The development is expected to be completed by late 2025. The total funding for New Trail Plaza will be just over $30 million, with funding provided by the Sarasota County’s ARPA program, City of Sarasota, Truist, and First Housing, and Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
There is a new and exciting affordable housing community that has opened up right on the Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. New Trail Plaza marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Sarasota community, bringing much-needed affordable housing and modern amenities to the area.
“On behalf of the City of Sarasota, I would like to express our profound appreciation to Blue Sky Communities and the Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) organization for their outstanding commitment to enhancing our community through the development of affordable housing. This initiative is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing critical housing needs and improving the quality of life for our residents.”
Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert
What to expect from New Trail Plaza
The community will consist of two buildings with a total of 96 rental apartment homes. This includes 37 one-bedroom, 51 two-bedroom, and 8 three-bedroom apartments. To accommodate diverse income levels, the units will be available to residents meeting 30%, 60%, and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) requirements. Rental preferences will be given to families. The complex will offer a range of amenities, including a clubhouse, business center, activity room,
and playground, designed to enhance the living experience for all residents.
Related: Blue Sky Communities Builds Jersey Commons in Fast-growing Polk
The history of New Trail Plaza is rooted in the proactive efforts of Sarasota County, which identified the need for affordable housing on its own surplus land, put out a request for proposals (RFP) in 2020 to accomplish it. Blue Sky/CASL was selected as the developer and the collaboration between public and private entities has
been crucial in bringing this vision to life. More recently (2/21/24) the County Commission granted a small extension to the Closing, challenging the Blue Sky /CASL team to put its money where its mouth was.
The team got it done, earning kudos later from County officials.
“With over 16,000 households spending more than 50% of their income on rent, New Trail Plaza will provide much-needed relief and sustainable living options. This initiative embodies our commitment to making the American Dream attainable for the county’s hardworking residents. We eagerly anticipate welcoming these valued members of our community to their new homes,” shared Scott Eller of CASL.
