Wendover Housing Partners, a leading multi-family housing developer in the Southeast, in partnership with Orange County Government, has announced the grand opening of Hawthorne Park, a new affordable senior housing community in Orlando’s Pine Hills neighborhood. This development addresses the critical need for affordable housing for seniors in the area.
Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Orlando with Wendover Housing Partners
The Orlando metro area faces a significant shortage of affordable housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2022 GAP report, only 18 affordable homes are available for every 100 extremely low-income renters. This shortage is exacerbated by rising rent prices, which increased approximately 25% last year in Orange County. Wendover Housing Partners is working to alleviate this crisis by developing much-needed affordable housing communities like Hawthorne Park.
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the housing crisis. “The need for affordable housing is a crisis, both locally and nationally,” he stated. Hawthorne Park exemplifies the success of collaborative efforts between Orange County Government and private developers like Wendover Housing Partners to create affordable housing solutions. The project was facilitated through partnerships with Orange County Government and the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District, replacing a portion of an underutilized shopping center with much-needed housing.
Jonathan L. Wolf, founder and CEO of Wendover Housing Partners, echoed this sentiment. “The need for affordable housing across Central Florida is becoming greater,” he remarked. Wendover Housing Partners is committed to providing affordable housing throughout Central Florida, recognizing the increasing urgency of the situation. Partnerships with organizations like Orange County Government are crucial to making these projects feasible.
Hawthorne Park: Amenities and Affordability by Wendover Housing Partners
Hawthorne Park offers affordable one and two-bedroom apartments for seniors aged 55 and older. Rents start at approximately $876 per month for one-bedroom units and $1045 per month for two-bedroom units. Each apartment features open floor plans, a full-size washer and dryer, a kitchen island, an emergency call system, and walk-in closets.
Beyond individual units, Hawthorne Park provides residents with a wide array of community amenities. These include a fitness center, a theater room, an activity room with a kitchen, a computer room and library, a dog walk, a community garden, a gazebo with seating, and an outdoor grilling area.
Wendover Housing Partners prioritizes a holistic approach to senior living, offering residents more than just housing. Hawthorne Park provides access to healthcare services, including seminars and health fairs, as well as a food pantry. An on-site salon and visiting food trucks further enhance the residents’ living experience.
Funding and Development of Hawthorne Park by Wendover Housing Partners
The $27.6 million development was funded through a combination of public and private resources, including a grant and loan from Orange County, and low-income housing tax credits from Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Slocum Platts Architects designed the complex, and Roger B. Kennedy Construction served as the general contractor. Hawthorne Park is located at 5386 Silver Star Road in Orlando.
