Florida Construction News staff writer

A groundbreaking ceremony was held June 5, for New Trail Plaza, a workforce housing community being built in the City of Sarasota.

The 96-unit complex, located along North Tamiami Trail between 46th and 47th streets, will provide rental units for first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, service industry workers, and others in the Sarasota community who struggle to find housing that is affordable.The four-story, 90-unit apartment building and a three-story building with six units and about 3,000 sq. ft. of community space is being developed by Blue Sky Communities in partnership with Community Assisted and Supported Living, Inc. (CASL). The buildings were designed by BDG Architects.

The City Commission unanimously approved $1 million for the development with $400,000 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds and $600,000 in State Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP) funds.

Sarasota County provided $4.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds as well as 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit funds through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.