Build-to-Rent Housing Evolves: Porter Kyle Bets on Townhome-Style Communities
Housing preferences continue to shift across the U.S., and build-to-rent (BTR) has emerged as a fast-growing segment in residential development. Once dominated by traditional apartment complexes, the BTR model now encompasses a range of formats—single-family detached homes, duplexes, horizontal apartments “villa”, and townhomes—each appealing to renters who value the experience of homeownership without the long-term financial commitment.
In the midst of this shift, Porter Kyle, a Phoenix-based developer, has committed exclusively to a townhome-style BTR model, citing design flexibility, livability, and long-term renter appeal as key advantages over other formats.
The BTR Landscape: A Growing Range of Housing Options
BTR communities today can take several forms:
- Cottage-Style (Detached Single-Family Homes): Standalone units offering private yards and greater separation, popular in suburban developments.
- Duplexes: Two attached units, often more cost-efficient for developers while still offering semi-private living.
- Townhomes (Row Homes): Multi-story units with shared walls, typically featuring garages and small private yards or patios.
- Small Lot or Horizontal Apartments: Single-family designs on compact lots arranged in clusters for density.
- Multifamily (Apartments): Still part of some BTR portfolios, but less common than horizontal living formats.
Each format has trade-offs. Detached homes offer privacy but consume more land; multifamily buildings provide density but may sacrifice the “home-like” feel some renters seek. Townhomes offer a middle ground—an increasingly popular solution among developers focused on long-term value.
Why Porter Kyle Chose Townhome-Style BTRs
Porter Kyle’s decision to focus solely on townhome-style BTRs reflects a broader trend: renter demand is shifting toward larger, more private living spaces with high-end finishes and community amenities.
“Townhomes give us the flexibility to design homes that feel like ownership, with features like garages, private yards, and open floorplans, while still operating as a rental community,” said Porter Kyle’s Taylor Shultz.
While many national BTR builders have adopted detached cottage models to attract suburban renters, Porter Kyle has stayed centered on townhomes—developing in infill and edge-urban locations that offer walkability and access to shopping, dining, and jobs. The company controls the entire process—from land acquisition and entitlement to vertical construction and lease-up—which allows them to prioritize architectural detail and neighborhood design.
Inside Porter Kyle’s Approach: A Few of Porter Kyle’s Communities
The Carson (Gilbert, AZ)
Distinct Feature: Walkable Retail / Restaurants
Located near Gilbert Town Square and within biking distance of the Heritage District, The Carson is a townhome development offering five floorplans ranging from one to three bedrooms. Homes feature direct-access two-car garages, private backyards, and 10-foot ceilings. Its proximity to dining and entertainment corridors aligns with the firm’s strategy of siting developments in lifestyle-rich areas.
The Prescott at Park West (Peoria, AZ)
Distinct Feature: Walkable Retail / Restaurants
Adjacent to the Park West Mall, this community includes one- to three-bedroom townhomes with contemporary interiors and EV-ready garages. The site also features a range of shared amenities, such as a heated pool, coworking spaces, and an indoor-outdoor fitness center. The property reflects a broader trend in BTR: combining suburban location advantages with urban-level amenities.
The Ashley (Chandler, AZ)
Distinct Feature: Walkable Schools / Within Minutes of Price Business Corridor
With three floorplans ranging from 812 to 1,467 square feet, The Ashley is situated in an established Chandler neighborhood. Units feature built-in workstations, gourmet kitchens, and large balconies. The community includes a clubhouse, pool, and outdoor kitchen area—offering both work-from-home functionality and leisure-oriented amenities.
The Cleveland (Goodyear, AZ)
Distinct Feature: Located Within Minutes of the Burgeoning West Valley Job Market
The newest of the four, The Cleveland includes units from 806 to 1,418 square feet and offers expansive private yards—an uncommon feature in many rental communities. Amenities include a resort-style pool, enclosed dog park, and private meeting space, catering to both families and professionals.
Design-Forward, Renter-Focused
All four communities share common elements: smart home technology, energy-efficient appliances, granite countertops, and EV-ready garages. But beyond individual finishes, Porter Kyle’s developments emphasize design continuity and modern urban planning, with attention paid to walkability, community scale, and architecture.
This design-forward approach may help differentiate the firm in a competitive BTR landscape. With rising home prices and limited inventory pushing more Americans toward long-term renting, developers like Porter Kyle are betting that renters will continue to seek out housing that feels like ownership—without the mortgage.
As BTR continues to evolve, Porter Kyle’s townhome model offers an example of how developers are responding to modern renters’ desire for space, quality, and community—without compromising on style or flexibility. Whether that approach will scale across other markets remains to be seen, but in Arizona, the model appears to be gaining traction.
