Phoenix, AZ – On November 6, 2024, the City of Phoenix Housing Department, in partnership with Gorman & Company, broke ground on Girasol Apartments, a transformative project designed to address affordable housing needs in the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood. Replacing the Sidney P. Osborn Apartments, the Girasol development will provide 364 mixed-income apartments, significantly expanding housing options for both individuals and families.
Named “Girasol” (Spanish for “sunflower”) by local residents, the new community will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments focused on accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. This project is part of Phoenix’s broader affordable housing initiative, closely aligned with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods (CN) program and the Edison-Eastlake One Vision Plan.
“Girasol Apartments are a shining example of how we’re addressing our housing shortage and revitalizing our aging public housing,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “This project demonstrates our commitment to creating nearly 400 new homes for our residents through thoughtful funding and community-focused development.”
Funding for Girasol is supported by Phoenix’s 2023 General Obligation (GO) bond program, passed by voters to address rising construction and material costs. Approximately $21.3 million from the GO Bond will help secure the project’s completion.
Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington of District 8 highlighted the community impact, saying, “This project marks a new chapter for the historic Edison-Eastlake neighborhood. Thanks to HUD’s $42.5 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, we are creating meaningful, long-term housing solutions.”
Girasol Apartments is designed to blend sustainable building practices with community-focused amenities, enhancing residents’ quality of life. Arizona Market President of Gorman & Company, Sally Schwenn, emphasized the collaborative nature of the development, stating, “Girasol Apartments represents a vibrant, inclusive community that will serve as a source of pride for Phoenix.”
The Girasol Apartments development will take place in three construction phases, expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027. As the fourth phase of the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood’s transformation, Girasol builds on the successes of neighboring Soluna Apartments and Harmony at the Park Apartments.
The project is financially supported by the City of Phoenix Housing Department, HUD, the Arizona Department of Housing, Gorman & Company, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, symbolizing a collaborative investment in Phoenix’s future and its commitment to affordable housing.
