Dominium Breaks Ground on 278-Unit Affordable Build-to-Rent Community in Arizona

Dominium expands its Arizona footprint with Townhomes on Earley, a 278-unit affordable build-to-rent project in Casa Grande featuring LIHTC financing and modern amenities.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 4:18 AM EDT

Source: https://www.multihousingnews.com/

Strategic Financing and Public-Private Partnerships

The development is supported by a complex capital stack that highlights the collaborative nature of modern affordable housing. The Arizona Industrial Development Authority issued separate bonds totaling $67 million, with U.S. Bank serving as the trustee. Complementing this, KeyBank provided a $38.8 million construction loan slated for maturity in 2028. A cornerstone of the project's viability is the utilization of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), facilitated through a network of partners including Barclays, Freddie Mac, and the Arizona Department of Housing.

Architectural Design and Residential Features

Located at 1355 E. Earley Road, the community will feature a mix of single- and two-story duplexes. Unlike traditional high-density apartment complexes, these homes will offer three- and four-bedroom floorplans specifically designed for families. Each unit will include a private backyard, bridging the gap between a standard rental and the suburban homeownership experience. Residents will also have access to a suite of common-area amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, and dedicated playground areas.

Phoenix as a Hub for Affordable BTR Innovation

This project is part of a broader trend where developers are increasingly choosing the BTR model over traditional garden-style multifamily units. Dominium’s first Arizona BTR effort, Saddleback Village at Stonegate, is currently under construction in Maricopa and is expected to open in 2026. Other major players, such as Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), have also entered the space with projects like The Ranches at Gunsmoke. These developers have reported that BTR construction can often be more cost-effective than traditional apartment builds, allowing for quicker delivery of units to the market.