The Stardust Center for Affordable Homes & the Family opened its doors at the ASU Downtown Campus in January 2005, with initial funding from a gift from Jerry Bisgrove and the Stardust Foundation. Through research, educational outreach, advocacy and design innovation, the ASU Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family supports organizations, neighborhoods, and professionals in their efforts to improve the growth of quality affordable homes and sustainable communities. Michael Pyatok, FAIA, began as Executive Director in January 2005; Daniel Glenn joined as Associate Director of Design in March 2005; and Sherry Ahrentzen, Ph.D., began as Associate Director of Research in August 2005. Kurt Creager joined the center as the new Executive Director in July 2008.
Situated in the Mercado building of the downtown campus, the work of the Center is guided by these principles:
- Well-designed affordable housing is fundamental to the sustainability of every city and community. Affordability covers a range of household incomes, demographic and cultural conditions that are underserved in a growing number of cities and communities in Arizona
- Well-designed affordable housing is environmentally sustainable; responsive to cultural, social and household needs; enhances and becomes an asset to the greater community; and is valued by residents
- Working with the community and getting their participation in design/planning decisions is key to successful development
- Value-added knowledge and evidence-informed practice is instrumental in effecting changes in policy and practice
- Leadership succeeds through innovation, collaboration and example
The center's activities and accomplishments are represented in this web site. These accomplishments and activities have been undertaken by Center staff (see information below), student project assistants, community partners, and ASU faculty affiliates.
Kurt Creager, Executive Director
Phone = 602.496.1461
Sherry Ahrentzen, Ph.D., Associate Director for Research, Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Phone = 602.496.1466
Ernesto Fonseca, Architect/Designer
Phone = 602.496.1463
Nicolas Smith, Architect/Designer
Phone = 602.496.1464
Lisa Jackson , Accountant Senior
Phone = 602.496.1460
Michael Pyatok, Founding Director (2005-2007)