A Nonprofit Development in Arizona Offers a Model for Affordable Home Ownership
Part of a community land trust, the Tempe Micro Estates offer buyers an alternative to an overheated housing market.
![A Nonprofit Development in Arizona Offers a Model for Affordable Home Ownership](https://images.dwell.com/photos/6063391372700811264/7122357081811361792/small.jpg?#)
Part of a community land trust, the Tempe Micro Estates offer buyers an alternative to an overheated housing market.
![](https://images.dwell.com/photos/6063391372700811264/7122357081811361792/large.jpg)
Danielle Ippolito and Daniel Velez had never imagined they’d become homeowners when they visited a new development down the street from their apartment in Tempe, Arizona, just east of Phoenix. They’d been searching for a new place, says Danielle, "but we couldn’t find anything within our budget. And we didn’t think we’d be able to buy anytime soon."
![The 13 units that make up Tempe Micro Estates have made home ownership a reality for residents like Christian Curry, Daniel Velez, and Danielle Ippolito.](https://images.dwell.com/photos-6063391372700811264/7122357090616672256-medium/the-13-units-that-make-up-tempe-micro-estates-have-made-home-ownership-a-reality-for-residents-like-christian-curry-daniel-velez-and-danielle-ippolito.jpg)
Their interest was piqued when they heard about Tempe Micro Estates, a housing project targeted at low- and moderate-income buyers. Arranged around a central courtyard, the development’s 13 single-family homes, including one accessible unit, and a 900-square-foot community center were still under construction, but the couple saw the possibilities. "It made it more enticing that we already lived in the area and liked it," says Daniel.
![Christian's 600-square-foot house has a mezzanine bedroom reached by a stair.](https://images.dwell.com/photos-6063391372700811264/7122357082646028288-medium/christians-600-square-foot-house-has-a-mezzanine-bedroom-reached-by-a-stair.jpg)
![](https://images.dwell.com/photos/6063391372700811264/7122357083168555008/medium.jpg)
See the full story on Dwell.com: A Nonprofit Development in Arizona Offers a Model for Affordable Home Ownership
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