Building More Than Housing.
We’re Building Futures.
A Nonprofit Developer Advancing Affordable Housing & Community Stability
Anvil Builds formally known as Tanner Properties, Inc. is a Phoenix-based nonprofit real estate development organization dedicated to creating safe, affordable, and high-quality housing for individuals and families who need it most. Rooted in community transformation, our work supports veterans, seniors, and low-income households through thoughtfully designed housing and wraparound services that promote long-term stability.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, our initiatives focus on the greater Phoenix area, with a strong commitment to South Mountain Village and historically underserved neighborhoods.
What We Do
We approach housing as a foundation for stronger communities. Our developments are designed for long-term impact, combining responsible construction with services that support residents beyond the front door.
Our core focus areas include:
Permanent affordable rental housing for veterans
Rehabilitation and redevelopment of homes for low-income families
Senior housing that supports aging with dignity
Community-centered development that strengthens neighborhoods
To provide safe, affordable, and quality housing that fosters community transformation and supports vulnerable populations—creating pathways to stability, dignity, and opportunity.
Our Properties
Our current portfolio includes three completed homes, each designed to provide stable, affordable housing while contributing positively to the surrounding neighborhood. These properties reflect our commitment to quality development, thoughtful design, and responsible management.
TANNER GARDENS
APARTMENTS
127 UNITS
FOR Seniors
And Mobility Impaired
4420 S. 18th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 268-8866
WASHINGTON POINTE
APARTMENTS
54 UNITS
FOR Seniors (55)
And Mobility Impaired
1555 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 253-3400
GRANDFAMILIES PLACE OF PHOENIX APARTMENTS
56 UNITS
FOR Seniors, Grandchildren
5150 S. 18th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 354-4897
Historical, developed and previous owned Properties
TANNER MANOR
APARTMENTS
Affordable 55+ senior and disability
housing community in South Phoenix
Historical, developed and previous owned Properties
TANNER TERRACE
APARTMENTS
156-unit, three-story affordable independent
living community built in 1980 and
designed exclusively for seniors aged
62 and older.
Tanner Thomas Place for Veterans
Tanner Thomas Village for Veterans is a supportive community designed to help veterans thrive. Through housing, resources, and holistic support, we empower those who served to build stable, independent, and fulfilling lives—finding inspiration in every turn.
Meet the Board
Anvil Builds is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to responsible development, community impact, and long-term sustainability. Our board brings together leaders with experience across real estate, finance, nonprofit governance, construction, and community advocacy—ensuring our work is both mission-driven and financially sound.
Together, they provide strategic oversight, fiscal responsibility, and vision as we develop affordable housing solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and create lasting opportunity.
L.C. DeMon Carey
Chairman
Bio
L.C. DeMon Carey was born and raised in the State of Louisiana, graduated from Webster High School, Northwest Louisiana, enrolled in Southern University, in Baton Rouge, LA, joined the US NAVY, and after training, he became a Submarine Sailor, graduated, and was sent to the US Naval Submarine Base in Hawaii where he attended Officers Training Corp. After his service in the Vietnam War, he attended San Diego State University, received a BS degree in Marketing, minor in Public Relations; and also received his MS degree in International Marketing. He was an active Reserve, and he worked at Kraft Foods, Inc. for 30 years. After retiring, he started a small Business, Carey Consultants, LLC in 2004.
He has served on the following Boards: United Way; Junior Achievement; NAACP (Life Member); Los Hospodars, Phx, 5TH District AME Church Economic Development Fund; Board President for Tanner Properties, Inc.
He is a member of Tanner Chapel AME Church, serving as an officer of the Church, The Conference, and the 5th District.
He is the proud husband of Mrs. Ivy N. Carey (61 years of Marriage) and has three children: Deana R. Green, Leticia E. Carey and Damian K. Carey; Grandfather of (2), and Great-Grandfather of (4).
MICHAEL DEAN
Vice-Chair
Bio
EDUCATION – Bachelor of Science – Community Recreation – 1973 Arizona State University; Master of Arts – Education Administration – 1976 , Arizona State University
PROFESSIONAL CAREER – Began a career with the CITY OF PHOENIX PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT in 1972 and served the citizens of Phoenix for nearly 33 years before retiring in 2004. Served in a variety of professional positions including: Matthew Henson Center Director, Eastlake Area Coordinator, South/West/Northeast Recreation District Supervisor and Northwest District Administrator/Deputy Director.
Reporter/Photographer for the ARIZONA INFORMANT Newspaper – 1981 – Present
Write a weekly column titled “DEAN’S DUFFERS” that focuses on the game of golf. Past assignments have included coverage of high school, college and professional sports in the Valley. Photographed numerous community activities including; Juneteenth, MLK Holiday Marches and Black History Month events. Photography assignments included a variety of subjects including President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Dr. C.T. Vivian, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Joseph Lowery, et al, during their visits in Arizona.
PREVIOUS BOARDS: Juneteenth Traditions Inc.; Artists of the Black Community AZ (ABC-AZ); Consortium of Black Organizations and Others for the Arts (COBA); OMEGA Head Start Inc.; TCAMEC Trustee Board
THERESA (TREE) HALE
Secretary
Bio
Theresa was born in Chicago, IL. She graduated from John M. Harlan High School and attended 2 years at Wilberforce University. Tree decided that Arizona should became her home, and continued her education at Grand Canyon College now University, and earned a BA in English Literature. She wanted to teach but while waiting for certification, worked for a law office and continued her career as a legal secretary transitioning to a paralegal for over 35 years. She later worked for the Roosevelt School District as the Special Needs Coordinator and retired in 2016. In retirement, she continues to work for law firms and experts as an independent contractor.
She has been married to Ron Hale for 40 years, they have six adult children, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grands and a host of foster children.
Tree has been a member of the Board of Directors for Tanner Properties, Inc. since 1994. She has also worked with Journey Out of Homelessness, and Sunday Ministries, agencies who work with the unsheltered by assisting with clothing drives, Cooling Stations, and other services as needed.
VIRGIL “JACKIE” BERRY
Treasurer
Bio
Virgil J. Berry, Jr., is the CEO of Berry Realty & Associates, Inc. Virgil started in the Real Estate Industry in May 1982. Following in his father’s footsteps who started Berry Realty & Associates in 1960 the same year Virgil was born. Virgil graduated with a BS in Real Estate from the WP Carey School of Business of ASU. Driven by Virgil’s vision of continually improved services and inspired by the need to improve the community, Berry Realty has established a reputation for providing quality contract services to clients throughout Phoenix, Arizona. For the past 40 years, he has an extensive background of management experience through contracts, real estate brokerage and consulting; history of urban development through both commercial and residential properties, and manages successful duties including land acquisitions, construction management and zoning issues.
Virgil Berry is married to the Honorable Carol S. Berry (retired Judge) and they have two wonderful children Jacquelyn Grace Berry, JD, and Virgil J. Berry, Ill (Vice President Berry Realty & Associates). Currently, Berry Realty’s dream project is to create a diversified urban neighborhood being developed as a mixed-use/hotel project in the Eastlake Park neighborhood.
Virgil Berry has served on several boards, commissions, and committees Including the Phoenix Board of Realtors, National Association of Real Estate Brokers, City of Phoenix Affordable Housing Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Virgil was also a part of the Valley Leadership Class XV, Booker T. Washington Center Redevelopment Committee. In addition, Virgil is a long-standing member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
ADORA GRIFFIN
Bio
Adora Griffin is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. She is a retired local government public administrator for the City of Phoenix. During her career, she served as Special Advisor to former Mayor Greg Stanton (now Congressman Stanton) and was instrumental in providing guidance on various community initiatives; established the Mayor’s African American Leadership Roundtable; Administrative Services Manager in the Equal Opportunity Department where she led the Community Relations Division; Chief of Staff to three African American city councilmembers; and a former participant in the nationally recognized City of Phoenix Management Intern Program.
Adora holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA – Arizona State University), and a Master’s Degree in Industrial & Organizational Psychology (MS – Grand Canyon University). She is an author and published her first book of poetry, “Finally Spoken: Creative Voice, Loud & Proud” in 2023. Adora is also a certified life/health coach.
Her passions are traveling, singing and acting to name a few. Adora has performed with the Black Women Walking production since 2022 where she portrays Sojourner Truth and Wilma Rudolph. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
JACQUELYN TOLIVER
Bio
Jacquelyn Toliver is currently a long time member of Black Nurses Association Greater Phoenix Area. The organization is a non-profit organization created to address and inform the Black community and other minority groups about health issues in the state of Arizona. One focus of the organization is community health education. Hopefully increasing awareness and providing information will focus attention on preventing those health issues within our control.
Ms. Toliver has been an active member of the Tanner Property Inc. board since 2007. She currently serves as Chairman of the Personnel Committee.
Ms. Toliver was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Pittsburg, California.
She is a graduate of San Jose State University. She retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs as Associate Chief of Staff of In-Patient Services at the Phoenix facility in 1998.
She has been an active member of the CME Church as long as she can remember.
Initially in her home church, Stewart Memorial CME in Pittsburg and then at Phillips Memorial CME in Phoenix. Ms. Toliver participates on the local, district and annual conference levels.
HON. LEAH LANDRUM TAYLOR
Bio
Leah Landrum Taylor is currently serving as an Assistant Director in the Department of Economic Security (DES) Director’s Office and oversees the Office of Community Engagement. She first joined DES in October 2015 where she served as Deputy Assistant Director for the Division of Child Support Services. Before joining DES, Senator Taylor worked for the AZ Department of Education on the State Superintendent’s Executive Team where she served as the Associate Superintendent of Special Projects Division.
Leah served as an elected Official for the AZ State Senate and House of Representatives in District 27 and termed out after 16 years in January 2015. During her time at the Legislature, she served on many committees, naming a few: the Education and Commerce, Energy and Military Committees; the CPS Oversight Committee; Governor’s CARE Team; Senate Minority Leader; Economic Development, Public Safety & Human Services Committees; Veterans and Military Affairs; Senate Ethics Committee; Governor’s Child Protective Services Task Force; House Ways & Means; Adoption and Foster Care; Governor’s Cloud Summit and Federal Mandate Committees.
Senator Taylor is an Alumna of the American Council of Young Political Leaders and has been recognized by several outstanding political organizations and magazines.
Mike Taborn
Bio
Phyllis Rodriguez
Bio
Phyllis is a dedicated public safety professional and community leader with dual degrees in Administration of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Technology from Phoenix College. She is a licensed Private Investigator and a certified Fingerprint Technician. She has extensive Police Officer, Assistant Security Director, and service in the Phoenix Police Department’s General Investigations Bureau. In addition to her public safety work, she has experienced as a Sound Technician/Engineer and Property Manager. Phyllis has served on the Board of the Area Agency on Aging and is a committed volunteer, earning the State of Arizona Governor’s Service Award as a National Service AmeriCorps recipient. She also serves as a Trustee Board Member and Tanner Properties Board Member for Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church. Phyllis is known for her strong leadership, commitment to community service and dedication to public safety.
Rodger Wells
Bio
Education
Rodger Wells obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude, from Southern University, Baton Rouge, La. and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University, Tempe, Az. He also graduated from Honeywell Corporation (3-year) Advance Engineering Program and Control Data Corporation Project Management Program.
Professional Career
Rodger recently retired as Executive Director of Military Sales for the Aerospace and Defense Group of Teradyne, Inc. He was responsible for generating over 70% (5 billion dollars) of the Group’s revenue. Prior to entering sales, Rodger worked as an electrical engineer designing memory chips, a software engineer developing system software, a system engineer designing communication systems, a project manager developing automatic test equipment, and a field engineer supporting automatic test equipment. Rodger earned a couple of technology patents associated with software development and semiconductor products.
Volunteer Activities/Influences/Mentors
Rodger has served as the Vice-President of Community Technology Development Corporation (a non-profit organization) which focused on developing skill set for Blacks entering the corporate environment. As a life time member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Rodger has participated on a number of mentoring, outreach, and fundraising programs. Rodger has coached a number of Pop-Warner and Little League teams. He has received honors & recognition as an ambassador of the Promise Keeper Men Ministry, an organizer of the Tanner Men Praise & Visitation Teams, a leader within the Richard Allen Men Ministry, and a Bible Classes teacher.
Creating a Legacy
Rodger and his wife Valerye Boyer-Wells currently own a number of financially sound limited liability corporations, a real estate development corporation and a property management firm. These businesses emphasize hiring, promoting, and assisting small minority owned businesses. The Wells family has established two major endowment scholarships-The Rodger Wells & Family Electrical Engineering Scholarship at Southern University and the Valerye Boyer-Wells & Family Women’s Track & Field Scholarship at Arizona State University. In addition, The Wells Family Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, supports a number of churches, nonprofit community groups, and educational institutions.
TERESA TONEY
Bio
Teresa Toney received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University. She began her career as a copywriter and public information officer, then moved to higher education policy writing. She is a retired college administrator who facilitated the governance policy approval process, as well as matters related to taxpayer accountability for one of the largest community college systems in the United States.
Teresa has previously served on the Board of the Arizona Black Town Hall; the Arizona Center for African American Resources; the State of Black Arizona, and is a former chair of the African American Women’s Giving & Empowerment Circle. She currently serves on the Steward Board at the Historic Tanner Chapel, A.M.E. Church. A native Arizonan, she continues to serve in the local non-profit arena on issues that impact matters related to improving the quality of life for fellow Arizonans.
Del Monte Edwards, CCIM
Executive Director