On October 17th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for El Rancho II. A project that was funded in 2015 in the General Pool with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and was developed by CDP Affordable Housing Corporation with a co-developer of FFAH V El Rancho II, LLC.

As the second phase of this development and is acquisition, demolition and new construction of a blighted and physically obsolete apartment complex, duplex, accessory structures and an office building. These structures were built between 1940-1963, were sub-standard, not meeting City of Mesa building codes, had extensive histories of criminal activity and had serious deferred maintenance. The completed project will be seeking LEED Gold Certification and will include signage to call out many of the green features and act as an educational tool for residents and visitors.

Upon the completion, this project will include 46 low-income units comprised of 25, two-bedroom units; 11, three-bedroom units and 10, four-bedroom units, plus one two-bedroom employee unit.  These units will be available to low-income families with incomes between 40 and 60 percent of the area median income. The project will also include one manager unit. The project is located at 659 and 701 East Main Street in Mesa, within immediate walking distance of the Downtown Mesa, and the light rail corridor.

The non-profit supportive service provider, will be providing services and enhanced on-site supportive services through a Resident Services Coordinator, offering on-site Workforce/Employment Development, Financing Coaching/Literacy, Computer Classes and After School Care.  Children with emotional or behavioral challenges will be referred to A New Leaf’s East Valley Program, residents will be assisted with coordinating public transit to meet work/personal obligations and they will provide health living guidance and activities for children and adults covering basic nutrition, exercise, general well-being and gardening-utilizing the on-site community garden space.

El Rancho II will have washers, dryers a community room, security cameras, tenant services, a playground, BBQ and picnic area plus terraces and a movie room.