Tempe Will Consider Emerald Center Apartment Proposal

The City Council is set to review a 376-unit apartment project planned for a 12-acre site in Tempe.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Commercial

Tempe Will Consider Emerald Center Apartment Proposal

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Do you support the construction of new large-scale apartment complexes in your community?

Tempe officials are slated to review a proposal for the Emerald Center, a 376-unit apartment complex on Sept. 24, 2026. The development, situated on 12 acres, requires City Council approval for rezoning to move forward.

Why it matters

This proposal highlights ongoing development shifts within the city, as officials evaluate the transformation of a parcel currently held by the Maricopa County Community College District. The outcome of the rezoning process will determine the future residential capacity of the site.

The proposed 12-acre development site sits within a larger 25-acre parcel that the Maricopa County Community College District purchased for $27 million in November 2025. Previously, The Widewaters Group Inc. acquired the property for $20.5 million in August 2025.

The players

Maricopa County Community College District

This is a public community college system that serves residents in Maricopa County and manages multiple campus locations.

The Widewaters Group Inc.

This is a real estate development and investment company that manages commercial and retail properties.

Target Corp.

This is a major American retail corporation that operates a large chain of discount stores.

The details

The project is positioned at the southwest corner of Ruby and Priest drives. While city staff have administratively approved the subdivision of the site, the applicant must still complete a Major Development Plan Review and obtain rezoning approval from the City Council.

August 2025: The Widewaters Group Inc. purchased the property from Target Corp.
November 2025: Maricopa County Community College District acquired the 25.29-acre site.
September 24, 2026: The project will be introduced to the City Council.
October 15, 2026: A final vote on rezoning is expected to occur.

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Culture Shift

This development reflects a trend of converting institutional and commercial land into high-density residential housing to address urban growth. The project aligns with the Tempe General Plan 2050 land use objectives by intensifying land use at key transit-adjacent corridors.

Residents may see changes to local density and traffic patterns near the corner of Ruby and Priest drives if the project moves forward. Potential tenants should monitor council outcomes for updates on the availability of 376 new housing units in the city.

The takeaway

This development serves as a prime example of institutional land repurposing for urban density needs. Interested stakeholders should follow the upcoming public hearings to understand how the project might influence local housing inventory.