Affordable housing complex opens near USF and immediately fills up
By Henry Queen
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jul 21, 2023

Uptown Sky, a four-story $23 million affordable housing project near the University of South Florida, is officially open.

Elected officials and corporate leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate. It boasts 61 units, 37 of which have two bedrooms and 24 of which are three bedrooms. All of the units are occupied as of July 1, 2023, underscoring the local need for affordable housing.

The complex, located at 13635 N 12th Street, is meant for those who fall within the Area Median Income requirements of 50%, 60%, and 70%, catering specifically to families. New developments that don't benefit from public subsidy and are built under the constraints of local governments' rules rarely cater to families.

Hillsborough County and Aetna CVS Health contributed funding to this project, which Tampa-based Blue Sky Communities developed in partnership with the University Area Community Development Corporation. Truist Bank and Raymond James also provided support.

The area around USF is generally in need of redevelopment. Student demand is only rising and the area isn't in the coastal high-hazard area. It's also one of the last areas in Tampa that remains relatively affordable — something most locals would prefer to see go unchanged.