The Residences at Martin Manor is finally rising from the ground.
Years of effort to replace the dilapidated Dixie Manor public housing complex bore fruit on Aug. 25, when a groundbreaking ceremony was held for three apartment buildings that will provide 95 units on the 10-acre site at 1350 N. Dixie Highway in Boca Raton.
Construction of those buildings — the project’s first phase — is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.
The complex in the city’s historic Pearl City neighborhood has been renamed in honor of Lois Martin, a community leader and educator who died in 2022.
With that groundbreaking milestone reached, the Boca Raton Housing Authority is moving ahead with plans for the project’s second phase, which is to include two additional buildings with 105 units.
When finished, Martin Manor will more than double the previous 95 public housing units on the site.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the second phase on Aug. 21. It goes before the City Council on Nov. 4.
“This redevelopment reflects more than just new construction — it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the families we serve and to the historical legacy of Pearl City,” housing authority Executive Director Ashley Whidby said at the time of the first-phase groundbreaking,
“We’re honored to bring forward a modern, service-rich community that truly supports our residents’ potential for long-term success.”
One of the complex’s original buildings, dating to the 1940s, will be preserved to serve as a museum and for other community uses.
The first phase will cost $52 million, funded by $7.1 million from the Florida Housing Finance Corp., $640,000 from the city, equity from First Horizon Community Investment
Group and a construction loan financed by Citi Community Capital.
The housing authority is partnering with Atlantic Pacific Companies on the project.
— Mary Hladky
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