Sometimes, the buildings in our communities tell the most powerful stories. In South Phoenix, one such story is being rewritten thanks to a shared vision, strong local roots, and the kind of partnership that makes big things possible.

Mountain Park Health Center has been a trusted presence in Phoenix since 1984, when it began as a small clinic with one doctor. Today, it serves more than 115,000 patients a year across 10 locations. But its commitment remains the same: to provide quality, reliable care close to where people live and work.

In early 2024, Mountain Park saw a new opportunity to do just that. Next door to one of its early clinics stood an old urgent care center that had fallen into disrepair. Years ago, it had played an important role in the neighborhood, but it had been neglected and empty for far too long. Mountain Park had a bold idea: bring the space back to life as a modern, welcoming medical center for the community.

With support from RDF, that vision moved forward. We helped Mountain Park secure financing to purchase and restore the property, reimagining it as the Jesse Owens Clinic, named for the Olympic legend who spent his later years advocating for better health resources in South Phoenix.

The revitalized clinic will include three connected buildings dedicated to women’s health, pediatrics and dentistry, and adult medicine. The new layout will allow Mountain Park to offer care more efficiently and with greater comfort for patients and families. RDF also provide the the team with a grant for a solar power installation, which will help the clinic lower energy costs, pay for itself withing 10 years, freeing up resources that can be redirected toward their mission.

“At every step, RDF has connected us to the right resources to bring our vision to life,” said John Swagert, M.D., CEO, Mountain Park Health Center. “Thanks to them, we’re not just building a clinic. We’re building the foundation for a healthier, stronger community.”

It's not the first time RDF and Mountain Park work together. In 2023, we helped refinance one of their Tempe clinics. With RDF’s own offices based in South Phoenix, this partnership is grounded in a deep understanding of the community and a shared belief that this is more than a renovation—it’s the restoration of a place of care, hope, and connection.