There are many words that can be used to describe Arizona, but “environmental leader” wouldn’t usually (or ever) be considered one of them. But one group is having some success in reversing that expectation and meeting a significant need in the process.
MODUS Companies has been making incredible inroads regarding building housing in Arizona with its Net Zero (as in, zero additional carbon emissions) strategy, or in its words, Zero Energy Ready Homes. Its focus is built-to-rent developments, with a goal to make housing more affordable but without significant (or any) environmental impact. In a state where rent costs have risen astronomically since COVID, it’s a welcome development.
Perhaps even more notable is its work in Scottsdale; in a city that has become a contentious place to build more housing, it is finding innovative ways to do so. For its most recent Scottsdale development, it’s actually an infill site, surrounded by existing housing, an Elks Club and the San Francisco Giants Baseball Spring Training facility.
MODUS has centered its developments around employing renewable energy sources, reducing energy usage and carbon emissions, utilizing green energy initiatives, using sustainable materials, and minimizing on-site waste by using prefabricated products. This particular development is at the base of Papago Mountain with unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain. Previously this site had a 70,000 square foot office building since the early 1970’s that was home to the Vitalant Blood Bank, and it will be its 7th project in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale can traditionally get labeled as a pricey place to live, and out of reach for many. This project is meant to be an alternative to renting an unattainably expensive home. These homes offer amenities that exceed most apartment complexes in the market, yet the homes are single story with private backyards. Rents are expected to start at $2,400 a month.
CEO Ed Gorman spoke about the balance between affordability and amenities, saying “We are seeing a flight to quality of product and amenities. We are seeing people stay longer in rental homes and apartments as it has become a long-term choice.”
Arizona stands to be impacted significantly by more global warming, and is already hurt by a lack of affordable housing. When solutions can be made to address both, it feels like a classic win-win, and MODUS’s work seems to fit that bill and is worth your attention.