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West Tampa affordable homes hailed
InTown Homes' houses are called a key step in revitalizing that area, where redevelopment has lagged for years.
By SHERRI DAY
Published March 18, 2006
TAMPA - Jerel McCants beamed Friday as visitors toured the Bungalow, the model of what will become his new West Tampa home.
McCants, a 32-year-old architect, was the first buyer for InTown Homes' West Tampa development. A bachelor, he likes the home's efficient layout, its proximity to his South Tampa job and its affordable price. The base price of the 1,405-square-foot home is $164,000.
"It's kind of hard finding a home under $200,000," said McCants, whose house hunt took him to Pasco County before he learned of the West Tampa development. "It's nice to find out that I could. I hope to stay in it awhile."
Dozens of city employees, developers, politicians and West Tampa residents gathered Friday morning for the unveiling of InTown's three models at 2111 N Albany Ave. The model home center opens today. InTown Homes is a partnership between developers Ed Turanchik and Teresa Caddick. They plan to build 70 houses in West Tampa, a community where redevelopment efforts have lagged for years.
The developers hope to build affordable homes ranging from $164,000 for the three-bedroom, two-bathroom Bungalow to $239,000 for the 1,994-square-foot Double Gallery model. Homes will go up in an area bound by Armenia Avenue on the west, Fremont Avenue on the east, Union Street on the south and Pine Street on the north.
"West Tampa's time has come; it's future is now," Turanchik said at Friday's ribbon-cutting ceremony. "These could be in Hyde Park. These could be in the most traditional neighborhoods in the South, and here they are in West Tampa. We think these designs will revitalize West Tampa."
Mayor Pam Iorio cheered the project and praised city employees for helping to guide the development through a massive rezoning process. Turanchik bought 23 vacant lots from the city for $312,500, officials said.
"This is quality affordable housing for an area that I think is seeing a resurgence," Iorio said. "People want to live in the center of things, and condos are not for everyone. This is just going to be a shot in the arm for the community."
City Council members Mary Alvarez and Kevin White, who represent parts of the district, also applauded the efforts. Alvarez gave Turanchik a check for a deposit on a home for her grandson and his fiancee.
So far, his representatives say Turanchik has sold two and has reservations for six others. Turanchik said he plans to start building as soon as the city's permitting process is completed. He expects each house will take about six months to build.
The new community will be sprinkled among existing houses and will have a modest set of deed restrictions, Turanchik said. Rules will prohibit enclosing front porches, and investors will not be allowed. Homeowners will have to live in their houses for at least three years before than can sell, Turanchik said. Renters will not be allowed.
The rules don't bother Jeremy Mecham and Angela DePinto. The engaged couple plan to purchase either the Bungalow or the 1,514-square-foot Camelback.
"I really feel like they're reaching out to people like me who have been snuffed out by investors," said Mecham, 32, a business consultant. "We've been looking for two years."
Sherri Day can be reached at 813 226-3405 or sday@sptimes.com
[Last modified March 18, 2006, 02:30:29]
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