Harvard Investments emerged as the successful bidder at an Arizona State Land Department auction last week for two 40‑acre parcels immediately adjacent to its planned Rio 1900 community in Goodyear.
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The acquisition marks another milestone in the company’s long‑term vision for the nearly 2,000‑acre master‑planned development and strengthens its ability to deliver a cohesive, well‑connected community in the West Valley, one of the nation’s fastest‑growing regions.
“These parcels are strategically important to our long‑term planning efforts and will help us ensure Rio 1900 is connected, thoughtfully designed, and positioned for lasting success,” said Amy Weidman, Vice President of Development for Harvard Investments. “We are excited about the outcome of today’s auction and the opportunities it creates for the future Rio 1900 community.”
Rio 1900 is conceived as a thoughtfully planned 1,940‑acre master‑planned community located adjacent to Estrella, Harvard Investments’ 20,000-acre mixed-use master-planned community that is home to 8,500 families, along the southern bank of the Gila River.
Envisioned as a vibrant, connected community that celebrates the region’s natural desert landscape and outdoor lifestyle, Rio 1900 will bring a diverse mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial opportunities, and abundant open space to the region.
The Goodyear City Council recently approved a minor General Plan amendment and rezoning request for the project, which is planned for up to 5,800 homes across a mix of single‑family and multifamily residential options. The community framework also envisions retail, restaurants, and civic uses. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with the first homes delivered in 2029.
Harvard purchased the primary Rio 1900 property, known as King Ranch, for $22 million in 2023. The successful auction further solidifies the company’s vision to execute its comprehensive land plan, enhance connectivity, and deliver an integrated, high‑quality master‑planned community.
The plan area is currently organized into several land‑use districts including village neighborhood, urban neighborhood, estate residential, commercial, open space, and civic use.
Designed around these districts, Rio 1900 plans to offer a range of home types from large‑lot estate residences to traditional single‑family homes and multifamily options. Amenities are expected to include commercial activity centers, and civic spaces. Every residence is planned to sit within a five‑minute walk of a park, trail, or open space, underscoring the community’s emphasis on walkability, recreation, and access to nature.
“Rio 1900 represents a rare opportunity to shape nearly 2,000 acres in one of the most dynamic growth corridors in the country,” Weidman added. “Our vision is to create a community that honors the character of the desert, provides meaningful connections to the outdoors, and offers a wide range of housing and lifestyle choices for future residents.”
Harvard Investments extends its appreciation to the partners contributing to this effort, including RVi (entitlements, land planning, and community design), CVL (engineering), Lokahi (traffic), and Burch & Cracchiolo (legal).
