ORLANDO, FL - Village on Mercy, a new community of 166 affordable apartment homes in Orlando, Fla., has been certified “Florida Green” by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).
FGBC is the state’s leading certifier of green residential projects and local governments. With an exclusive focus on Florida, FGBC is by far the largest certifier of residential and commercial construction, master-planned communities and local governments in the Sunshine State with over 21,500 since 2000.
Ability Housing is a Florida nonprofit organization that develops housing, setting a standard of excellence in the field of affordable and supportive housing.
“Last year, we gathered with partners and community leaders at this site to break ground on this beautiful property; today, we celebrate the fulfillment of a promise to the citizens of Orlando,” said Shannon Nazworth, President and CEO of Ability Housing. “Every family deserves a safe, stable and affordable place to live. Unfortunately, many families are unable to afford housing in our community. Village on Mercy helps these families; is a place where families can live in security, with dignity and hope. We are honored to welcome these family’s home.”
The completion of Village on Mercy represents a significant milestone in the fulfillment of the Mercy Drive vision plan, which was developed by City of Orlando District 5 Commissioner Regina I. Hill in collaboration with the City of Orlando Economic Development Department-Planning Division and Canin Associates.
Ability Housing purchased the property from the City of Orlando; the project broke ground in April 2018. Construction was completed in November 2019; several families were able to celebrate Thanksgiving in a new home.
Comprised four apartment buildings, a community center, a playground, a fitness trail and recreation space along Lake Lawne. FGBC member Ebert Norman Brady Architects was the project architect. Sauer Incorporated was the general contractor.
FGBC’s five certification standards take a scientific approach and are developed with state-specific criteria. They address Florida’s hot-humid environment, distinctive topography, unique geology, resiliency and natural disasters. Beyond third party certifications, FGBC is also a resource for the construction industry and municipalities when considering going green.
Funding for the $27.4 million project was provided by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Bank of America N.A., Wells Fargo, Enterprise Housing Credit Investments, LLC. and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).
Going Green? In Florida you have a choice. For more information call (407) 777-4914, email info@floridagreenbuilding.org or visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org