Construction Begins On Ekos at Rockledge Park Affordable Housing Community In Rockledge

Construction has commenced on Ekos at Rockledge Park, a $38.2 million affordable housing development at 1505 Cogswell Street in Rockledge, Brevard County, near Florida’s Space Coast. Developed by McDowell Housing Partners (MHP), the project will deliver 100 affordable apartment homes for households earning between 30 and 70 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). According to the developer, the project marks the company’s 18th affordable housing development to begin construction in Florida since 2019 and its first in Brevard County.

Ekos at Rockledge Park will comprise a five-story residential building with a fully amenitized internal clubhouse. The development will include 70 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, and five three-bedroom units ranging from 593 to 1,026 square feet. Apartments will feature full-size stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, modern cabinetry, luxury vinyl tile flooring, balconies, and washer and dryer hookups in all units.

Ekos at Rockledge Park. Courtesy of McDowell Housing Partners

“Ekos at Rockledge Park marks a milestone in local workforce housing, offering 100 modern apartments with rents significantly below market rate. This community is designed to empower working families, allowing them to live where they work and truly transform their lives,” said W. Patrick McDowell, Chairman and CEO of McDowell Housing Partners.

“More than just a residential development, Ekos at Rockledge Park represents a lasting investment in Brevard County’s future and its workforce.”

The community will reserve 15 percent of its units for extremely low-income (ELI) households earning up to 30 percent of AMI, while 40 percent of the apartments will serve households earning up to 60 percent of AMI. The remaining 45 percent of the units will be designated for households earning up to 70 percent of AMI.

Resident amenities will include an internal clubhouse with on-site management offices, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a media/business center with computer stations, and a multipurpose clubroom with a kitchenette and game tables. Additional features will include a mailroom, package lockers, community washers and dryers, and an outdoor swimming pool with barbecue grilling stations and seating.

The development is designed to achieve certification under the National Green Building Standards. Each apartment will incorporate energy-efficient features including Energy Star-rated appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, impact windows, LED lighting, and other measures intended to help reduce residents’ utility costs.

Financing for the project includes tax-exempt bonds, $10 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, and 4 percent non-competitive Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) issued by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Bank of America is serving as the project’s tax-credit investor and construction lender, while Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust is providing long-term permanent financing.

The property is located near U.S. Highway 1 and Interstate 95, approximately 45 miles east of Orlando, with convenient access to Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, and Kennedy Space Center. According to the developer, the surrounding area is a hub for aerospace, healthcare, and technology employment. The project team includes Slocum Platts Architects (SPA) as the architect of record, MHP Park & Eleazer Construction LLC as the general contractor, and Kimley-Horn as the civil engineer. Ekos at Rockledge Park is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2028.

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