Ybor City Welcomes New Affordable Housing at Casa Maceo

Tampa’s historic Ybor City recently celebrated a significant milestone with the unveiling of Casa Maceo Apartments, a brand new 10-unit affordable housing complex. This development will provide much-needed accessible living options for local families, reinforcing the city’s commitment to ensuring all residents can thrive in this dynamic community.

Local Visionaries Drive Community Investment

The Casa Maceo Apartments project is a testament to local initiative and strategic partnerships. Shacres Development, led by Tampa natives Dontavious Pittman, Kevin Johnson, and Ponce McNeal, collaborated with the City of Tampa to bring this vital project to fruition. Their dedication was bolstered by a substantial $3 million grant awarded in 2023 from a state affordable housing program, specifically targeted at redeveloping a previously vacant parcel in Ybor City.

Mayor Jane Castor lauded the Shacres Development team, highlighting their deep community roots: “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.” The Mayor emphasized that this project transcends mere construction, serving as “more than just new housing — it’s a testament to what happens when local visionaries invest in their own community to make Tampa a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive.”

Affordable and Family-Friendly Living

Casa Maceo Apartments is thoughtfully designed to cater to the practical needs of modern families. Each of the ten units boasts a spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration, providing ample living space and comfort. These units are specifically designated for individuals and families whose household income falls at or below 80% of the area’s median income (AMI).

To provide clear guidance, the city notes that for a family of four, this income threshold is approximately $83,000 annually. The complex further ensures broad accessibility by structuring its offerings across two distinct income tiers:

This strategic distribution allows the apartments to serve a wider range of income-qualified residents, directly addressing critical housing gaps within the community.

Prime Location in a Historic District

Located on Columbus Drive, at the vibrant border between East Tampa and the iconic Ybor City, Casa Maceo Apartments offers an ideal blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm. Residents will benefit from easy access to Ybor City’s rich history, cultural attractions, local businesses, and public transportation, connecting them seamlessly to the wider Tampa area.

What This Means for Tampa Residents

The opening of Casa Maceo Apartments marks a significant victory for Tampa’s housing landscape. It provides essential affordable units and exemplifies how local partnerships and state grants can effectively address housing challenges. For many families, these apartments offer the chance to live affordably in a desirable Tampa area, fostering stability and inclusion. This initiative sets a positive precedent for future community-focused developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the new apartment complex called and where is it located?
  The new affordable apartment complex is called Casa Maceo Apartments and it is located on Columbus Drive, bordering East Tampa and Ybor City.
• Who were the key partners in developing Casa Maceo Apartments?
  The project was a collaboration between Shacres Development (Dontavious Pittman, Kevin Johnson, and Ponce McNeal) and the City of Tampa.
• What kind of funding supported this project?
  Shacres Development received a $3 million grant in 2023 from a state affordable housing program.
• What are the income eligibility requirements for residents?
  The apartments are for households making 80% of the area’s median income (AMI) and below. Six units are for 50% AMI and below, and four units are for 80% AMI and below. For a family of four, 80% AMI is approximately $83,000.
• What type of units are available at Casa Maceo Apartments?
  All ten units are designed as three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments.

The unveiling of Casa Maceo Apartments is a beacon of progress for Tampa, demonstrating a vital commitment to fostering inclusive communities where every resident has a greater chance to lay down roots and thrive in an increasingly competitive housing market. This achievement promises a brighter, more affordable future for many Tampa families.

Ybor City Welcomes New Affordable Housing