The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has started construction on an innovative 45-unit apartment complex to serve its elders, the latest phase of the Yaqui Square master-planned development that will create affordable housing for hundreds of its members.
Two Yaqui Square is a new development located on the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s land near Tucson, Arizona. It is the fourth phase of a 40-acre development with single-family houses, townhomes, and multi-family apartment complexes. Over 1,000 Pascua Yaqui families and individuals are on a waiting list for safe and affordable homes, and the master-planned development is part of the Tribe’s ambitious effort to meet their needs.
With apartment amenities customized for seniors, high-quality building materials, and community spaces throughout the four-story building, Two Yaqui Square will benefit the community for generations.
“Our 10th Low Income Housing Tax Credit project addresses the critical need for housing and contributes to the well-being of Tribal members, specifically senior citizens, by providing a safe and supportive community,” said Rolando Jaimez, manager of projects and contracts for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Housing Department. “The focus on modern design, smart home features, and green construction standards further enhances the positive impact of the Two Yaqui Square project. It’s a proud moment to be a part of this significant endeavor to benefit our older generation and many others into the future.”
Securing crucial funding from multiple sources
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe secured funding from various sources to support the project, with the majority of the funds coming from the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The Arizona Department of Housing awarded the project a 2024 LIHTC allocation, and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe closed on $21.6 million in equity with Red Stone Equity Partners in April. Equity from the LIHTC program does not need to be repaid.
“Red Stone Equity Partners and our upper tier investor, American Express, have partnered with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in the planned development of 45 homes for seniors and elders,” said Kevin Welsh, director of acquisitions for Red Stone Equity Partners. “The development represents the third successful partnership between the Tribe, Red Stone, and American Express. We collectively look forward to the project’s completion and our continued partnership with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Housing Department.”
The project received $2 million in grant funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco through the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). This funding is crucial in filling the financial gaps for the project. Additionally, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe contributed more than $3.7 million toward the project.
Travois, a Certified B Corp. promoting housing and economic development in Native communities, assisted the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in successfully applying for the LIHTC allocation, the equity closing, and securing the additional grant funding.
“It has been an honor to work alongside the Pascua Yaqui Tribe during each phase of the master-planned Yaqui Square Complex,” said Meaghan Hosterman, project manager at Travois. “Two Yaqui Square will be pivotal in creating safe, affordable homes for Tribal elders, while also ensuring they are near community gatherings and activities.”
Creating customized homes and a sense of community
Two Yaqui Square is part of a master-planned affordable housing community with single-family homes, townhomes, and two apartment complexes. Photo courtesy of Eric Lara, Superintendent for Kappcon General Contracting.
Travois Design, an architecture firm within Travois, is the architect for the project, while Tucson-based Kappcon is the general contractor. In close collaboration with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, architects at Travois incorporated numerous design features to create a supportive living space for elders. Apartment amenities include:
- Large windows to provide an abundance of natural light
- Oversized balconies where residents can enjoy fresh air
- In-unit washers and dryers inside walk-in closets
- Emergency pull cord system to respond to falls
- Low-step showers in every non-fully accessible unit
- More than double the required amount of fully accessible units
Two Yaqui Square was also designed to promote a strong sense of community. For example, an outdoor plaza with a large sunshade will host gatherings and events. An outdoor rooftop terrace will provide scenic views of the surrounding area, while two indoor community rooms will be available for resident gatherings. Additionally, there will be a flexible space on the first floor that can be used by traveling health services to assist residents, communal areas on every floor, and a community garden.
“The importance and impact of having elders living close together and near their community cannot be understated,” said Travois architect Jerad Jessee. “The value of a community is enhanced by having multiple generations together to learn and help watch over each other. The project’s design focused on providing a sense of community not only within the apartment building but in the entire development.”
The construction of Two Yaqui Square is expected to be completed in November 2025.