In the middle of Arizona’s deepening housing crisis, one of the nation’s largest affordable housing developers is cutting ribbons on hundreds of new homes.
Dominium, a national developer of affordable housing, celebrated the grand openings this week of Estrella Springs and Suncrest Vista, two new communities in Goodyear that together add 657 affordable apartments for working families and seniors.
The company also opened The Safford, a 200-unit family community in Marana. The three projects represent one of the largest single-week affordable housing expansions in the state, totaling 857 new homes.
According to the Common Sense Institute's second-quarter 2025 housing update, Arizona faces a shortage of more than 52,000 housing units. With the median rent in Goodyear now $1,848, according to HomeSnacks, affordable options are increasingly out of reach for many residents.
“With rents in Phoenix more than doubling over the past five years, Arizona has a significant need for affordable housing,” said Owen Metz, Dominium’s senior vice president and Mountain West development leader. “Tenant demand in Estrella Springs, Suncrest Vista and The Safford has been strong. People want affordable housing and high-quality amenities.”
Despite leasing beginning only recently, the Goodyear communities are already about 50% leased, company officials said. Interest has been high among local workers, seniors and families seeking stability.
Located at 16895 W. Van Buren St., near Loop 303, Estrella Springs offers 396 apartments for families with rents starting at $1,178 per month. The 492,000-square-foot community includes one-, two- and three-bedroom units featuring patios or balconies, walk-in closets, granite countertops and full kitchens. Shared amenities include a pool, playgrounds, fitness center, clubhouse, business center and outdoor grilling spaces.
Next door, Suncrest Vista provides 261 apartments for seniors 55 and older, with rents starting at $994. The 247,000-square-foot community includes a library, theater room, yoga studio, beauty salon, community garden and poolside cabanas.
The Goodyear developments were built by W.D. Construction, a joint venture between Weis Builders and Dominium Construction and Architectural Services.
Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo said the projects align with the city’s focus on balanced growth.
“We’re not the ninth-fastest growing city in the country by accident, it’s because we have a great team that values making this community a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Pizzillo said. “Affordability is key, not just for apartments and families, but for homes everywhere. This project fills a much-needed niche in our community.”
The projects benefited from Maricopa County’s $2 million investment through the American Rescue Plan Act, supporting the construction of 10 units reserved for households earning 50% or less of the area median income.
Ruby Dhillon-Williams, director of the Arizona Department of Housing, praised the collaboration between state, local and private partners.
“These new communities reflect what’s possible when strong partnerships come together to meet Arizona’s growing need for affordable housing,” Dhillon-Williams said. “Families and seniors will now have a safe, stable and affordable place to live, and that is priceless.”
Dominium’s leaders emphasized that affordable housing is essential to Arizona’s long-term economic stability.
Austin VanDerHeyden, government relations manager for Dominium, said the company’s goal is to create quality homes for everyday people such as teachers, firefighters, hourly workers and seniors on fixed incomes.
State Sen. Analise Ortiz said affordable housing efforts are critical to addressing Arizona’s crisis.
“Helping people save money on rent isn’t just life-changing, it’s life-saving for some,” Ortiz said. “The best way to address our housing shortage is to build more housing, and that’s exactly what this project does.”
Mark Lambing, Dominium’s vice president for the West Region, said each project helps provide stability and pride for residents.
“At the end of the day, this will be home for 657 new families, seniors on fixed incomes and local workers who need a place to live,” Lambing said. “Affordable housing provides dignity. It’s a stable foundation where residents can be proud of where they live.”
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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