Onda Housing Group breaks ground on Bayshore Pines community

Onda Housing Group has broken ground on Bayshore Pines, an affordable housing complex at 5361 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers.

The Bayshore Pines community is the first project for Onda Housing Group, a Naples-based affordable housing developer committed to providing a new wave of equitable living opportunities across Southwest Florida and throughout the United States. This new community will provide 180 rental units for qualified Lee County residents. Once completed, Bayshore Pines will feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, perfect for individuals, working professionals and growing families. Units will feature high-end finishes and energy efficient appliances, and the community will include amenities such as a pool, playground and clubhouse.

Understanding the significant need for affordable housing throughout Southwest Florida, Onda Housing Group has committed that 100% of the units at Bayshore Pines will be affordable for families making up to 60% of the area median income, or approximately $53,280 for a family of four, in Lee County. This 99-year commitment will ensure Lee County residents will have access to attainable housing for generations to come.

“Bayshore Pines is going to change the lives of hundreds of Lee County residents each year. Not only will it provide individuals and families with an attainable home, but also rents well below market rate mean families will have more money for groceries, healthcare needs and afterschool activities,” said Andrews Cribbs, CEO and co-founder of Onda Housing Group. “As Southwest Floridians, it is incredible meaningful that our first project is in Lee County. We know the challenges our community faces. By investing in our own backyard, we’re not just talking about the problem, we’re also working toward solutions. Attainable housing is something we are all passionate about and we are honored to be able to bring this project to our community.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by officials from Onda Housing Group, as well as Diana Giraldo, Fort Myers City councilwoman; Erin Dever, Southwest Florida district director for U.S. Sen. Rick Scott; Dana Goulet, district director for Congressman Greg Steube; and Ryan Benson, a Florida Housing Finance Corporation board member.

This project was made possible through close partnerships with Lee County, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Citi Community Capital and RBC Community Investments. Onda Housing Group has overcome various market challenges to deliver a best-in-class, affordable housing option to Lee County residents.

“What’s exciting for me is having all these projects in my backyard in Lee County. It’s great. We have the problem being addressed right at home, which is an awesome place to see it come together,” said Ryan Benson, a member of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s Board of Directors. Projects like this serve people making $39,000 to $53,000, and it’s filling the biggest void in housing that we’ve got. What’s important is we get more units like this.”

The project received tax exempt bonds, secured through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, as well as a 4% tax credit. These incentives, along with Hurricane Ian CDBG-DR funding, are critical to the success of Bayshore Pines.

Onda has taken care to develop a resilient community built to withstand a storm. Buildings will be two feet above base flood level and will be built using concrete structures. The neighborhood will be built to national green building standards.