2025 Southwest Best Projects
Award of Merit, Residential/Hospitality: Birdsong Phoenix
Birdsong Phoenix
Phoenix
Award of Merit
Submitted by Vecino Group
Owner/Lead Design Firm/General Contractor/MEP Engineer Vecino Group
Civil Engineer Bowman Engineering
Structural Engineer Stand Structural
Phoenix’s first net-zero multifamily affordable housing project is a model of sustainability. Each of its 12 multiunit buildings is equipped with a rooftop-mounted solar system capable of generating 38,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, while the xeriscaped property and water conservation systems accommodate the dry climate.
Neighborhood amenities include a fitness center, a clubhouse with a community room and full kitchen, a gated resident pool, shaded playground and outdoor space with seating and walking areas.
With an active homeless encampment located on the site prior to construction, the project team worked with local officials to humanely and respectfully find alternative solutions for the occupants.
Once work was underway, the team contended with incorrect site survey information that resulted in a complete redesign of the sanitary connection in the city right-of-way and a redesign of the swimming pool to satisfy stringent city regulations.
As primary construction began at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project team implemented rigorous health and safety protocols.
The contractor also worked to recruit and qualify workers from the immediate community, fostering neighborhood investment in site safety.
