St. Pete’s housing crunch is about to get a boost, thanks to the new community from Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. Pelican Place, a 40-unit townhome development designed for affordable homeownership, is now under construction just off the Deuces Corridor.

Located at 2100 18th Ave. S., the development will feature 40 newly constructed townhomes designed for qualified homebuyers. The community is being built in four phases, all set to be completed over the next 18 months. It’s part of the methodical approach by organizations like Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside and the City of St. Pete to ensure not just affordable housing options, but realistic homeownership opportunities for those below the area’s AMI. Applications for the program are open now.

The homes, starting at $300,000, come in both 4-bedroom and 3-bedroom layouts, varying between two-story and three-story townhomes, all sized at approximately 1,200-1,400 square feet. Complete with designated parking, energy-efficient construction, and hurricane-resilient features, all in a neighborhood setting minutes from both downtown and medical facilities, they’re the types of homes many in St. Pete dream about but could never otherwise attain.

Pelican Place is designed to make those dreams a reality and provide a pathway to homeownership and building equity. Each of the homes will be purchased through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program, which provides guidance and financial breaks for those making 30-80% of the area’s average median income.

Buyers through the program can purchase their home with zero dollars down for a down payment, including 0% APR and affordable monthly payments. The Habitat team also provides homebuyer education and support, giving locals the opportunity to build equity and long-term wealth through homeownership rather than renting.

*The sale of the unit is income-restricted and limited to households that meet eligibility requirements. Subject to Habitat for Humanity program acceptance and completion. Mortgage financing is required through Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.

In addition to meeting the AMI, there are four main requirements for potential homeowners at Pelican Place:

Live or work in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hernando for at least one year

Demonstrate the need for affordable housing

Have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage

Be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity through financial education and sweat equity

Also making the process easier: there’s no competition with other buyers or haggling over prices, fees or down payments. Applications are open now, and Habitat will review all applicants independently.

Pelican Place is limited to 40 new owners, and as each phase is completed over the next 18 months, new families will move into homes of their own. Located a block off The Historic Deuces Corridor and near Tangerine Plaza, the community is close to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, the Pinellas Trail, and live entertainment, among much more. It’s just a few minutes away from Central Avenue and Downtown St. Pete, as well as hospitals and medical facilities on the east end of town.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, “is a part of a global nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope.”

“Partnering with our community, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside brings community volunteers, corporate donors, civic organizations and faith groups together to build affordable homes for struggling, low-income families and individuals throughout Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties.”

Those interested in applying for Pelican Place can find the application here, as well as more information on qualifications and expectations surrounding the homeownership program.