A Tampa workforce housing developer and a local nonprofit organization will renovate a senior apartment complex in Downtown Jacksonville with an award of $16.6 million in federal funding.
The money will go toward revamping Cathedral Townhouse, a 177-unit apartment community on North Ocean Street, operated by Aging True, a nonprofit that provides senior housing services and runs the Jacksonville Meals on Wheels program.
Cathedral Townhouse is Blue Sky Communities’ third project for Aging True.
Blue Sky completed a $10 million renovation of Cathedral Terrace in 2016. This year it is scheduled to complete a $12 million renovation of Cathedral Tower.
Renovations to the 50-year Cathedral Townhouse include major building systems, life safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and painting. Unit updates include kitchens, lighting, flooring, plumbing and electrical.
Work is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2019 and be complete by the end of the year.
“The senior population is one of the fastest growing segments – with 12,000 people turning 65 every single day in this country, and housing is one of the most needed services for this population,” said Aging True CEO Terri Barton. “Our mission is to meet the demands for quality housing for the city’s seniors who are living on limited incomes.”
The developer and nonprofit also are planning to develop a fourth apartment building for seniors and the workforce population on a vacant lot next to the other three Cathedral buildings.
The fourth building would be five stories and feature 120 units. It would have a parking garage with 160 spaces and a fitness room.