In West Tampa, the construction of the Gallery at Rome Yards marks a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to provide affordable housing. This 11-story residential tower, part of an 18-acre revitalization project, will soon offer 234 units dedicated to affordable and workforce housing.

Development Milestone

Last Friday, construction crews placed the final structural beam on the building, a major milestone in the project that began two years ago. The Gallery at Rome Yards is transforming a former City of Tampa maintenance yard located between Rome Avenue and the Hillsborough River.

District 5 Tampa City Councilwoman Naya Young commended the project, emphasizing its role in intentional redevelopment. The construction is on track to be completed by December, although the exact dates for tenant applications and move-ins have not yet been announced.

Housing Availability

The residential tower will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with 80% of the 234 units designated for affordable housing. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor highlighted that these homes will support families of four earning $32,000 annually, as well as hospitality workers, nurses, and first responders.

According to city data, the units are allocated based on Area Median Income (AMI) levels: 58 units for households earning at or below 20% AMI, 126 units for those at or below 80% AMI, and 50 units for workforce households earning up to 140% AMI.

Community Impact

The project includes a workforce training center to help residents with resumes and financial literacy. Additionally, five units will serve as “live/work units” for small business owners, allowing them to live and operate their businesses in the same space.

District 6 Tampa City Councilman Charlie Miranda noted the central location of the development, which provides residents with quick access to Downtown, Ybor City, and other parts of Tampa.

Affordable Housing Goals

Affordable housing has been a priority for Mayor Castor since her tenure began in 2019. With a goal of establishing 10,000 units before her term ends next May, the city is currently close to achieving 8,300 units. Over $100 million has been invested in affordable housing to address rising home values, with several thousand people on the waiting list, according to Jerome Ryans, president of the Tampa Housing Authority.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.