In west Glendale, a group of families now have a place to call their very own.
The ribbon cutting on May 10th officially welcomed residents to their new homes at Libertad Glendale, a new
development specifically created to provide affordable housing for families.
In coordination with the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) and City of Glendale, national housing developer Vecino Group led the development and design for a newly constructed neighborhood at 6529 West Ocotillo Road. Working in an area that had not seen any new development in nearly a decade, Vecino—who specialize in affordable and supportive housing and is sole owner of Libertad—worked with the ADOH and the City to ensure that the development met requirements and achieved the goals for quality affordable housing and opportunities for economic stability on behalf of residents.
“My favorite saying is ‘here we grow again!’ Libertad is making that happen with affordable housing for our citizens. I’d like to say congratulations and thank you to both Libertad Glendale and the Vecino Group. You’re making a positive impact in the lives of our citizens!” said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers.
Taking design cues from the southwest and the surrounding desert palette, the stylishly modern community offers 108 units in 23 individual two-story, walk up-style residential buildings. Rents are set at 40%, 50% and 60% AMGI among its 1- 2- and 3-bed apartments. Individual units feature Energy Star appliances, microwaves and ceiling fans. Gathered at Libertad’s center are family-focused community amenities: a furnished clubhouse with a kitchen and community area, an outdoor children’s play area and an in-ground pool. Further, Libertad Glendale is both Energy Star and Enterprise Green Communities certified.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Valley—conveniently located next to the development—will provide services for resident youth and children at Libertad. Children will have access to after school programs such as homework assistance, art classes, games and sporting activities. In addition, the children living at Libertad will have access to free summer camp in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.
“Vecino recognizes the need for affordable housing for families in the Glendale market,” said Karl Niederer, Vecino Group Development Director. “We are excited to bring 108 new, energy-efficient, affordable homes to families and those with children here, and to help make healthy living more accessible to them.”
The total development cost for Libertad is approximately $23.1MM. The development was made possible through an allocation of 9% federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Arizona Department of Housing, financing
and an equity investment from Boston Financial Investment Management as well as Rocky Mountain Community Reinvestment Corporation.
All together, Libertad delivers high quality affordable housing but also aims to create opportunities for those who live there.
Heather Bradley-Geary, Vecino Group Director of Supportive Housing shares, “What sets Vecino Group communities such as Libertad Glendale apart from other affordable housing is our goal of ultimate, positive impact for our residents. That carries throughout each community, in design, management, services – everything. And that is key to their success.”
