PHOENIX—ICON Builders is breaking ground on El Rancho, located at 719 E Main St. in Mesa. El Rancho will combine affordability with the local artistic community to create a home for Mesa families. The ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for August 12.

“ICON Builders is very pleased to complete this exciting affordable housing family project along the Valley Metro Rail transit line in Mesa. Access to public transportation gives residents more choices and easier access to the workplace and public amenities. The transit orientation also supports healthier life practices of conservation and public commuting,” says Allen W. Sands, president of ICON Builders.

ICON Builders is demolishing the former blighted motel into a 4-story, 66-unit apartment community consisting of 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans. Developer, Community Development Partners worked closely with the community and local artists to invest in creating a housing culture that supports and engages in the arts. El Rancho is slotted for the installation of public art pieces and will include a large communal gallery, a flexible studio space for children's service programming, a media room, and a community garden (in cooperation with Mesa Urban Garden). The community will also offer residents a computer lab, outdoor eating area, swimming pool, structured parking spaces and a transit-friendly location.