The Brutalist Rebirth: 5 Shocking Secrets Inside 2828 N Central Ave, Phoenix's Most Unique Tower
Step inside one of Midtown Phoenix's most historically significant and dramatically transformed buildings. The 14-story tower at 2828 N Central Ave, located on the southwest corner of Central Avenue and Thomas Road, has undergone a complete metamorphosis from a classic Brutalist-style office building into a state-of-the-art corporate and event hub. As of late 2025, this address is no longer just a business location; it is a vibrant center of commerce, art, and community, housing a diverse ecosystem of tenants from economic development powerhouses to a local, women-owned café.
The building’s recent acquisition and subsequent multi-million-dollar renovation by the workspace giant Expansive has cemented its status as a key player in the revitalization of the Central Corridor. From its unique architectural heritage to a massive art installation and a brand-new, multi-level event venue, 2828 N Central Ave is a must-know landmark for anyone tracking Phoenix's commercial real estate and cultural landscape.
The Dramatic Transformation of a Phoenix Landmark
The history of 2828 N Central Ave is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Midtown Phoenix corridor. Before its current incarnation as a modern, flexible workspace, the building was a classic example of a distinct and often polarizing architectural style. Its story involves multiple ownership changes and a significant shift in purpose, reflecting the broader economic trends of the city.
- Location: Southwest corner of Central Avenue and Thomas Road, Midtown Phoenix.
- Building Type: 14-story office tower.
- Architectural Style: Recognized as one of the few remaining examples of Brutalist architecture in Phoenix, characterized by its exposed concrete and massive, geometric forms.
- Previous Ownership: The property was previously owned by Phoenix-based Ironline Partners, which sold the ±104,016 square foot tower to Granite Investment Group of Irvine, CA, for $9.8 million.
- Current Operator/Owner: The building is now operated by Expansive (formerly Novel Coworking), which acquired the property and invested heavily in a comprehensive renovation to convert it into a modern, flexible office and coworking space.
- Key Features: The building features 14 levels of workspace, with individual balconies on every floor offering panoramic high-rise views of the city.
Secret #1: The Brutalist Beauty & The 53-Foot Mural
The tower at 2828 N Central Ave is a significant piece of Phoenix’s architectural heritage. It stands out as one of the few examples of Brutalist architecture in the metro area, a style that emerged in the mid-20th century and is known for its raw, unadorned concrete surfaces and functional aesthetic. This unique design choice sets the building apart from the sleek glass towers that dominate much of the modern skyline, giving it a distinctive, imposing presence on Central Avenue.
However, the most visually arresting feature of the building is its stunning, large-scale public art installation. The lobby and ground floor are home to a massive 53-foot mural titled "Generations." This vibrant work was created by the renowned Berlin-based artist duo JBAK (James Bullough and Addison Karl). The mural provides a powerful, colorful contrast to the building's concrete exterior, symbolizing the blend of historic structure and modern, creative energy that defines the space. The inclusion of such a major piece of art transforms the building from a simple office block into a cultural landmark along the Light Rail corridor.
Secret #2: The Oasis at 2828—A Premier Event Venue
In a major development that significantly expands the building’s utility, Expansive introduced a premier event space known as "The Oasis at 2828." This multi-level venue spans an impressive 10,000 square feet on the ground floor, making it one of the most substantial new event spaces in Midtown Phoenix.
The venue is designed to be a flexible, state-of-the-art location for a wide range of functions, including corporate meetings, large conferences, galas, and private social events. The introduction of The Oasis at 2828 not only provides a high-end amenity for the building's tenants but also establishes the tower as a key destination for professional and social gatherings in the city. This move is a strategic part of the building's redevelopment, positioning it as a dynamic, mixed-use hub rather than a traditional, single-purpose office tower.
Secret #3: The Economic Development Power Hub
Beyond its striking architecture and new event space, 2828 N Central Ave serves as a critical nexus for Arizona’s economic and real estate industries. The building is home to several highly influential professional and governmental organizations, giving it a significant topical authority in the state's business landscape.
Key entities that maintain a presence at this address include:
- Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED): A leading organization focused on promoting economic growth and development throughout Arizona. Their presence underscores the building's role as a center for business planning and policy.
- Site Selectors Guild: An organization of the world's top professional site selection consultants, further cementing the building's connection to corporate relocation and development.
- Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE): The Real Estate Branch of the ADRE has also been registered at the 10th floor of the building, highlighting its importance to the state's regulatory and professional real estate community.
This concentration of entities dealing with finance, development, and site selection makes 2828 N Central Ave a genuine "power hub" for Arizona's future growth.
Secret #4: A Community-Focused Food Anchor
In a move that connects the large commercial tower to the local community, the ground floor features a beloved, local, and women-owned business: Tom/Cen Café. Situated near the building's entrance, the café provides a vital amenity for the hundreds of tenants and visitors, offering coffee, breakfast, and lunch options.
The café's presence is a crucial component of the modern, flexible workspace model championed by Expansive. It creates a neighborhood feel, fostering casual networking and providing an accessible, high-quality food option. By supporting a local, independent business, the building contributes directly to the vibrancy and economic diversity of the Midtown neighborhood, moving away from a purely corporate environment toward a true mixed-use community space.
Secret #5: The Flexible Future of Workspace
The entire renovation strategy at 2828 N Central Ave is a reflection of the post-pandemic evolution of the office market. Expansive, the owner-operator, specializes in providing flexible, affordable, and modern workspace solutions. The property offers a full spectrum of options, catering to companies ranging from a single person to up to 500 employees.
The building is now marketed as a comprehensive Encanto Coworking Space featuring private offices, dedicated desks, and shared workspaces. The amenities, including the ground-floor event space, covered parking with elevator access, and the individual balconies on every floor, are designed to attract modern businesses that value flexibility, high-end design, and a strong sense of community. The building's rebirth signifies a major investment in the long-term viability of Midtown Phoenix as a premier business district, blending historic architecture with the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
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