Plans are now underway for an affordable housing project dubbed Villages of New Augustine in Jacksonville, Florida. Recently, Ability Housing announced its plans to develop the 92-unit property at the intersection of North Volusia Street and Chapin Street. This will mark the developer’s first project to break ground in St. Johns County this summer.
Ability Housing’s CEO, Shannon Nazworth said Villages of New Augustine was coming to Johns County at a good time. Especially since housing affordability has been a challenge for working residents for years and has grown worse in recent times. He said the new project would keep working families in St. Augustine, where they can contribute to its culture and economy.
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Villages of New Augustine will be built on a 6.5-acre site within the West Augustine neighbourhood. Therefore its location is close to Route 1, which is a major gateway corridor to access Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami. Additionally, future residents of the community will also have access to several nearby dining, retail and entertainment options.
Development plans for the Villages of New Augustine
Villages of New Augustine will consist of 92 units spread across four, three-storey buildings. The units will include a mix of 20 one-bedroom, 36 two-bedroom and 36 three-bedroom units. However, about 80% of the apartments will be reserved for residents earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Another 10% of the units will be set aside for households earning up to 50% of the AMI (This is about $44,250 for a family of four in St. Johns County). While the remaining 10% of the units will be for households that earn up to 33% of the AMI.
The developer estimates that the Villages of New Augustine will cost about $25 million. The property will feature a community centre with on-site leasing offices, a computer lab and a library.
Additionally, flexible spaces will be available in the community for workshops, training and events. There will be facilities for recreation such as a playground, pavilion and a dedicated walking trail. It will also have 149 parking spaces.
