A new affordable housing complex for seniors is expected to anchor a new era of redevelopment along Silver Star Road in Pine Hills.
- 55+ senior housing project would replace Silver Pines Plaza
- Complex would provide below market rent housing
- Developers say project could be a catalyst for growth
Right now, the site of that development is a half-empty shopping plaza.
"You're taking a development that is having difficulty surviving. It is not in the best of shape," said Rick Baldochi, vice president of AVCON Inc., a local engineering firm working on the project. "And you're putting in a brand new, state of the art facility to serve the residents of that community."
The project will replace part of the Silver Pines Plaza, the site of a deadly shooting last weekend.
"I know that this will help that neighborhood, that corner. So we welcome it," said Commissioner Victoria Siplin, who represents the Pine Hills area.
The project, which will look similar to the Brixton Landing Apartments in Apopka, was unanimously approved by the Orange County Commissioners Tuesday afternoon.
"I think with the stigma that has been branded on Pine Hills, when you have someone who is willing to invest monetarily in a community, I think that speaks volumes," Commissioner Siplin said.
Developers with Wendover Housing Partners believe the 55+ senior housing project, which will have amenities like a pool and hair salon, can be a catalyst for growth in Pine Hills.
"That will help transform the area, create activity. The [Pine Hills Trail] is going to be online this year, so it will create more activity on the trail, which is an amenity to this apartment complex," Baldochi said.
The Pine Hills Trail will connect the Shingle Creek Trail near State Road 50 with the Seminole-Wekiva Trail near the Orange-Seminole County line.
The 3-story, 100 unit building, is expected to rent below market rate. A timeline for construction has not been announced yet. The project will need tax credits to ensure it becomes affordable housing.