FK Architecture, a Fugleberg Koch Company, is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Lafayette Gardens affordable housing community in Tallassee, FL, on November 15, at 11:00 a.m. The $21 million project sits on 5.76 acres at 1211 E. Lafayette St., just one mile from the city center in the Woodland Drives neighborhood. The complex includes 96 single- and multi-bedroom apartments and offers state-of-the-art amenities and innovative design. The development team includes general contractor Hennessy Construction Services, interior designer Stiles Interiors, and landscape architect Wood + Partners. The developer is Housing Trust Group (HTG).

“We’re very proud of this project and the impact it will make in the community,” said Ted Hunton, Managing Principal at FK Architecture. “The cost of living continues to pose challenges for Florida residents. Collaborating with HTG on this project allowed us to provide a transitional design mixing traditional sloped gable and shed roof lines, windows, and mixing of materials with some contemporary forms and fresh colors that elevate the aesthetic while offering affordable rates to new residents.”

Lafayette Gardens was designed to adhere to the city’s streetscape initiative, bringing buildings to the front of the street with parking behind while keeping the existing signature tree canopy as much as achievable. Accentuating the area’s natural beauty and providing open and recreational space for the residents is key to making thoughtful design choices while encouraging interconnectivity throughout the community. Mobility was a top priority with the project, including providing pedestrian connectivity thru the site for the neighboring apartment community for access to public transportation linking to the downtown corridor and adjacent commercial businesses. The complex’s amenity package includes a clubhouse, pool, playground, media center, fitness center, bike/walk trail, and dog park. With online ordering growing in popularity, central Amazon parcel lockers are included making purchases easier and more convenient. Residents will also have on-site access to employment assistance, financial management, and literacy services.

“This project was built from the ground up to provide a distinct and reassuring environment providing a sense of place while also being affordable,” said Rajiv Ramakrishnan, Project Director for the development at FK Architecture. “Housing and rent prices have risen dramatically over the past two years. This community is a fantastic way to allow lower-income residents a safe and stylish place to call home.”

Lafayette Gardens is located just off the Apalachee Parkway, where the natural beauty of the region crafts beautiful landscapes for reviews to soak in and enjoy. The property is close to popular performance venues The Moon, Desoto Site Historic State Park, and Cascades Park, all of which offer residents multiple entertainment and activity opportunities. Funding sources for the project include an initial $15 million construction loan by Chase Bank, $16.1 million in 9 % Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity provided by Raymond James and a $4.8 million permanent loan through Freddie Mac/Walker & Dunlop.

“Lafayette Gardens is a testament to what can be done when the public and private sectors in Florida work diligently and persistently to solve the affordable housing crisis,” said Matthew A. Rieger, CEO of HTG. “This community provides much-needed, high-quality housing for Tallahassee’s most valued and vulnerable families and seniors. We are honored to be able to deliver a community that provides a vital lifeline for Tallahassee’s hard-working residents and look forward to developing more communities like this one here in the future.”

According to a 2022 rental market study by Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, Tallahassee has a shortfall of approximately 7,000 affordable and available rental housing units for households earning between 0 and 50 percent of AMI.

FK Architecture holds licenses in 30 states and has a long history of working locally, nationally and internationally on affordable housing developments.

About FK Architecture

FK Architecture, a Fugleberg Koch Company, is a full-service, multi-disciplined firm of architects, designers, and planners providing architectural design services nationwide. Established in 1963, the firm’s diverse experience includes hospitality, multi-family, student housing, senior housing, mixed-use, and commercial sectors. For more information, visit www.fkcompanies.com.

*Featured Image Photo Credit: Housing Trust Group (HTG)