Local, state and county leaders are coming together on Thursday, January 26th to reveal the Grand Opening of Madison Heights, a new public housing community in Avondale.
Madison Heights is something new: the first affordable housing project in Arizona funded by the federal “Rental Assistance Demonstration” (RAD) program. The program, launched in 2012, aims to renovate or rebuild aging public housing sites for a new generation. The Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) listed Madison Heights as a priority because of its condition and its location next to schools, public transportation, and shopping. HAMC then entered into a joint venture partnership with Gorman & Company, Inc., one of the nation’s largest affordable housing developers, to develop the project.
The old Madison Heights Apartments, near Van Buren Street and Dysart Road, consisted of 77 barrack-style units with evaporative/swamp coolers, no amenities, no community space, and challenges with infrastructure and flooding.
The old units were demolished in 2015. In their place are 143 energy-efficient units with washers/dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves included. In addition, residents have access to community centers and play areas, as well as work force and job development programs and after-school tutoring.
The project invested $30 million in Avondale. It was completed on time and within budget.
WHAT: Grand Opening of Madison Heights, a new public housing community in Avondale
WHEN: Thursday, January 26th at 10 a.m.
WHERE: 1103 N. 6th Street, Avondale
WHO: Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5
Joy Rich, Maricopa County Manager
Mayor Kenn Weise, Avondale
Stephanie Smelnick, Arizona Field Office Director at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Michael Trailor, Director, Arizona Department of Housing