|
WHAT:
Palm Gardens Orlando offers a new beginning for residents like Janice Ewing, who found stability and relief from uncertainty; Derek Gainer, who transitioned from homelessness to a secure place to call home; and Elizabeth Gatesy, who enjoys both the accessibility and convenience of the newly renovated complex.
On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart, One Stop Housing, One Stop Cares, Synovus Bank and Clarence E. Anthony with the National League of Cities will cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the first 95 units of Palm Gardens Orlando and its transformation from the blighted Ambassador Hotel into a safe, affordable community for residents. As part of its 100th anniversary nationwide tour, the National League of Cities will also present a mural to commemorate its contribution to helping local governments with critical community projects.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees will get a first look at two of the newly completed units as well as office space that will be used to coordinate housing services and programs for residents. All 150 units at Palm Gardens Orlando are anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, with 149 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments reserved for residents with incomes at or less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and one unit reserved for live-in property management. Fifteen of the units will be designated for permanent supportive housing.
The City of Orlando remains committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of economic status, has access to quality housing that is safe and affordable and continues to work to develop short and long-term strategies to expand the city's housing inventory for residents at all income levels. This project is one of the first to be approved for funding through the city’s Accelerate Orlando initiative, which is leveraging $58 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds to further the city’s efforts in tackling homelessness and affordable housing.
Interested residents should call 689.312.6270 or apply atonestophousing.com/apply-online.
WHEN:
Thursday, May 30, 2024
9:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Palm Gardens Orlando Apartments
929 West Colonial Drive
WHO:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart
Clarence E. Anthony, National League of Cities
Mark Vengroff, One Stop Housing, LLC
Kevin Gillen, Synovus Bank
Maurice Campbell, One Stop Cares
Janice Ewing, Resident
Elizabeth Gatesy, Resident
Derek Gainer, Resident
MEDIA INFORMATION:
Parking will be reserved in the parking lot of the property at 929 West Colonial Drive, with driveway access from Westmoreland Drive.
BACKGROUND:
The National League of Cities helped pass the American Rescue Plan Act to bring critical funding to communities to support local projects. They have selected the City of Orlando as one of the stops on their “NLC Centennial Roadshow: 100 Years, 100 Cities” tour to highlight the Palm Gardens Orlando Apartments.
As part of its Accelerate Orlando initiative, the City of Orlando contributed more than $4 million to support the conversion of the hotel into an apartment complex. Palm Gardens Orlando will have a 30-year affordability period, starting from the date all completed units have been leased. Annually, any rent increases will be restricted to the annual rates set by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, based on the income limits established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to ensure continued affordability.
For over 35 years, One Stop Housing, LLC has worked to construct new multifamily affordable rentals and renovate vacant and distressed properties to convert them into affordable rentals. The company serves as both developers and operators, using these cost savings to offer lower rents, keeping rates within 60-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) range.
###
|