DEVINE LEGACY ON CENTRAL
Devine Legacy on Central in Phoenix, AZ has won a 2012 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award in the Metropolitan/Urban Housing category.
Photo Courtesy of Native American Connections
Developed by Native American Connections, Devine Legacy on Central provides 65 units of affordable rental housing designed to embrace the city’s transit-oriented growth goals and encourage public transportation. It is the first affordable housing community built purposely along the METRO. The property provides affordable rental housing in a state-of-the-art building complete with welcome amenities.
Devine Legacy on Central is a mixed-income property with 59 Housing Credit units and 6 market-rate units. Most units are limited to individuals and families earning at or below 50 percent of area median income (AMI). In addition to well-appointed units, the property provides a video room with video games, computers, and television; a second-story community courtyard with playground and barbecue grills, and planned activities such as Native American art and music events.
Devine Legacy on Central was originally targeted to be LEED Silver certified but due to its superior green building design it was certified LEED Platinum making it one of the most sustainable housing communities in Arizona. Some of its major LEED measures include adjacency to the light rail and bus stations, bike storage, high efficiency water fixtures, use of recycled products, and sustainable awareness and education programs targeted at residents.
Devine Legacy on Central is located next to the Native American Community Service Center, which houses eight nonprofit organizations with services ranging from medical and dental to behavioral health services, workforce development, and home care. The Center provides a suitable location for supportive services and businesses addressing the needs of urban Native Americans as well as cultural activities.
Phoenix has embraced this development awarding Devine Legacy on Central the Outstanding Affordable Housing Initiative Award for innovative planning and its ability to integrate supportive services with energy efficient and superior design. Additionally, Devine Legacy on Central received the Best Multifamily program honor at the annual Real Estate and Development Awards ceremony.
Chase Community Development Banking Group and JP Morgan Capital Corporation worked with Native American Connections to provide a $6.2 million construction loan which was combined with HOME funds from the Arizona Department of Housing and the City of Phoenix. Additionally, National Equity Fund, Inc. provided more than $8.8 million in Housing Credit equity towards the total development costs of $15.8 million.
