By Megan Taros | Arizona Republic
What is now a rocky plot of land between Central and Seventh avenues was once a row of houses in need of repair and situated on an archaeological site, complicating the tenants’ ability to sell the property.
Tenants were facing a “catch-22” of being unable to afford repairs and being unable to sell. Now Indianapolis-based developer TWG Development owns the land and promises 90 units of affordable housing for people of color in south Phoenix.
“We like when our residents are from the community,” said TWG development director Travis Vencel. “They bring stability, they know the area, they know the schools. Most of our residents aren’t moving in from other areas. We’re bringing a quality, affordable option to this community.”
The $21 million project is coming together with both private and public funding, including federal, state and city money. Developers worked with the city to return human and animal remains to nearby tribes in order to be able to build on the site the city has struggled to develop.
This is TWG’s first development in Arizona. The company says its mission is to create housing that serves people of color in areas where they are at high risk of being pushed out through gentrification.
