Mary Rose Wilcox Center for Health Care and Innovation breaks ground in downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX — The new Mary Rose Wilcox Center for Health Care and Innovation broke ground in downtown Phoenix on Friday.

Dozens of local students, residents, community leaders and elected officials came together for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The new center helps to expand access to medical services for low-income patients and families.

The project is reportedly a partnership between the non-profit organizations Wesley Community & Health Centers and Friendly House.

“Healthcare is one of the most urgent needs in underserved communities today, particularly in Central and South Phoenix,” said Mary Rose Wilcox, the longtime civic leader and former Maricopa County Supervisor for whom the health center is named. “At a time of growing need, the new healthcare center in the Grant Park neighborhood will benefit thousands of families for generations to come. I am both honored and grateful to be a part of this important project.” 

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also spoke about the groundbreaking ceremony.

“I applaud Wesley for stepping up to train the next generation of health care professionals and deliver comprehensive care to some of the most vulnerable people in our state with the new Mary Rose Wilcox Center – appropriately named for someone who has dedicated her life to lifting up vulnerable Arizonans. Through collaboration and partnership, we can ensure Arizonans have access to the care they need to stay healthy and thrive,” Gov. Hobbs said.

When the center is completed, it will reportedly be 40,000 square feet and comprise a full suite of medical services, which includes primary care exam rooms, specialty and behavioral care, imaging, a retail pharmacy and more.

The health center will replace an existing Wesley-run facility. It will also be located along the Central Phoenix light rail line.

”The Mary Rose Wilcox Center for Health Care and Innovation is the latest chapter in Wesley Community & Health Centers’ 75 years in service to our community,” said Wesley CEO Blaine Bandi. “This new facility will serve as a southern gateway into downtown Phoenix. It will catalyze the synergies of two premier non-profit agencies, downtown universities and businesses, the light rail expansion and a vibrant community. It will also greatly expand our patient capacity, the services available to the community and the learning opportunities for the next generation of health care healers. We are grateful to Friendly House and all of our partners who have made this project possible.”

The center is expected to open in fall 2026.

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