Jeff Spellman

The former Kmart at the northwest corner of Interstate 17 and Northern avenue in Phoenix.

Plans are underway to transform an old Kmart store into a workforce training and education center. On Monday, the Phoenix City Council approved a $4 million contract with Gensler and Associates to provide architectural services. 

“I just can’t wait to see all of the students, all of the parents, everyone that will be coming into this building and getting a great education, finding a new career and a new path for them,” said Councilwoman Betty Guardado, whose district includes the project called Innovation 27.

The center will be built on the northwest corner of Interstate 17 and Northern Avenue. Phoenix used federal funds to buy the former big box and hire an architectural firm.

In April 2022, the council approved the Innovation 27 concept and planned to work with the Maricopa County Community College District, Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) and Arizona State University. Guardado expects the project to provide career alternatives.

Phoenix said its government partners will invest between $4 million and $6 million and the improvements will become part of the building owned by the city. The goal is to have the city’s partners assume ongoing operations and maintenance.

KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.