 27th avenues in Phoenix, expects to break ground over the next 90 days.
We are proud to be a part of a project that serves our seniors and U.S. military veterans, and brings more affordable housing units to Phoenix.
Outgoing Board President Thankful for Saying Yes
For Bruce Mosby, the outgoing president of the Phoenix IDA Board of Directors, his professional journey in Phoenix started by saying yes whenever he was asked to help or lead in the community.
“When I was putting down roots here back in the late ’90s, I was fortunate to be mentored by then-CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Valerie Manning. I made a decision that I would say yes to everything I was asked to help with from serving on boards to panels and more. I knew it was important to get involved.”
Saying yes has led to fostering numerous valuable relationships over the years with fellow directors on the Phoenix IDA Board, where he has served for the past 11 years including the past three years as president, and with members of the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board where he served from 2001-2010 with stints as chairman.
“The Phoenix IDA does really good things in the community for people who need it,” Mosby said. “Whether it’s affordable housing, healthcare, education or projects that bring jobs to our community, Juan and his team are extraordinarily good at what they do.”
Today, Mosby fills his time paying attention to the business of the airport. In 2013, he founded Mosby and Company Inc., a license partner of Peet’s Coffee & Tea locations in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which now rank in the top 5% of Peet’s franchises in the country.
“I take care of my business and take care of the people in the business. That’s been my great joy – building relationships and treating people the way I would want to be treated,” Mosby said.
He also enjoys giving back to others seeking professional mentorship in Phoenix and in Denver, where he spends his summers. In his spare time, Mosby and his wife support Arizona Small Dog Rescue. They are the proud owners of five rescue dogs and one cat.
Phoenix IDA-Sponsored Health and Wellness Programs Benefit
Title I Teachers, Students
The Phoenix IDA is providing administrative oversight for a collaborative partnership with WHEN® Enterprises Corp. and Aliento to address the critical mental healthcare needs of educators, staff and students.
WHEN is working to reach thousands of educators in the Phoenix Union High School District and other local Title I schools thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Power of WHEN® program provides one-on-one guidance, practical wellness knowledge and well-being self-assessment activities to help participants reduce stress, enhance productivity and achieve work-life balance. Following its first full year of operation, 98% of responding participants reported achieving their primary personal and professional wellness goals. Nearly 1,400 educators and staff have registered for the Power of WHEN program to date.
Aliento delivers trauma-informed arts and healing workshops to engage Title I students in individual reflection, group discussion and art creation with the goal of decreasing stress and anxiety. Over the past year, Aliento delivered more than 45 workshops across 14 classrooms in four high schools within the Phoenix Union High School District and the Mesa Unified School District, reaching more than 1,000 students. Participants reported that 80% maintained or reduced levels of anxiety and stress, and more than 70% reported maintained or increased resilience.
Both programs will continue to be available through May 2025. For more information, reach out to info@FindYourWHEN.com or isalinas@alientoaz.org.
