New Build-to-Rent Community Takes Shape in Stonegate

Councilmember Bob Marsh, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, and Mayor Nancy Smith gathered on May 12, 2025, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Saddleback Village at Stonegate, a new build-to-rent community developed by Minnesota-based Dominium. The site is located near the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and Stonegate Road.

This development will introduce 215 single-family rental homes to the region, each featuring three to four bedrooms along with a private backyard, an uncommon offering in the rental market.

Dominium Development Analyst Abby Perez expressed excitement about the project, marking it as the company’s inaugural venture in Maricopa. “This is going to be our first build-to-rent,” she noted, highlighting Dominium’s status as one of the nation’s largest affordable housing developers.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Perez outlined the project timeline. Earthwork is set to commence throughout the summer, with vertical construction expected to kick off in the fall. The community aims to welcome its first tenants by early 2026.

Mayor Nancy Smith, addressing attendees, emphasized the city’s commitment to sustainable growth. She stated that it is crucial to balance the needs of current residents while planning for future expansion.

“Our general plan and adopted housing strategies prioritize a diverse range of housing types to meet the evolving needs of families, professionals, seniors, and individuals across all income levels,” she added.

The proposal for the Saddleback Village originated in 2020 as part of a larger village concept for the Stonegate area, but progress stalled until February 2024. Dominium later submitted pre-application paperwork, aiming to create a “pedestrian-friendly development environment” in close proximity to local amenities. In December, the developers finalized an $8.3 million land sale for the site.