The City of Phoenix has officially launched construction on Girasol Apartments in the historic Edison-Eastlake neighborhood, transforming an outdated public housing complex into a vibrant, inclusive community.
Set to provide over 360 affordable and market-rate housing units, this project is a landmark investment in housing accessibility, community engagement, and sustainable living.
A New Beginning for Edison-Eastlake
The groundbreaking of Girasol Apartments marks the latest stage in Phoenix’s effort to address its housing shortage while revitalizing one of its oldest communities.
Formerly known as Sidney P. Osborn Apartments, the new Girasol Apartments will replace 145 aging public housing units with a fresh mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes designed for both individuals and families.
Named “Girasol”—Spanish for “sunflower”—by Edison-Eastlake community members, the new complex embodies the spirit of resilience and growth.
“We’re creating nearly 400 new homes for our residents,”
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said, highlighting the project’s role in strengthening the community.
Bringing New Life to Phoenix’s Housing Market
Girasol Apartments exemplifies Phoenix’s forward-thinking approach to affordable housing. The project aligns with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods program, which seeks to transform struggling neighborhoods through public-private partnerships.
The Edison-Eastlake Community’s One Vision Plan, developed by local stakeholders, envisions Girasol as a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable addition to the area.
City Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized Girasol’s long-term impact on the community:
“This project is a meaningful investment in the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood, offering affordable housing for generations to come.”
Girasol Apartments At-A-Glance
Features |
Details |
|---|---|
| Total Units | 364 (Affordable & Market-Rate) |
| Apartment Sizes | One, Two, and Three-Bedroom |
| Completion Timeline | Phased Completion from 2026 to 2027 |
| Funding | Phoenix GO Bond, HUD Choice Neighborhood Grant |
| Sustainability | Energy-efficient design, accessible amenities |
Public-Private Collaboration Makes It Possible
Girasol Apartments is supported by a $42.5 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, with additional funding from Phoenix’s 2023 General Obligation (GO) bond. Roughly $21.3 million in GO Bond funds will be dedicated to covering rising construction costs, ensuring the project’s completion.
Led by Gorman & Company, the redevelopment has drawn on expertise from the Arizona Department of Housing and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
“The collaboration with the City of Phoenix and the local community has been instrumental in shaping Girasol into a place hundreds of families will proudly call home,”
said Sally Schwenn, Arizona Market President for Gorman & Company.
Phoenix’s Affordable Housing Vision
As Phoenix continues to grow, projects like Girasol Apartments serve as a model for future affordable housing initiatives. Girasol serves as a vibrant community hub, seamlessly integrating modern amenities with spaces that foster a sense of belonging and well-being.
This visionary approach transforms Girasol into a thriving communal space, extending far beyond its housing function.
By building on past successes in the Edison-Eastlake area, the City of Phoenix aims to create a lasting, positive impact for its residents.
Sources: THX News & City of Phoenix.
