Developer asks to build 300-plus apartments by Walmart

A Minnesota-based developer has submitted pre-application documents to build a 312-unit apartment community at Porter and Applegate roads, north of the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, near Walmart.

The proposed development by Real Estate Equities would be a 312-unit, multi-family housing development. It would require a zoning change for 13 acres at the southern end of the parcel closest to Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway from current light industrial and warehouse to mixed use, allowing for the apartments. The parcel contains an additional 14 acres north of the site of the apartments, which will be retained by the seller and developed separately.

The project, tentatively known as Copa Flats, has a proposed mix of one, two and three-bedroom units with the following mix: 48 one-bedroom, one-bathroom units; 108 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units; and 156 three-bedroom, two-bathroom units.

Amenities are slated to include a central clubhouse building with resident amenities such as an outdoor pool, outdoor activity areas, pavilion-covered patio areas, a dog run, and playground equipment. Features within the clubhouse include a club room, on-site property management offices, a fitness room, and a yoga studio.

The application proposes 13 three-story buildings dispersed across the site, with 24 units per building. The buildings will be approximately 35 feet tall.

At least one covered parking space would be provided for each unit, with additional surface parking spaces available. The developer stated in its application, “It is our hope to incorporate solar photovoltaic systems on these car shelters, which will help to offset the electrical power usage for the entire development, which will directly benefit the residents.”

According to the pre-application, unit finishes will include solid-surface countertops, a full suite of appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, and luxury vinyl plank and carpeted flooring.

There is considerable development in the area, with more on the way. Walmart is to the west of the property, along with several restaurants, and commercial and retail businesses. West of Porter Road but farther north is the Oasis at the Wells apartment development.

According to its pre-application, REE says, it is “predominantly focused on providing quality workforce and affordable rental housing that improves the lives of the families and seniors that call our communities home. We are focused on developing a high-quality project that represents our brand and community well. In REE’s history, they have developed and managed over 12,000 multifamily housing units across the country.”

REE says in its documents that this project will help the city meet the need for housing for coming jobs.

“With jobs and retail being a primary focus of the City of Maricopa’s General Plan, the proposed development will be a catalyst for future growth in both areas,” the pre-application states. “With the cost of both for-sale and rental housing rising in Maricopa and Pinal County at a record pace, employers are placing a greater emphasis on the housing stock in communities they consider for future growth and investment.

“This workforce housing project will boost the confidence of employers that their employees will have an ability to secure attainable housing within the community,” the document continues. “Future residents of this project will be able to live, work, and play in the City of Maricopa, which will result in growth within the city. In addition, this project would provide a boost to the city’s tax base, provide several permanent onsite employment opportunities and hundreds of temporary construction jobs.”