Chandler touts new public housing complex

(The Center Square) – Chandler will be getting a new affordable housing complex.

Five million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act funding was directed to the project known as "Villas on McQueen" by Maricopa County in 2023, and it is part of a larger $10 million effort for affordable housing in the East Valley city. The complex is part of the United States Housing and Urban Development Department's Rental Assistance Demonstration program , which is meant to better public housing.

In a news release, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke welcomed the development as a step forward for housing in the growing area.

“Today’s milestone has been years in the making,” Hartke stated. “We are one step closer to modernizing our aging housing facilities and providing much-needed housing options for families and seniors in Chandler. I’m thankful for our city staff and our partners for their diligent work to get us to this point.”

The complex will contain 157 units and the groundbreaking with city and county officials will take place Thursday morning, according to a news release.

According to the city, the complex is meant to be an example for other housing efforts.

"Villas on McQueen represents a major step forward in providing supportive housing options in Chandler," Sally Schwenn, Arizona Market President for Gorman & Company, said in a statement. "This project not only addresses the immediate housing needs of the community but also ensures long-term benefits through its amenities and accessibility features."

The other $5 million headed toward Chandler for housing last year is meant for 300 units in a senior citizen-focused complex on South Hamilton Street, according to the county .