By Roland Murphy for AZBEX – BEXclusive
The Richman Group of Arizona is planning an 86-unit affordable senior housing development on 1.79 acres at the SWC of 41st Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix.
The developer is requesting a rezoning from Planned Shopping Center to Planned Unit Development to enable the construction of TRG 41st Avenue on what the project narrative describes as “a vacant underutilized infill property.”
According to the narrative, “The Applicant proposes to develop the Property into a four-story (48-feet), 86-unit affordable multifamily community for senior residents with qualifying incomes. A Planned Unit Development is a far more appropriate zoning district for this project than the standard R-5 Multifamily zoning district. Unlike R-5 zoning, the PUD provides the necessary flexibility in development standards to accommodate an optimal community on this uniquely shaped and configured parcel.”
Under the PUD, the development will feature a reduced building and landscape setback from the residential parcel to the east, an increased building setback from Thomas and a reduced parking volume to better buffer the community while increasing its compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Open space will account for 23.7% of the site and is expected to serve as a useful amenity for the residents.
Planned amenities include community space and garden, a fitness center, a dog park, a pickleball court, a pool, grills and on-site laundry facilities. Others may be added during the process.
A key benefit to the chosen site is its proximity to an existing senior center and other services. According to the design guidelines in the narrative, “The Proposed Development presents a unique opportunity to develop much needed affordable housing for a special needs senior population directly adjacent to the Adam Diaz Senior Center. As an overall design concept, these buildings will be supported by the Senior Center, and provide a pedestrian friendly environment where residents have a robust number of on-site amenities, along with off-site social services and wellness programs within walking distance of their homes.”
It goes on to say, “The Applicant is utilizing the Arizona Department of Housing Tax Credit Program, underscoring their long-term commitment to maintaining affordable senior housing on this site. Additionally, the Applicant is collaborating with the City of Phoenix, which owns and operates the neighboring Senior Center, to construct a pedestrian gate in the property’s fence. This gate will provide residents with safe and convenient access to the Senior Center.”
The proposed unit mix calls for 70 units of approximately 600SF each and 16 two-bedroom units of slightly more than 1KSF. Five of the units are planned as ADA-accessible, according to the site plan. The remaining 81 apartments will be adaptable. Two of the spaces are planned to include features for tenants with visual or hearing impairments.
Standard parking requirements call for 129 spaces. The site plan under the PUD shows 53 spaces provided, with two being ADA-accessible and two proposed for electric vehicle parking.
A traffic impact assessment prepared by Lōkahi, LLC found the development will have a minimal impact on the existing roadway network and surrounding area and would contribute an expected 1.24% increase in average weekday traffic on Thomas.
The Richman Group of Arizona is the developer. TRG is also the developer for the City of Phoenix’s affordable senior development Helen Drake Village currently in design and planned near 27th and Northern avenues.
Architecture and landscape design is by Biltform Architecture. Terrascape Consulting is the civil engineer and surveyor. The project is represented by Quarles & Brady LLP.
No hearing dates have been announced.
