Rev. L. K. Williams, Senior Pastor of Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church, envisioned creating a skilled nursing facility and affordable housing for Phoenix’s aging African American community. His vision led to the opening of the 54-bed Tanner Manor Nursing Home in 1968, managed by the Board of Directors after incorporation as Tanner Properties, Inc.

In 1974, Tanner Properties added the 127-unit Tanner Gardens Apartments with HUD financing. Due to financial issues, the nursing home closed in 2000, and the site was redeveloped into the 110-unit Tanner Manor apartments through a partnership with Alliance Property Group utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

Expanding its mission, the Board built the 156-unit Tanner Terrace Apartments in Glendale, another HUD-financed facility. In 2012, partnering again with Alliance Property Group, they created Grandfamilies Place—a 56-unit community for grandparents raising grandchildren, seniors, and disabled persons. This is the first facility in the State of Arizona developed for Grandparents raising grandchildren.

Through a partnership with Bethel Communities, the Board co-developed Washington Pointe, a 54-unit senior apartment across from major African-American churches, providing easy access to downtown Phoenix via Light Rail. In 2023–24, Tanner Properties sold several properties, positioning themselves to create additional attainable housing opportunities.  

Now operating as Anvil Builds, Inc., the Board is supporting new projects including a veterans’ facility on 18th Place and Broadway and planning another Grandfamilies Place for the West Valley.

Anvil Builds, Inc. continues to expand affordable housing options in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.