Native American Connections Opens Affordable Asset in Phoenix

A new 70-unit, mixed-use affordable housing community has opened in downtown Phoenix.

By Joshua Ayers, Senior Editor

Phoenix—A new mixed-use affordable housing community known as Urban Living 2 was unveiled in December at a grand opening event in downtown Phoenix.

The community, developed by Native American Connections Inc., received a $629,630 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from FHL Bank San Francisco in collaboration with Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. The end result was 70 affordable units added to the downtown Phoenix market.  Sixty-three units have been designated for low-income families and the remaining seven will be offered at market rates.

“I’m so proud to see this type of collaboration in the heart of my district,” says Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ), who was on hand for the event. “It addresses the strong desire for attractive, affordable housing in the urban center, while providing services our residents need. I congratulate all the partners involved in this redevelopment effort.”

Others in attendance of the event were Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Councilman Michael Nowakowski, Michael Trailor of the Arizona Department of Housing, Don Keuth of Phoenix Community Alliance, Diane Yazzie-Devine, president and CEO of Native American Connections, and Kevin Blackburn, assistant vice president, legislative affairs at FHL Bank San Francisco.

The community, located at 650 N. 2nd Avenue in Phoenix, was built on a redeveloped infill site.

Native American Connections Inc. is no stranger to FHL Bank San Francisco. The company, which works to improve “the lives of individuals and families through Native American culturally appropriate behavioral health, affordable housing, and community development services,” according to its website, has received about $7.2 million in AHP grants form FHL Bank San Francisco for its 14 housing developments that has led to the creation of 565 affordable homes.

“The affordable housing landscape has changed over the last few years,” says Yazzie-Devine. “One thing has become clear: we cannot develop a mixed-use project like this alone. We value all of the partners that have worked to make UL2 a reality, and that includes the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.”

According to  Native American Connections, the community boasts LEED Certification and a host of amenities including a movie theater, barbecue areas and a community room, as well as a fitness center and playground.  Apartments include stainless steel appliances, upgraded wood replicated flooring, central air conditioning and full-size washers and dryers.