Native American group opens affordable apartment complex in downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX — Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held Tuesday for a new affordable living apartment complex in downtown Phoenix.

The Urban Living on Second complex near 2nd Avenue and Roosevelt Street is offering 70 units to families who have an income that qualifies.

“Those are families earning from about $17,000 a year to about $45,000 a year,” said Diana Yazzie Devine, who is the CEO of a group called Native American Connections, which built the complex.

Rents are based on the tenant’s income. Even though the organization’s goal is to help Native Americans, you do not have to be Native American to live in the complex.

Devine said the complex offers several luxury amenities.

“It has a 24-seat movie theater, a coffee bar, a fitness center and several different conference rooms,” said Devine.

The complex is located near the light rail and within walking distance of several major downtown hotels. Devine said she thinks many of the complex’s tenants will become hotel employees.

The city of Phoenix, the Arizona Department of Housing and several banks all invested money to build the property.

Mayor Greg Stanton said that Urban Living on Second complex is just the first of many that could bring as many as 5,000 more residents in the downtown area.

“In the next few years in downtown Phoenix, you’re going to see thousands and thousands of new residences,” the Mayor said. “It’s going to become a neighborhood, and it’s going to change the face of our city.”

About half of the complex’s 70 units have already been claimed. If you would like to find out how to rent one, you can email Native American Connections at UL2@nativeconnections.org or call 602-648-9757.