The Diocese of Venice in Florida and National Development of America have completed Phase 1 construction of St. Peter Claver Place Apartments, an affordable housing complex within the Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard redevelopment area in Fort Myers.

St. Peter Claver Place Apartments provides affordable housing for qualified residents, those who make up to 60% of the Area Median Income. Phase 1 includes 136 units consisting of two-bedroom, two-bath and three-bedroom, two-bath rental units. The monthly rents range from approximately $600 to $1,300. The community also features a clubhouse, playground and collaborative workspace. Each apartment includes stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, quartz countertops, vinyl tile flooring and a balcony or patio.

“We are extremely thankful for our continued partnership with the Diocese of Venice and the strong support from the city and elected officials to help bring this project to the community,” said Rick Miller, president of National Development of America. “We’re pleased to offer quality housing at rental rates that working people can actually afford.”

The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by officials from both sides of the partnership between the Diocese of Venice in Florida and National Development of America, as well as Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson; Fort Myers Councilmembers Johnny Streets, Teresa Watkins Brown and Darla Bonk; Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry; and Florida Housing Finance Corporation Chair Ryan Benson.

“Throughout Fort Myers, people are in need of housing and, in particular, rental housing,” said Most Rev. Frank Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice. “We are excited to contribute to the residents of our community and help them. The Diocese will also help those who move in further by offering resident assistance programs.”

National Development and the Diocese of Venice embarked on this project eight years ago to address the critical demand for affordable rental housing in Southwest Florida. Through close partnership with the city of Fort Myers, Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency and Lee County Housing Authority, National Development of America was able to overcome various market challenges that significantly impacted the development.

“Our company started over 40 years ago in Fort Myers, and we are invested in this community. We are committed to its residents, and housing is our mission,” said Miller. “This is something we are very excited about and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve the community.”

National Development has recently completed other affordable housing projects throughout Florida, including Casa San Alfonso in Zolfo Springs and San Pedro at Meadow Park in Arcadia.

National Development of America is a Fort Myers-based developer that specializes in affordable and workforce housing. The company has developed communities throughout Florida, Louisiana and Texas, and coordinates general contracting and property management for its developments. Visit national-development.com.