St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch announced today that Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has been selected to develop two properties on 18th Avenue South that will bring as many as 56 new affordable homeownership opportunities.

The larger of the two developments is a 44-home community dubbed “Pelican Place.” Located at the corner of 21st St and 18th Ave South, across from the Tangerine Plaza in the Deuces District, the three-story townhomes will be reserved for individuals and households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

With units ranging from two to four-bedroom, the project will provide affordable homeownership opportunities to residents with mortgages as low as $1,075 per month, and capping at $1,300. Total development costs for Habitat for Humanity are estimated at $13.54 million, and the city is contributing $750,000 ($16,500 per unit) to the project.

Habitat estimates the first phase of the project, including 15 units, will be complete by February 2024. The second phase will be complete with another 15 units by October 2024, and the final phase will be complete with 14 units by July 2025. Habitat for Humanity was one of four development teams to submit proposals.

“After reviewing all proposals for these sites, Habitat for Humanity offered an innovative opportunity for homeownership, made affordable by their zero-percent interest mortgage program,” Welch said. “This is a life-changing opportunity for homeownership and wealth-building for residents within the Southside Community Redevelopment Area. The monthly mortgage payment is truly affordable, and Habitat for Humanity is also a trusted organization in the community who we believe will deliver a quality project.”

10 more townhouses coming to 18th Ave

In addition to Pelican Place, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has also been selected for a development on the 1800 block of 18th Avenue South. On a smaller portion of land, the project will include 10-12 townhomes, all of which will be three-story and three-bedroom, with attached garages and driveways.

At 1,704 square feet each, all units will be reserved for individuals and households earning at or below 80% AMI with a selling price of $225,000 per unit. For that project, the City will donate the land and provide $640,000 ($64,000 per unit) in public funding if the project includes 10 units; or $705,000 ($58,750 per unit) if it includes 12 units. Construction is expected to begin in January 2023 and be completed by the end of the year.

Between the two properties, nearly 60 families will benefit from the opportunity for affordable homeownership.

“The need for affordable housing at all categories and at all income levels is a mess,” said Habitat CEO and President Mike Sutton. “At habitat, we are solely focused on home ownership. We believe affordable homeownership is the best way to benefit the neighborhood and the surrounding area.”

For information on how to apply for these or other homes, visit Habitat’s online application page.

As described on its website, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, “is a part of a global nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope.”

“Partnering with our community, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties brings community volunteers, corporate donors, civic organizations and faith groups together to build affordable homes for struggling, low-income families and individuals throughout Pinellas and Pasco Counties,” the website continues.