Affordable Housing Complex Sets New Standard in Wimauma

By Mitch Traphagen

WIMAUMA - Constructed to resemble the streets and squares of a residential neighborhood, the Groves of Wimauma apartments opened to help meet the demand for affordable housing in Hillsborough County.

"The Groves of Wimauma is a huge step forward in ensuring an adequate supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for many lower-income, hard-working farm worker families," said Hillsborough County Administrator Dan Kleman.

Although many of the 108 units are already occupied, the Groves of Wimauma was introduced to the public on Mar. 10 during a ceremony attended by Kleman, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms, a representative from Congressman Adam Putnam's office and representatives from the development and financial partners involved in the project. Congressman Putnam himself was scheduled to appear however he was called back to Washington due to the Iraq crisis.

The $9 million project replaced a condemned housing and trailer project previously on the site. "It was truly a labor of love to replace the substandard housing that existed on this site with the new and attractive housing that you see today," said Kleman.

The Groves of Wimauma includes 16 one-bedroom, 44 two-bedroom, 32 three-bedroom and 16 four-bedroom apartments. The unit sizes range from 900 square feet to 1,700 square feet. In stark contrast to the housing projects of days past, the Groves were designed with the idea of creating a neighborhood for the residents. Each apartment has its own private entrance, complete with a small yard area. Rather than the traditional parking lot, parallel parking was incorporated to allow residents to park in front of their homes, just as they would in neighborhoods everywhere. The design was intended to create a more liveable environment that will encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhood.

The Groves also provides amenities usually found in upscale apartment complexes including a pool, gym, clubhouse, computer room and a daycare center operated by the Redlands Christian Migrant Association.

"Isn't this beautiful," said Commissioner Storms. "In my view, this is what doing justice and mercy means. Hillsborough County residents can be proud of giving a helping hand to very important members of our community, our farm workers."

Hillsborough County donated the land, provided grants of more than $575,000 and waived county fees and provided oversight for the project. Fannie Mae, the world's largest non-bank financial services company provided $1.8 million through its Community Development Financial Institutions Initiative and PNC Real Estate Finance/Columbia Housing provided $5 million in tax credit equity. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation also issued tax credits. The project was developed by White Oaks Real Estate Development Corporation.

There have long been calls for increasing the quantity of affordable housing in the county and that problem is particularly acute in the more rural areas. According to Kleman, Hillsborough County has the third highest number of farm workers in the state which creates a heavy demand for affordable housing.

"Hillsborough County is home to thousands of farm workers who are the backbone of the agricultural economy," said Rep. Putnam in a press release. "In order to support our valuable agricultural community we must provide quality housing where families can live in a safe and clean environment."