Affordable housing development, Skyway Lofts, opens in the Skyway Marina District
/A 65-unit affordable apartment community is now open in south St. Pete’s growing Skyway Marina District.
Skyway Lofts, located at 3900 34th Street South, is the latest affordable housing development by Tampa-based Blue Sky Communities. The project broke ground in September 2020 and consists of two four-story buildings with 17 one-bedroom units at 650 square feet each and 48 two-bedroom units at 960 square feet.
SKYWAY LOFTS WILL BE LOCATED AT 3900 34TH STREET SOUTH AND 3319 39TH AVENUE SOUTH IN THE SKYWAY MARINA DISTRICT
Of the 65 units, 10 will cater to households making 0-30% of the area median income (AMI) while 42 units will cater to households making up tp 60% of AMI. The remaining 13 units will serve households earning up to 80% of AMI. Most units will be priced at $762 per month for one-bedroom apartments and $901 per month for two-bedroom apartments.
“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,” says St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. “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.”
SKYWAY LOFTS WILL BE A 65-UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY LOCATED IN THE SKYWAY MARINA DISTRICT
All apartments will be equipped with multiple energy-efficient features. Amenities include a clubroom, a fitness center, on-site laundry and free parking. The community will include 76 parking spaces, one for each residential unit and a few guest spaces.
Skyway Lofts was constructed on the site of the former Bay Breeze Motel which Blue Sky acquired in July 2020 for $925,000. Total project costs for the development are over $16 million.
The City of St. Petersburg contributed $90,000 toward the project as part of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP). Blue Sky Communities also utilized the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program to make Skyway Lofts a reality.
THE PARKING AT SKYWAY LOFTS WILL BE LOCATED ON THE GROUND LEVEL UNDERNEATH THE RESIDENTIAL UNITS.
“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,” says 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.”
In addition to Blue Sky Communities and the City of St. Petersburg, other partners in the project include Pinellas County, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, TIAA Bank, Raymond James Bank and Raymond James Tax Credit Funds.
Skyway Lofts is located at 3900 34th Street South in the Skyway Marina District, just a 10 minute drive from downtown St. Pete. For more information about Skyway Lofts in St. Petersburg, FL, visit their website.
