El Rancho Del Sol

MESA, ARIZONA

Goal: Build on the success and momentum of El Rancho del Arte by developing a second, adjacent phase that continues to bring vibrancy to downtown Mesa.

Situated just outside of Phoenix in the bustling arts city of Mesa, El Rancho Del Sol is CDP’s acquisition, demolition, and new construction project of a blighted apartment building and underutilized office building , situated adjacent to the existing El Rancho del Arte community. El Rancho del Sol provides 47 units for low-income families earning 40-60% of the area’s median income (AMI). The development is made up of two 4-story buildings, with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom units.

As a complement to El Rancho del Arte in both function and architectural character, El Rancho del Sol features onsite services and art installations that reflect the spirit and heart of the community. Common areas are central to the community and include a second-floor playground area, a movie theater, two exercise rooms, community and game rooms, as well as a fully equipped commercial kitchen operated by Local First Arizona. Outdoor patios, a rooftop BBQ, and a dining area provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the city’s views and outdoor spaces. 

A key aspect of this project is the collaboration with nonprofit organizations. Local First Arizona, a Phoenix-based organization, hosts a business accelerator program onsite, utilizing the kitchen for local business development and offering weekly donation-based community dinners for residents and their neighbors.

DEVELOPMENT

El Rancho Del Sol represents the second phase of the El Rancho community, building on a vision for low-income family and artist housing that also provides enriching, culturally relevant experiences and supportive services. The project was a natural extension of the first phase. CDP built on the success of the first phase, creating larger-scale, unique common areas that foster connection between the two adjacent communities. Like the first phase, El Rancho del Sol was financed using 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, with a similar competitive scoring protocol. 

DATA
  • Completion Date: 2017
  • Total Development Cost: $14.9M
  • Affordability: 40% - 60% AMI
  • Total Units: 47
  • Unit Mix: 26 2BD, 11 3BD, 10 4BD
  • Sustainability: LEED Gold
TEAM
  • Developerq: CDP
  • Architect: Perlman Architects
  • Contractor: Rytan Construction
  • Property Management: MEB Management
  • Resident Services Partner: Cultural Coalition
WEBSITE

PARTNERS

CDP is proud to partner with these organizations, dedicated to bettering the lives not only of El Rancho del Arte’s residents, but of those lower-income residents in surrounding communities.

Cultural Coalition

Cultural Coalition brings vibrancy to the community by emphasizing the area’s indigenous cultures through on-site programming. Their mission is to engage the community with unique cultural initiatives that celebrate diversity, serve families, provide cultural education, and foster new traditions. Cultural Coalition leads after-school programming for children at the El Rancho properties, offering activities in music, arts, dance, and providing homework assistance. In addition, the organization has developed a space for teenagers that encourages civic engagement.

Local First Arizona

Local First Arizona leads programming and micro-entrepreneurship courses at El Rancho del Sol’s commercial kitchen and offices. Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes independent, locally owned businesses, advocating for strong local economies and raising awareness of their cultural and economic benefits.