Tempe Planned Housing and Fire Station

The city has revealed a proposal to transform a vacant former Big Lots property into a new public facility.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Commercial

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern mixed-use building model, featuring housing units and fire station bays, set in an urban desert environment. — Tempe officials announced plans to repurpose a vacant former retail site on Baseline Road into a combined affordable housing and fire station project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your city prioritize building affordable housing on vacant commercial properties?

Officials in Tempe have announced plans to develop a combined affordable housing project and fire station at 950 E. Baseline Road. The city currently owns the vacant site, which formerly housed a Big Lots store.

Why it matters

The development aims to address the local need for both increased housing availability and expanded public safety infrastructure. Officials are currently working to finalize funding and logistical site-sharing requirements for the project.

The city of Tempe owns the vacant commercial parcel at 950 E. Baseline Road. This site is slated for a dual-purpose development featuring both residential housing units and a municipal fire station.

The players

City of Tempe

The local government authority responsible for urban planning and public service development in the city.

The details

City officials are moving forward with a plan to revitalize the former Big Lots property by integrating public safety resources with affordable housing options. The proposal marks a shift in how the city intends to maximize land use at this specific address.

The city announced development plans for the site on October 1, 2026.

Culture Shift

The project reflects a broader trend toward urban densification and the repurposing of vacant commercial properties into mixed-use facilities. This move aligns with modern strategies to optimize public land use in rapidly growing municipalities.

Residents can expect potential changes to local traffic patterns and emergency service response times as the project proceeds. The addition of affordable housing may also influence housing availability for individuals seeking living options in the area.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the city's focus on addressing community needs by leveraging its real estate portfolio. Residents should monitor future public hearings to stay informed about how the development will be integrated into the neighborhood.