Bloom: New Affordable Housing for Fort Myers’ Essential Workers!

2010 Hanson St, Fort Myers, FL, 33901, USA - In the heart of Fort Myers, a new affordable housing development named Bloom is set to transform the landscape for essential workers. Located at 2010 Hanson St., this project is a collaborative effort brought forth by Renaissance Development Group, Lee County, and the city of Fort Myers, which aims to address the pressing housing needs of first responders, teachers, health care workers, and city and county employees. The community will feature a total of 336 rental units on a 5.7-acre site, where the former Araba Shrine Hall will soon be razed to make way for something that truly counts.

Bloom will offer a variety of moderately priced options including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. With amenities such as a pool, fitness center, game room, playground, dog park, and a 506-space parking garage, it sounds like quite the haven for the hardworking individuals that keep our communities running. Notably, 51% of the units are earmarked for individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income for Lee County, while the remaining 49% target those with incomes between 80% to 120%—a significant move towards inclusivity in Southwest Florida’s housing market.

The Workforce Housing Crisis

As News-Press highlights, the region has been grappling with a workforce housing crisis that has left many essential workers commuting over 50 miles to their jobs. This has serious implications for sectors such as healthcare, education, and public safety. With a 10,000-person waiting list for housing, the necessity for projects like Bloom could not be clearer.

Another initiative addressing this pressing issue is the Summerlin Landings, a proposed 149-unit apartment complex located at 20161 Summerlin Road. Jointly developed by The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers and Pinnacle, a reputable private developer, this complex will cater primarily to tourism industry workers and offer a substantial 80% of its units as affordable. This is particularly crucial given that many of these workers are still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Ian.

Furthermore, the Greater Dunbar Initiative is on the horizon, promising to revamp affordable housing frameworks and deliver at least 465 mixed-income units. Funded partially by a $30 million Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this initiative will certainly bring some much-needed hope to the community.

Finding Creative Solutions

Just as cities in other parts of the world, like Berlin, are grappling with housing shortages and skyrocketing rental prices—the average rent in Berlin now sees renters paying up to €18.16 per square meter (according to The Berliner)—Fort Myers faces a unique set of challenges. With rising construction costs and inflation hitting hard, the landscape for affordable housing feels daunting.

In Berlin, rising land prices complicate efforts to build affordable options, a struggle that resonates here in Florida as well. The 2023 Live Local Act has paved the way for an influx of over $700 million for affordable housing projects, but there’s always room for more creative solutions. Local developers must find ways to keep costs manageable while also catering to the ever-increasing demand for affordable living.

Bloom stands as a beacon of hope on the horizon for the essential workers of Southwest Florida. With a target completion date in mid-year 2027, and bolstered by various funding mechanisms including an $8.2 million CRA increment rebate, the community anticipates not just affordable housing, but a thriving place where individuals can truly feel at home.