Affordable Housing Demonstration: A Case Study, Phoenix, Arizona

摘要

This case study focuses on a demonstration project developed and built by Knoell Homes, Inc., in Phoenix, Ariz., targeted to young single and married professionals eager to buy their first home. Phoneix's average home price in July 1982 was $85,300. The affordable housing demonstration project, Cimarron, was a 255-unit subdivision on 38 acres 6 miles southeast of downtown. The development includes 107 townhouses with 770 to 912 square feet selling for $45,000 to $50,300 and 148 single-family detached homes with 948 to 1,163 square feet selling for $59,000 to $63,000. Costs saved through changes in processing procedures and other requirements and using building practices not normally followed in Phoenix were estimated at $8,039 per unit. Specifically, the city allowed reductions in curb radius, collector street rights-of-way, and sidewalk requirements, flat or ribbon curbs versus roll curbs, and the use of 6-inch polyvinylchloride sewer pipe. Converting Cimarron from a standard subdivision option to a Planned Residential Development eliminated the need for rezoning and allowed increased density as well as less expensive site development techniques. Construction cost reductions were achieved with many innovative techniques, including use of hardboard siding applied directly to the framing, eliminating roof overhangs, more efficient use of framing lumber, reduction in thickness of concrete slabs-on-grade, and use of polybutylene water supply pipe. Photographs, diagrams, and references are supplied.