As St. Petersburg continues its efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing, the city announced the opening of SkyWay Lofts, with residents moving in as soon as this Friday. Located at 3900 34th St. S. in the Skyway Marina District, SkyWay Lofts is a 65-unit affordable apartment community built by Blue Sky Communities, a construction company based in Tampa.

The development will serve households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income, with the majority of the units priced at $762 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $901 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. All apartments are equipped with multiple energy-efficient features, and a community-wide amenities include a clubroom, a fitness center, on-site laundry and free parking.

This new community is one of several current and future developments that are part of St. Pete’s Housing Plan, a comprehensive 10-year plan to address housing affordability by expanding existing programs and introducing new solutions. A key part of new Mayor Ken Welch’s approach has been to make sure that essential workers in all sectors are able to find affordable housing. Learn more about the city’s plan at stpete.com/housing

SkyWay Lofts is a joint venture between the city and developers

“With rising rents throughout the region, state and nation, it is more important now than ever to ensure our residents have access to quality, safe, affordable housing,” Welch said. “With price points serving those at 80% of the area median income, these new units will serve teachers, health care workers, first responders, retail workers and others who make our community work. And with energy-efficient features in each unit, these homes will offer tenants additional opportunities to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.”

SkyWay Lofts marks the first new construction community completed in St. Pete by Blue Sky Communities. Blue Sky Communities is based in Tampa and develops affordable housing across the State of Florida. Financing for the development was provided by the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, TIAA Bank, Raymond James Bank and Raymond James Tax Credit Funds.

“We are thrilled to bring affordable housing to the Skyway Marina District at a time when the area has seen explosive growth and rapidly increasing housing costs,” said Scott Macdonald, Executive VP of Blue Sky Communities. “Thank you to the City of St. Petersburg for helping make this community a reality and their continued commitment to address the affordable housing needs of the City.”

Interested applicants can sign up to join the SkyWay Lofts wait list.

What to read next: 

• I Love the ‘Burg announces huge St. Pete giveaway
• Urban Popcorn arriving soon in St. Petersburg
• LALA St. Pete now taking karaoke reservations
• Sauvignon announces new Brunch in downtown St. Pete
• 3 Daughters Brewing announces expansion into Clearwater