In a major move to combat the affordable housing crisis, more affordable housing is coming to the University Area. The apartment complex is called Uptown Sky, and it is being developed by Blue Sky Communities in partnership with the University Area CDC, or Community Development Corporation. Uptown Sky hopes to become a beacon of hope for those striving to find affordable living spaces.
The University Area
The University Area community is a 864-acre underserved neighborhood located on the northern edge of unincorporated Hillsborough County. The neighborhood is blighted by vacant and abandoned lots. Approximately 75 percent of the 10,500 residents represent minority groups. In addition, over 19 percent of the residents are veterans. The per capita income in this area is far below the county average and nearly 60 percent of the residents live below the poverty level. Unemployment is approximately twice that of the county.
Related: Photo Voice Project Highlights Community Issues in University Area
Many residents struggle with a lack of education and language barriers. The University Area, one of the densest communities in Hillsborough County, has been deemed a targeted redevelopment area by the county. Blue Sky has been working with UACDC for several years to identify a property in the Uptown area to help the community with affordable housing.
Development of Uptown Sky
Finally, in 2019, Blue Sky found a great site right on Fletcher Ave. A convenient and efficient location was extremely important to the development of the apartment complex:
Housing that is close to transit, close to services, schools, and jobs is an extremely efficient use of precious government resources. We just have to thank the County, who recognized this fact and helped us make it happen. Fletcher Avenue could be further redeveloped, over time, to really remake this community into a thriving working-class hub.
Shawn Wilson, President and CEO of Blue Sky Communities
Located at 13635 N 12th Street, Uptown Sky is now a vibrant addition to the local landscape. The four-story apartment complex has 61 units, comprised of 37 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom residences.
The affordable housing development targets families and individuals who fall within the Area Median Income (AMI) requirements of 50%, 60%, and 70%. Catering to the needs of working families, the complex provides an array of amenities such as a playground, pool, computer lab, recreational room, and laundry facilities. The University Area CDC will also offer on-site programming and services.
Funding and community support
This ambitious 4-year endeavor became a reality with help from:
- Hillsborough County’s HOPE and SHIP Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Truist Bank
- Florida Housing Finance Corporation
- Raymond James Affordable Housing Investments
- Aetna
- Carteret Management
The impact of Uptown Sky goes beyond just providing an affordable place to live. The aim is to improve the quality of life for residents, alleviate the cost burden, and increase access to transit and services. With a 30-year affordability period, this project is a long-term investment in uplifting the community.