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The Power of Partnership: Affordable Housing in Central Florida

The need for affordable housing is a national concern that’s only growing as more people seek stability amidst rising living costs. Here in Florida, the demand is especially acute, with new residents arriving in record numbers. In fact, recent statistics show that over 1,000 people move to Florida daily, intensifying the need for accessible, affordable housing. As a construction leader in this space, WPC has dedicated itself to meeting this demand across Central Florida and beyond - through thoughtful, quality-driven affordable housing developments that support families, seniors, and communities.

Shown Here: Madison Grove - St. Cloud, Florida - Affordable Senior Housing Community

 

The Demand for Affordable Housing in Florida

With Florida’s population growth outpacing nearly every other state, the need for affordable housing is at an all-time high. According to the Florida Housing Coalition, nearly 900,000 low-income households in Florida pay more than 30% of their income toward housing costs, underscoring a critical need for additional affordable units. Affordable housing provides stability, safety, and a foundation for residents to thrive, making it a central focus for developers and communities across the state.

 

WPC’s Legacy in Affordable Housing Construction

WPC has deep roots in Central Florida and a long-standing commitment to affordable housing. Since 1991, WPC has completed nearly 6,000 affordable housing units across Florida. These projects are uniquely positioned to support the diverse needs of communities, encompassing both senior and family housing developments. Our work ranges from constructing for seniors seeking secure, supportive communities to creating family housing that provides room to grow and thrive.

Shown Here: Pendana Senior Residences at West Lake - Orlando, Florida - Affordable Senior Housing Community

 

As a trusted general contractor based in Central Florida, WPC is deeply embedded in the communities we serve, partnering with developers, property owners, city officials, and municipalities to bring affordable housing projects to fruition. Our role is to support our clients’ visions by leveraging our extensive experience in affordable housing construction to navigate the unique regulatory landscape. Unlike standard multifamily or senior living projects, affordable housing developments require complex approvals, specialized funding channels, and rigorous compliance standards to ensure long-term accessibility for residents.

 

At WPC, we specialize in guiding these projects through every phase, from initial planning to completion, ensuring they meet the highest quality, affordability, and sustainability standards. Our collaborative approach and expertise allow us to address the distinct challenges of affordable housing, recognizing that every effort contributes to creating stable, vibrant communities that benefit both residents and the local economy.

 

The Power of Partnership in Affordable Housing

At WPC, we believe that collaboration is key to creating impactful, lasting affordable housing solutions. Through trusted partnerships with developers, property owners, local officials, and community leaders, we work hand-in-hand to fulfill the unique visions of our clients. Each partnership allows us to leverage diverse expertise and resources, ensuring that every project not only meets but exceeds quality and sustainability standards. By aligning our efforts with our clients' goals, we help bring to life thoughtfully designed communities that support residents and strengthen neighborhoods for years to come.


Housing for All Task Force

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings is committed to tackling the affordable housing crisis through initiatives like the Housing for All Task Force. This effort focuses on creating immediate and long-term solutions to expand affordable housing options across the county. The 10-year Action Plan developed by the task force addresses key priorities, including removing regulatory barriers, establishing new funding resources, targeting high-opportunity areas, and fostering collaboration between the community and industry. Mayor Demings’ leadership highlights a strong dedication to building sustainable, accessible housing to meet the needs of Orange County’s growing population.

Shown Here: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings at Grand Opening of Madison Landing in Orlando, Florida

 

Key Partnerships Affordable Housing

One of our ongoing partnerships is with American Residential Communities (ARC), with whom we’ve completed multiple affordable housing developments throughout Florida. This year, we completed Madison Grove, a senior community in St. Cloud, and Madison Oaks West, a family community in Ocala. These projects, designed to serve diverse resident populations, exemplify our commitment to creating safe, vibrant communities for those in need.

Madison Heights, Tampa, FL

Shown Here at the Groundbreaking for 52 at Park - Jeffrey Forrest (WPC, Managing Partner), City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Jeff Forrest (WPC, President/CEO)


The Need for Affordable Housing in the City Beautiful

This year also marks the groundbreaking of our latest affordable housing initiative, 52 at Park. Located in the city of Orlando, this multifamily community, developed in collaboration with Lincoln Avenue Communities, will offer 300 modern apartment homes across two 4-story buildings and six 3-story structures. With a central clubhouse designed to foster community engagement, 52 at Park reflects WPC’s commitment to building affordable housing that meets the needs of today’s diverse residents.  Innovatively, the project integrates green technology, with solar panels that will significantly reduce electrical costs for residents, contributing to both long-term sustainability and affordability. By reducing residents’ utility expenses, 52 at Park promotes not only financial accessibility but also a lifestyle aligned with sustainable values. It is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Credit: City of Orlando - City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer


In his recent State of the City Address, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared his plan to address the affordable housing problem in the City Beautiful. The Accelerate Orlando initiative plans to use federal funds to create more affordable housing options, with a very optimistic goal of a 50% reduction in homelessness by 2027.


A Word from WPC Leadership

"As a company rooted in Central Florida, WPC is proud to play a pivotal role in expanding affordable housing here in Florida and beyond," said Jeff Forrest, President/CEO of WPC. "We understand that providing quality, affordable homes for families and seniors is more than a construction project. It’s a commitment to creating spaces that uplift and support communities."

 "Affordable housing projects come with unique challenges and opportunities," added Jeffrey Forrest, Managing Partner of WPC. "At WPC, we take pride in our ability to work hand-in-hand with developers, local officials, and community stakeholders to bring these essential projects to life, ensuring each home is built to the highest standards," said Jeffrey Forrest, Managing Partner, WPC.

 

For over 50 years, developers in Central Florida and across the U.S. have chosen WPC as their trusted construction partner, thanks to our unwavering commitment to quality, financial accountability, and community impact. As leaders in affordable housing, we bring expertise across multifamily, senior living, and specialty sectors, tailoring each project to meet specific community needs. With a focus on value engineering and sustainable practices, WPC is dedicated to delivering exceptional, lasting results—building from the ground up or revitalizing existing spaces.

 


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