A 16-unit affordable housing complex is complete on Windley Key.
A ribbon cutting on Feb. 3 marked a new beginning for six families who moved in to their new homes at the Windley Key Condominiums in Islamorada. It also marked completion of the biggest project undertaken by Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys so far.
Habitat board members, local subcontractors, village officials and community members watched as Lindsay Fast, new Habitat executive director, cut the red ribbon alongside several families.
Ground was broken on the project in August 2018. While a bit of delay was seen due to the pandemic, the project reached the finish line in time for families to begin 2021 in a new home.
Of the 16 units, eight are designated for ownership and eight for rentals. They’re two-bed, two-and-half-bath units with balconies and views of the oceanside. Fast said a few units remain available for ownership and rental.
“We’re super excited with the completion of this project,” Fast said. “It’s life-changing for hardworking families who work here in Monroe County. This project would not be possible without the board of directors, donors, subcontractors and the village.”
Pastor Tony Hammon performed the home dedication before the ribbon cutting. He said he’s done a number of dedications for Habitat over the years.
“I get a lump in my throat when I see and realize what Habitat has meant to this community and to the global community,” he said. “I love the fact Jimmy Carter, nearly a century old, is still building Habitat homes.”
Several players were integral in getting the project off the ground, including Monroe County and the village of Islamorada. The village owns the land, which Habitat for Humanity is leasing for 99 years. It’s also deed restricted to ensure it always remains affordable housing.
The list of partners and contributors include Monroe County, Islamorada, CBT Construction, LaRocco Enterprise, Lindholm Roofing, Ken Gentes Electric, Dixie Aluminum, David Cox Plumbing, Forest Tek Lumber, Keys Engineering, Massey-Richards Surveying & Mapping, Rodz Plumbing and Beachhouse Gardens.
More information is at www.habitatupperkeys.org.
