New Affordable Housing Development Opens Near Local School

Bayou Court Apartments: A new home for local educators and families.

News Summary

The Bayou Court Apartments in South St. Petersburg has launched, providing 60 affordable units for educators and families. Located across from Lakewood Elementary, the development features units for varying income levels. Backed by public-private partnerships, it aims to address housing needs and enhance community ties. Early occupancy has shown strong demand, reinforcing the importance of supporting local public service workers. Mayor Welch highlights its impact on the local fabric, while future projects are anticipated to follow suit.

St. Petersburg – The Bayou Court Apartments, a new housing development, has opened in South St. Petersburg, offering 60 affordable homes aimed at local educators and families. This community-focused project provides essential housing options right across from Lakewood Elementary School, highlighting its strategic location for those serving the local educational community.

The Bayou Court Apartments feature a diverse mix of units designed to cater to a range of income levels. Specifically, 12 units are allocated for residents who earn 50% or less of the area median income (AMI), while another 9 units are set aside for those earning up to 80% of AMI. This ensures that a significant portion of the housing is accessible to individuals in critical roles within the community, such as teachers and local government employees.

Construction of the apartments commenced in April 2024 and was completed within a year, despite challenges posed by hurricanes during the building process. The total project cost reached $17 million, with substantial financial contributions from the St. Petersburg city, which invested $2.74 million, and Pinellas County, which contributed an additional $2.8 million. This public-private partnership exemplifies a collaborative effort to tackle the pressing housing needs in the area.

Since opening, Bayou Court Apartments has enjoyed early success, with 21 of the 60 units already leased. Many of the new tenants are local government employees or work within the Pinellas County School system. This early interest showcases the project’s importance in providing housing stability for those dedicated to public service in the community.

Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the impact of the Bayou Court project, asserting it aims to support “the folks who make our city run.” This sentiment underlines the project’s commitment to not only provide housing but also to foster a sense of community among the residents who play essential roles in the local fabric.

The construction of the Bayou Court Apartments was managed by Park & Eleazer, who encountered various environmental challenges during the building phase, including safeguarding a protected bald eagle nest on the site. Despite these obstacles, the successful completion of the apartments demonstrates effective project management and dedication to environmental stewardship.

In addition to addressing immediate housing needs, the Gravel Road Partners (GRP), the development firm behind the project, has also invested in local educational initiatives. This includes sponsoring trips for students to visit colleges, fostering a culture of learning and opportunity for younger generations in the community. The focus on educational support signifies GRP’s commitment to enriching the lives of residents beyond the provision of housing.

Bayou Court is anticipated to serve as a model for future housing developments in the region, prompting community leaders and residents to express hopes for similar projects that can help alleviate the ongoing housing crisis. Nearby, GRP is also involved in rehabilitating a 258-unit apartment complex in Largo, further highlighting the firm’s ongoing contributions to local housing solutions.

As the city continues to grapple with housing shortages, the Bayou Court Apartments stand as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential of public-private partnerships in creating sustainable, affordable living options for educators and families in St. Petersburg.