City of Phoenix

A group of precast concrete parasols grace the front and drive-through areas of the former First National Bank of Arizona branch in Phoenix.

A former First National Bank of Arizona branch could become a coworking space for local nonprofit groups. The property on 24th Street between Jefferson and Washington streets was designed by Kenneth Oberg and built in 1966 to house a First National Bank of Arizona branch.

Phoenix bought it in 2000 and the Aviation Department used it for about eight years before the city listed it for sale this year. On Tuesday, Courtney Carter with Phoenix’s economic development department told a city subcommittee that staff recommends a proposal for the Arizona Impact Center.  

“It’s very community focused, heavy on making this property available to a cohort of nonprofits who otherwise could not afford their own brick and mortar locations,” he said. 

Mark Brodie/KJZZ

The First National Bank of Arizona building on 24th Street, between Washington and Jefferson.

If the full council approves the $480,000 sale, groups like the Black Chamber of Arizona, 100 Black Men of Phoenix and the Herozona Foundation, are expected to use the space. 

Due to a fire, the building requires more than a million dollars in work but the exterior, including concrete parasols and other historic architectural details will stay intact. 

The group behind the proposal is called One South 24th Street Development Group, which includes Alan “AP” Powell as chairman and Aaron Bare as president. 

Property highlights:

• 1.55 acres
• 5,460-square-foot main building
• Current zoning is general commercial and light industrial
• Eligible for historic preservation designation