By Paulina Pineda | Arizona Republic
Emily Upton was driving to work when she heard a story on the radio about a new community of Tempe Micro Estates go up homes — a little larger than tiny homes — planned in north Tempe.
Enticed by the small footprint and location, and tired of renting, Upton researched the project when she got home. She applied to purchase one of the Tempe Micro Estates, as the project is called, that same day.
“I felt like I was throwing my money away renting,” the 38-year-old Upton said. “I wanted to feel like I owned something, like I was investing my money somewhere.”
More than 18 months later, her dream of owning a home is finally taking shape.
Vertical construction at Tempe Micro Estates started in April and crews have erected the exterior walls of about nine of the homes. The project, which is being built by Tempe-based nonprofit Newtown Community Development Corporation, will include 13 homes slated for completion in late summer after several delays.
