A new affordable housing complex named Casa Maceo Apartments officially opened its doors in Ybor City, Tampa, on March 4, 2024. This 10-unit development aims to provide accessible housing options for families within the area. The project was spearheaded by local developers Dontavious Pittman, Kevin Johnson, and Ponce McNeal, who partnered with the City of Tampa and secured a $3 million grant in 2023 from a state affordable housing program.
Local Leaders Celebrate the Opening
During the unveiling ceremony, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed her pride in the project, highlighting the significance of local investment in the community. “I could not be prouder of what Shacres Development has accomplished here in Ybor City. Dontavious Pittman, Ponce McNeal, and their team are homegrown talent, born and raised right here in Tampa, and now they’re giving back to the very neighborhoods that shaped them,” she remarked. Castor emphasized that this development extends beyond mere housing; it represents a commitment to making Tampa a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive.
The Casa Maceo Apartments are strategically located on Columbus Drive, straddling the border between East Tampa and Ybor City. The complex features exclusively three-bedroom, two-bathroom units designed for families earning up to 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). For context, a family of four would need to earn approximately $83,000 annually to qualify.
Community Impact and Housing Accessibility
According to the City of Tampa, six of the units will be available for families earning at or below 50% AMI, while the remaining four units will cater to those earning up to 80% AMI. This structure aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the region, where many families struggle to find suitable accommodations within their means.
The completion of Casa Maceo Apartments is a significant step in Tampa’s ongoing efforts to combat housing inequality and provide essential services to its residents. By investing in local talent and fostering community engagement, the project hopes to create a sustainable model for future developments aimed at enhancing living conditions for all.
As cities across the nation grapple with housing shortages and affordability crises, initiatives like Casa Maceo serve as important reminders of the impact that dedicated local leadership and community investment can have in creating equitable housing solutions.