Twenty-one million dollars in federal income tax credits will be used to help redevelop Grove Manor in the historic core of Lake Wales.
The development site will feature 210 affordable housing units – 90 more than the original 120 units.
The awarded $21 million in federal income tax credits didn’t come easy.
“The Lake Wales Housing Authority applied several times,” Al Kirkland, executive director, Lake Wales Housing Authority said.
The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funded $1 million to assist in the design phase of the project.
“City staff recommended construction design plans be included to help strengthen the application for grant funding,” James Slaton, city manager said.
Grove Manor is action step number six in the City’s award-winning Lake Wales Connected plan: Partner with Lake Wales Housing Authority to produce construction-ready design drawings for Grove Manor redevelopment as a walkable, mixed-income neighborhood.
The development project will happen in several phases. Two-story and three-story apartment buildings will be constructed with a variety of floor plans. Single-family homes will also be constructed, and the CRA may explore adding more types of housing.
The first phase of development will include a community center and 78 apartment units comprising one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved up to $1,500,000 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership funds for phase two of construction.
“Grove Manor is the keystone in our two historic districts – the northwest neighborhood and downtown,” Slaton noted.
Other notable City projects underway in the northwest neighborhood include a sidewalk and street tree project to increase pedestrian safety along 20 blocks, and the installation of a two-way cycle track on First Street that runs between the historic districts.
*info provided by City of Lake Wales
