A groundbreaking ceremony for St. Petersburg’s newest affordable housing complex took place on March 6. This second phase of SkyWay Lofts is a pivotal development in the expansion of affordable housing in St. Pete. SkyWay Lofts will bring an additional 66 units to the community, creating an 131-unit property when combined with phase I.
“We celebrate the groundbreaking of Skyway Lofts II, a critical addition to the housing inventory in St. Petersburg, and extend our gratitude to Blue Sky Communities for their commitment to expanding this property,” said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. “Our intentional investment in affordable housing units is demonstrated by our significant financial support in this project, which plays a pivotal role in the City’s Housing Opportunities for All Plan.”
What is Skyway Lofts II?
Skyway Lofts II, is a community-focused approach to housing. It builds on the success of its predecessor, SkyWay Lofts. SkyWay Lofts opened its doors in 2022. It is reserved for families earning 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). This is about about $46,000 for an individual. Rents range from $358 per month for 1-bedroom for the lowest income residents up to $1,807 for a 3-bedroom apartment for those earning up to 80 percent AMI.
Skyway Lofts II will consist of 66 total units in one building. This will includes 33 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedroom units. All apartments will be equipped with multiple energy efficient features, a kitchen, bathroom(s), and storage closets. Amenities will include an outdoor play area, club room, a library with computer area, fitness center, and ample bike parking. It is expected to be completed in 2025.
Helping out the locals
Lifelong St. Petersburg resident Jalinda Williams works as a licensed nurse practitioner at a nearby nursing home. She could afford to put a roof over her children’s head. Until a few years ago — when the rent at her apartment spiked. “When I was growing up in this community, it wasn’t that hard to find a home you could afford. Now I know a lot of people who are working hard but their job doesn’t pay the rent anymore. And some of them have become homeless,” she said. “I’m thankful I found a good home here where I don’t have the worry about the rent going up or my family having to search for a new place to live.”
Scott Macdonald, CFO of Blue Sky Communities stated, “Blue Sky is thrilled to be expanding its affordable housing offerings in the Skyway Marina District. The city has done an amazing job incentivizing the redevelopment of this district. This public private partnership with the city, county, and state will ensure that there are still affordable places for its residents to live.”
What is Blue Sky Communities?
Formed in 2012, Blue Sky Communities is a leader in working with nonprofit organizations to develop multifamily housing communities. Blue Sky acts as a leading advocate for helping nonprofit groups and local governments reach their affordable housing goals by developing state-of-the-art, environmentally sound affordable housing units.