Bradenton’s affordable housing market is getting a boost this month with the opening of Astoria on 9th, a new $37.4 million apartment community for seniors.
Developed by Housing Trust Group in partnership with AM Affordable Housing, a nonprofit founded by NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, the project will bring 120 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments meant to cater to older residents upon opening on May 27.
A grand opening celebration is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. with Mourning, stakeholders and local government officials expected to attend.
Astoria is located at 2244 9th Street West, just a few blocks south of LECOM Park, and it seeks to address a need for affordable housing that caters specifically to elderly residents. The apartments are reserved for seniors earning at or below 22%, 30%, and 60% of the area median income, with rents starting as low as $322 per month.
Developers say the project addresses a critical need in the greater Tampa Bay area, where nearly 60% of renters are considered cost-burdened and affordable senior housing remains scarce, according to a news release about Astoria’s grand opening celebration.
Astoria is not the only attainable housing project within the city of Bradenton. Riverview 6 opened with 80 units at 601 9th Street W. this year, The Met has offered 199 units at 402 13th Street W. since opening in November, and Nine20 Manatee opened on May 16 with 137 units at 920 Manatee Ave. W.
“The goal with these developments is to support a live, work, play lifestyle—keeping people living in the city where they also work and spend their time,” Bradenton spokeswoman Tiffany Shadik said. “The hope is to attract local professionals like city and county employees, teachers, hospital staff, and others who are part of the fabric of our community.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Alonzo Mourning nonprofit opens affordable housing community for seniors in Bradenton
Reporting by Jesse Mendoza, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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