TEMPE, AZ — Demolition is underway in Tempe as crews prepare to bring hundreds of affordable apartments and a grocery store to the area.
Dorsey Station will occupy several acres at 1320 E. Apache Blvd. and 1412 S. Dorsey Lane, replacing the Pollack Apache Center.
Tempe City Council unanimously passed an ordinance for the development overlay for the project — a 400-unit development that is 90% affordable — last year.
It’s the city’s latest effort to bring affordable housing and healthy food back to the transit corridor, which is located along the light rail route.
The city bought the land for about $10.7 million in late 2021 after Food City closed. The city will maintain ownership through a partnership with the developer.
The affordable housing units will range between 30%-80% affordable to area median income — the low end of that range comes to a $27,000 annual household income.
“Many [people in] our community are one paycheck away from becoming homeless or in a situation where they’re going to need help," said Bob Branstetter, Director of Programs for Tempe Community Action Agency.
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods says the project may not finish until 2029 or 2030, but occupants will start moving in at the end of 2028.
