The City of Phoenix, in collaboration with Trellis Community Development, proudly announces the groundbreaking of a transformative affordable housing project in the Garfield neighborhood. This initiative, part of the City’s commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities, will bring 10 new affordable and sustainable single-family homes to the community.
“This groundbreaking marks our latest efforts in the ongoing and urgent work of creating and preserving much-needed housing in our community,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “I’m grateful for the partnerships with homebuilders that make these projects a reality, and excited for the individuals and families who will call these houses their home.”
Through this partnership, Trellis purchased 10 City-owned lots to develop in the neighborhood. Trellis will construct the homes and offer them at affordable prices to homebuyers, ensuring long-term community stability. Seven of the homes are reserved for households earning up to 120% of the area median income (AMI), and three are designated for those earning 80% AMI or less. Down payment assistance will be provided, and low-interest gap financing will also be available, fostering long-term affordability for Phoenix families.
“Today, we made progress by breaking ground on 10 new affordable homes in the neighborhood that will provide working-class Phoenicians the opportunity to own a home and invest in their own community,” said District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington. “These homes will be ‘forever homes,’ built with accessibility and sustainability in mind to support families at every stage of life.”
The new homes will be two to four bedrooms, ranging from 960 to 1,500 square feet. Each home features classic American Craftsman Bungalow-style architecture, with welcoming front porches that honor the historic character of the Garfield neighborhood. The homes will be sustainable and energy-efficient, designed with flexible floor plans to allow homeowners to age in place. The partnership will also aim to protect the neighborhood from future overdevelopment by using deed restrictions or downzoning of lots.
“This development underscores the City’s efforts to make long-term affordable homeownership possible and accessible,” said Spencer Self, Neighborhood Services Department director. “Neighborhood Services’ collaboration with Trellis and other City departments demonstrates our commitment to address the need for affordable housing and the importance of investing in the future by building a foundation for resilient communities that reflect the rich history and vibrant characters of Phoenix neighborhoods.”
“Trellis has dedicated nearly 30 years to the Garfield neighborhood, building or rehabilitating around 80 homes, said Brenda Lopez, Trellis President and CEO. “Our vision is an Arizona where everyone has a place to call home, and this development brings us closer to that goal. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable partnership of the City of Phoenix and our funding partners.”
The project is supported, in part, by voter-approved Bonds and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Construction will begin on the first three homes in early January 2025. All 10 homes are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
