AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Economic Impact in Florida Communities
By Becky Trybus
Thanks to state subsidies, private donors, and passionate leaders, the Florida affordable rental housing industry continues progressing despite a turbulent market. Learn more about two of Forum’s successful projects, shining examples of what can be achieved with determination and community support
Seven on Seventh
Its such an exciting project because its 50/50 [workforce housing vs housing for formerly homeless], says Broward Parterships Chief Executive Officer, Fran Espinosa, in their Winter 2023 Newsletter Ranking absolute last in Florida for affordable housing options, Broward County has struggled to meet the needs of its homeless population In 2019, the Partnership was awarded a $25 million low-income tax credit subsidy from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and received additional private donor support By Summer 2021, Forum’s developer client, Green Mills Group, began construction on Seven on Seventh, an urban infill, concrete block construction, mixed-use affordable rental housing community in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the tenth most populous city in Florida,
to house individuals and families transitioning from homelessness Built on the former parking lot of and adjacent to Broward Partnership’s Central Homeless Assistance Center, Seven on Seventh is exclusively for households earning 60% or below of the AMI (area median income), a welcome relief for this sub-sector The property opened its doors in the Fall of 2023 and is estimated to make a significant positive annual impact of $15 million for the surrounding area This impact includes an economic boost and social and community benefits, bringing hope and prosperity to the community, a clear testament to the initiative’s success and long-term sustainability
"It's such an exciting project because it's 50/50 [workforce housing vs housing for formerly homeless] "
A Sense of Place
While Fort Lauderdale is known for its waterways (unofficially called the Venice of America ), high dollar yachts, and signature white wave wall at the beachfront promenade, Seven on Seventh stands out with its own unique features The signature blue
exterior ground floor
tonal wall, blending seamlessly with the coastal community experience, is a memorable sight Painted on stucco by a local artist, the wall serves as a beacon of hope Its strong square lines symbolize the need for structure in life, while the blues’ soft ebb and flow signify calm seas ahead This unique expression of the community’s care and support for its individuals and families in need makes Seven on Seventh a truly special project
The ground floor of the property houses commercial space for a case management office and workforce program In partnership with the local CareerSource agency and Broward Colleges Broward Up Promise Neighborhoods program, residents can obtain assistance with new employment and access resources, including undergraduate degrees, internship opportunities, certificate programs, and life skills training
The 72 -unit property offers studios to two-bedroom apartments. The common area amenities spaces are delightful with their pops of yellow green palm leaf wallcovering and biophilic feature wall Residents enjoy an on-site fitness studio, 24-hour laundry rooms, a business area and library, and professional on-site leasing and management
Parramore Oaks
Cradled on the west side of downtown Orlando is Parramore, the city’s oldest and most prominent African American neighborhood, dating back to its founding in the 1880's The need for affordable housing in Parramore is high, and land costs continue to rise In 2023, Costar Group valued the average price per acre of land downtown at $19 million Though the area has seen its fair share of ups and downs, Orlando’s city leaders continue progressing, adding to its vibrant culture and history through the Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan Also known as the Parramore Plan, the city is working to ensure residents can access quality, safe, and affordable places to live in this neighborhood Ten Healthy Community Design Principles are outlined in the plan, six of which are directly impacted by the property Forum designed for Invictus Development called Parramore Oaks an Aurora Award-winning affordable housing infill project consisting of two 4-story buildings and two 2-story buildings with a total of 211 units built using concrete block walls with hollow core and precast plank floors
PRINCIPLE #1: Drive Economic Development by Creating a Unique Identity: Parramore Oaks launched due to the Parramore Plan’s Growth Management Plan (GMP) and amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC), which reduced regulatory barriers and consolidated residential and commercial activities for future infill developments Strategically leveraging infill development, like Parramore Oaks, and similar programing supports the neighborhood’s unique economic development path
PRINCIPLE #2: Improve Access to Job Opportunities: The Parramore Plan identified for and not-for-profit partnerships with locations in the downtown area, including Orange County Public Schools, the University of Central Florida, and Valencia College, to help fund new vocational and professional opportunities for Parramore residents Parramore Oaks residents have additional opportunities with service providers offering seminars and workshops on-site
PRINCIPLE #4: Increase Housing Opportunities: Different housing types can better meet the needs of various family sizes and favorably impact the availability of affordable housing in the community
Single family units tend to be larger than multifamily units; however, multi-family properties can increase the housing supply on a dwelling units per acre basis while potentially decreasing pricing in the immediate area ’ s housing market Parramore Oaks offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units from 775sf to 1225sf, comprised of 80% affordable and 20% market-rate units (30, 40, 60, and 80% AMI) Residents also enjoy their own greenspace, a stylish community center with a kitchenette, library/business area, fitness room, kid’s activity room, bike storage, indoor mailroom, on-site property management, and leasing office, and security features such as controlled access entry and Orlando Police Department connected interior and exterior cameras
PRINCIPLE #8: Invest in people, not cars: Local public transit is an inexpensive alternative to automobiles, with its primary benefit tied to jobs and the economy Most residents in the Parramore neighborhood are within a quarter mile of the LYNX bus service and two miles from the SunRail train station Parramore Oaks is a in a hub of entertainment and professional commerce
activities, such as the Amway Center, Dr Philips Performing Arts Center, Camping World Stadium, Church Street Station, and downtown shops and restaurants The community is in front of one of the LYNX bus stops, providing easy access for walkers and bike riders who need transportation to work or local leisure activities
PRINCIPLE #9: Maximize the Opportunity for All Residents to Get Physical Activity: One of the health metrics used in the Parramore Plan is for residents to be within a quarter to a half mile of neighborhood centers and parks Parramore Oaks is adjacent to ZL Riley Park, which includes a childrens playground
PRINCIPLE #10: Encourage Mixed-Use
Development: One of the goals of the Parramore Plan has been to focus on expanding the neighborhood’s mix through increased density and intensity, modernizing yet striving to be compatible with the area ’ s existing historic buildings and urban form Parramore Oaks’ architectural form blends beautifully with the community’s culture, adding energizing jewel-toned color, style, texture, and features to a once-blighted empty lot
Forum’s Commitment to Our Affordable
Housing Clients
Since 1986, Forum Architecture and Interior Design has designed multi-family properties for the affordable housing market In the past ten years, Forum has completed roughly 40 affordable housing projects and currently has 16 new projects on the boards
“Forum takes great pride in working with our clients to navigate and develop affordable projects that positively impact communities Parramore Oaks in Orlando is an example of a project that placed affordable apartments back into the community, which the City of Orlando could not do financially,” says Jeffrey Chue, Studio Director and lead designer for both Seven on Seventh and Parramore Oaks
For more information about our affordable housing projects, please visit our website at forumarchitecturecom For RFPs, please contact our Business Development department at bizdev@forumarchitecturecom
"Forum takes great pride in working with our clients to navigate and develop affordable projects that positively impact communities Parramore Oaks in Orlando is an example of a project that placed affordable apartments back into a community, which the City of Orlando could not do financially "
