Vikings Owners Planned 504-Unit Phoenix Apartment Complex
The Wilf family will develop a large-scale housing project on land purchased near Desert Ridge.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Do you support the construction of new luxury apartment complexes in your area?
The Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, has moved forward with plans to construct a 504-unit apartment complex in Phoenix. The development will sit on a 41-acre site located at 5150 East Deer Valley Drive.
Why it matters
This project adds significant housing density to the Desert Ridge area between the local retail hub and the J.W. Marriott resort. It joins a larger regional pipeline that saw 14,000 apartment units completed across Greater Phoenix in 2026.
Garden Communities purchased the 41-acre site for $44.1 million in 2022, effectively paying $1.1 million per acre. This project is part of a Phoenix market currently seeing 23,000 units under construction.
The players
Garden Communities
A real estate development firm owned by the Wilf family that specializes in large-scale residential projects.
Blandford Homes
A residential developer that recently expanded its holdings in the Deer Valley area through a major state land purchase.
The details
The development company Garden Communities, owned by the Wilf family, acquired the property through a state land auction. The site at 5150 East Deer Valley Drive falls under the Desert Ridge Master Plan, which was originally approved in 1993. The project represents a notable addition to the local landscape, following the completion of 3,221 units in Greater Phoenix during the second quarter of 2026.
Timeline
1993: The Desert Ridge Master Plan was approved.
2022: Garden Communities purchased the 41-acre property.
April 2026: Blandford Homes purchased 293.5 acres of nearby state land for $180 million.
Q2 2026: 3,221 apartment units were completed in Greater Phoenix.
The Home Front
This development follows the long-standing land-use guidelines set by the 1993 Desert Ridge Master Plan. It reflects the ongoing high-density growth in Phoenix, even as the broader region manages shifts in the active construction pipeline.
Residents near Deer Valley Drive should monitor local zoning notices for project construction timelines and anticipated traffic impacts. Renters in the area can track these completions to understand how the supply of new units may influence future regional pricing trends.
The takeaway
Large-scale residential projects like this 504-unit development are key indicators of ongoing growth in the Phoenix housing market. Homeowners and renters alike should keep an eye on local city council agendas for public hearings regarding site planning and infrastructure adjustments.
Further reading
For more information on market trends and residential growth, visit the Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
Live Poll
Do you support the construction of new luxury apartment complexes in your area?
