A new project in the works for Winter Haven aims to address the area’s affordable housing shortage with a simple, yet livable design, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

The developer is using a “Lego-like” building method with a recycled material called Renco, which comes from combining the words renewable and composite. The bricks join together like Legos, which simplifies and quickens the building process compared to traditional construction methods using concrete, steel, and wood.

First developed in Turkey over a decade ago, Renco is now approved for construction in the United States and is increasing in popularity within Florida since it holds up well against hurricanes. The first building stateside to use the construction method was an apartment building in Palm Springs, Florida, that was built 20% cheaper and 20% faster than a typical project constructed with concrete.

Freedom Housing Partners will serve as the developer for the Avenue G Garden Apartments, which will bring 120 studio and one-bedroom apartments, ranging from 300 to 400 square feet, to Winter Haven in Polk County.

Vero Beach-based Carter Associates is the civil engineer and Pinecrest-based wha design is the architect. Bruce Arthur, president of wha design and a partner in Freedom Housing Partners, told Growthspotter that a general contractor has yet to be selected, but that the project should begin construction later this year.

“Realistically, we will start construction in early September 2024 and [be ready] for occupancy in early September 2025,” according to Arthur. “All-inclusive, including water, electric, and rent, the apartments should be in the $1,000 per month range.”

Simplicity and relative affordability are major selling points for the Renco system. According to Arthur, another upside of the Lego-like method is its quality building materials.

“We are using the Lego-like system because the blocks are environmentally clean. They are made up of recyclable materials, have wind load properties stronger than a conventional block, and qualify for LEED Certification, all making Avenue G Gardens an extra special place to live”, Arthur said.

Avenue G will target households with incomes between 30-60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project’s unique selling point is the simple, minimalist design that will keep rent affordable, at a time when rent and housing costs are steadily increasing across the region.

According to RentCafe, the average rent in Winter Haven is $1,536 per month for a 982-square-foot apartment. In many cases, renters would have to pay additional fees and utilities on top of that base rent.

Rents for the Avenue G Garden Apartments will remain affordable due to the small square footage of each unit: 72 of the units will be 300 square feet, while the remaining 48 will be 400 square feet. Amenities will include on-site laundry, resident parking, and landscaped walkways outside of the units.

The “Lego-like” apartment complex will be only a 20-minute drive away from Winter Haven-based Legoland, a major economic driver in the region.

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