COCOA, FLA. — Housing Trust Group (HTG) and local nonprofit Housing for Homeless Inc. have broken ground on Orchid Lake, a $30 million affordable housing community in Cocoa, a city on Florida’s Space Coast. Situated in Brevard County on the Atlantic Ocean side of the state, Orchid Lake will feature 90 units reserved for income-qualifying residents who earn at or below 22, 33 and 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), with rents ranging from $228 to $1,107 per month. The floor plan mix includes one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 802 to 1,137 square feet. The property is scheduled to deliver in early 2024.
Amenities will include a clubhouse and fitness center, community splash pad and playground, outdoor barbecue area and a media room for residents. Housing for Homeless will also offer services to residents including adult literacy training, an employment assistance program and a financial management program.
Funding sources for Orchid Lake include $15.7 million in 9 percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity syndicated through Raymond James Bank, as well as a $9 million loan through the State Apartment Incentive Loan program (SAIL). Other capital sources include loans from Raymond James Bank, Florida Housing ELI and National Housing Trust Fund (through the Florida Housing Finance Corp.). The project team for Orchid Lake includes general contractor Hennessy Construction, engineer DRMP, architect FK Architecture, landscape architect Manley Design and interior designer Builders Design.