TEMPE, AZ — On the corner of Mill Avenue and 7th Street, an open lot marks a new affordable housing project the City of Tempe is ready to move forward with.
The city just approved developers to build Hilo, an 11-story tower where some units will have a private living room, bedroom and bathroom but share a community kitchen.
The renter will also have to be over the age of 21.
"When you're looking at this, a general rule - kitchens are one of the most expensive things to put in a unit," said Lavon Lamy with the city. "Being able to share one kitchen does help to bring down the cost - naturally bring down the cost of the housing development."
Lamy says the city has been looking for ways to provide more workforce housing for younger people.
The average rent in the city for a one-bedroom can cost up to $1,500 a month, depending on the amenities. A unit in the Hilo, with a shared kitchen, will run about $950 a month.
The city says affordable housing for the workforce is also a part of attracting new businesses since companies will look at housing options for their employees.
At this point, there's no date set on when developers will break ground.
