TAMPA, Fla. — Ground was broken Wednesday where an affordable housing community in Tampa is expected to open its doors in about one year.
The Adderley is an upcoming affordable housing development on North Nebraska Avenue slated to open in spring 2024. It's one of several projects developed by Blue Sky Communities.
"To know that we're really going to make a difference in their lives and in the neighborhood is very gratifying," Shawn Wilson, president of the developer, said.
The new home involves several partners including the city of Tampa, Truist Bank, and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. The upcoming development will be the first Blue Sky Property within city limits.
Applicants must earn below the 80% area media income range. Wilson said for most families, that would translate to making $20,000 to $50,000 of total household income.
Meanwhile, rent prices are expected to be between $500 to $1,500 with most starting at $1,000, Wilson said.
To neighbors like Jacqueline Coffie Leeks, the development is more than just about affordability.
"Thank you for planting seeds that will provide increase for our community," Leeks said of the developer during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Leeks discussed the impact segregation and the construction of Interstate 275 had on her family, displacing them for generations. She never left the area aside from attending college. Currently, she helps serve her community through working as executive director of the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise.
She said she's most excited for, not only families to have the opportunity to live somewhere affordable, but the employment opportunities it could bring and the ability to pass on the success to future generations.
The project comes at a time when Tampa Bay area housing prices are still among the highest in the nation.
Zillow shows Tampa's median rent at $2,300. St. Pete's is just below at $2,200.
Wilson said the demand in housing cost the project $7 million more than expected, which is why he's thankful other partners were willing to pitch in.
Since its formation in 2012, Blue Sky Communities has helped pave the way for other affordable housing projects throughout Tampa Bay.