Lake Wales Housing Authority has been awarded $21 million in federal income tax credits to help redevelop 54-year-old Grove Manor in the historic core of Lake Wales into a walkable, mixed-income neighborhood.
“The Lake Wales Housing Authority applied several times,” Executive Director Al Kirkland said.
The development site will feature 210 affordable housing units, which is 90 more than the original 120 units. These units will be rent-restricted for residents earning no more than 60% of the area median income for tax credit units and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units. There will be no market-rate units.
The $21 million funding covers the first 78 units in Grove Manor and the new community center, according to Eric Marshall, communications director. The project is divided into three construction phases, but the city is starting with Phase 2 because it hasn’t received funding commitments for Phase 1.
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved up to $1.5 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership funds for Phase 2, and the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) allocated $1 million to assist in the design phase of the project.
The developer is Smith & Henzy, and the General Contractor is Pike Construction Services. Both Smith & Henzy and Pike Construction Services are responsible for all bids.
Redevelopment was necessary because the property, built in 1972, had become outdated and difficult to maintain.
Marshall added, “The units lack amenities to attract families, are outdated, and have become costly to maintain as parts and materials are increasingly difficult to find.”
Grove Manor is the sixth step in the Lake Wales Connected plan. The City will work with the Lake Wales Housing Authority to prepare design drawings for the project, which includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
“The design has incorporated additional streets, walkways and parking areas. Because of these additions, the residential units will be closer to the street,” Marshall said.
Demolition of Grove Manor began on May 11.
“Residents who were living in Grove Manor Phase II have been moved. Some residents currently reside in Grove Manor,” Marshall said. “Those residents will continue to reside in their units until construction begins in their phase. It is the Housing Authority’s goal to move the remaining residents into newly built units on site.”
Grove Manor Phase 2’s estimated completion is 18 months. The remaining phases will be contingent upon award funding through Florida Housing Corporation and other funding sources available, Marshall said.
The estimated cost is $90 million for all phases of the redevelopment project.
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.
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