Related Ross Expands Affordable Housing Plan in West Palm Beach

• Related Ross has revised plans for its affordable housing development at 209 N. Sapodilla Ave. in West Palm Beach, increasing the project from 164 to 191 units.
• The updated proposal includes 182 affordable apartments and nine market-rate townhomes, allowing the project to qualify for incentives under Florida's Live Local Act.
• The 1.7-acre development will feature amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and parking garage.

What the Revised Development Includes

Related Ross is seeking approval for an expanded affordable housing project at 209 N. Sapodilla Ave. in downtown West Palm Beach. The developer has revised its original proposal, increasing the number of residences by approximately 16%, from 164 units to 191 units. The updated plans call for 182 apartment units alongside nine market-rate townhomes. The changes are intended to help the project qualify for incentives offered under Florida's Live Local Act, which encourages the development of affordable housing throughout the state. The development will rise on a 1.7-acre site that is currently largely vacant. An affiliate of Related Ross acquired the property for $7.5 million in 2025.

What the Affordable Housing Program Requires

The majority of the apartments will be reserved for residents earning 30%, 50%, 60%, or 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Under Florida's Live Local Act, developers must designate at least 40% of a project's units for households earning no more than 120% of the AMI to qualify for the law's development incentives. By increasing the number of affordable homes, Related Ross aims to take advantage of those benefits while expanding the project's overall housing supply. The proposal reflects the continued use of the Live Local Act by developers across Florida as communities work to address rising housing costs and growing demand for workforce housing.

What Amenities Future Residents Will Have

The development is planned with amenities that support both affordability and quality of life. Residents will have access to a swimming pool, fitness center, and structured parking garage, creating a community designed to serve a wide range of households. The project was designed by MSA Architects, while Urban Design Studio is representing Related Ross during the city's approval process.

What Happens Next

The revised proposal is scheduled for review by the West Palm Beach Plans & Plats Review Committee. If approved, the expanded development would add nearly 200 new homes within downtown West Palm Beach while advancing the city's affordable housing goals. The project also reflects Related Ross' continued investment in West Palm Beach, where the developer has been actively expanding its residential and mixed-use portfolio in recent years.