Member News

WEBSTER, NY – March 6, 2025 – CDS Monarch today announced the completion of Baytown Apartments, a 30-unit affordable housing development near the Town’ n Country and Westchase neighborhoods of Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County, Florida. The energy-efficient development includes 15 supportive homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Baytown Apartments is an exceptional step towards more inclusive housing across the state of Florida for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Florida Housing Finance Corporation for making this dream a reality and especially thank our partners at InVictus Development for their expertise and guidance. Through these apartments, we’re reminded that everyone deserves a world-class place to live, regardless of their disabilities.” said Andrew Sewnauth, Chief Executive Officer of CDS Monarch.

The project is a joint venture development between CDS Monarch, the sponsor, and InVictus Development, LLC.

“This development took a herculean effort to get to the finish line. Not only did it face serious headwinds from the economic repercussions of the global pandemic, delaying the project from closing on financing for construction until gap funding sources could be secured, but also a tighter labor market, climbing interest rates, falling equity pricing, delays in delivery of materials, and finally the impacts of two hurricanes, Helene and Milton. Through Florida Housing's CHIRP assistance, Hillsborough County's HOPE and SHIP funds, and the Tampa Housing Authority's project-based rental assistance vouchers, the development made it to the finish line. The realization of this development demonstrates what can be done when people come together to make something happen. The result is not only much-needed affordable housing, but also a rare opportunity for persons with I/DD to live in a supportive community where they can interact with neurotypical persons to the benefit of both populations,” said Paula McDonald, President of InVictus Development.

All 30 apartments are affordable to households earning at 30 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Fifteen apartments will be reserved for households in need of supportive services. The services provider is MacDonald Training Center (MTC). They are providing a variety of programs, services, and community partnerships designed to promote independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) that lead to full equity in the workplace and community-based residential settings.

“MacDonald Training Center has been assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently in the community for decades. We were among the first providers of residential services to move away from the group home model in favor of people with disabilities living in their own homes or apartments. Tampa’s lack of available housing, and escalating rents has caused a crisis for people with disabilities, much as it has for many people with modest or limited incomes. Baytown Apartments, as a new mixed use affordable housing development is an unprecedented opportunity for people with disabilities to have safe, well-constructed and most importantly, affordable housing. Whether the resident is in a first apartment, or a more seasoned renter, MacDonald Training Center’s staff of dedicated professionals will proudly assist them to live in this new community. Research shows that inclusive living opportunities in community- based environments produce the best quality-of-life outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Individuals with disabilities deserve this opportunity for affordable housing, as they do a rightful place in the workforce, for career advancement and improved well-being. The development of this unique community is a win-win for everyone. It is our belief that shared experiences with neighbors, a smile, a conversation may lead to friendships that transform our community into a more welcoming place for all,” said Karenne Levy, President/CEO of MacDonald Training Center

Baytown Apartments is a new build in a well-established, safe, and stable community. The location is close to shopping districts, a variety of community amenities, and two freeways that afford travel to employers, service providers, and health care. The two-story complex will be ADA accessible. Six of the apartments are fully accessible, fully adapted units in compliance with the ADA.

Residential amenities of the project include a community room, fitness area, on-site laundry, and a communal outdoor patio/porch. Each of the individual units also features a patio/porch. In addition, on-site property management staff are available to assist residents should any concerns arise.

Alliant Capital, a Walker & Dunlop company, arranged $11 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity investments for the construction of Baytown Apartments. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation provided funding by allocating affordable housing tax credits and grant funds. Hillsborough County made additional funding possible from the HOPE fund, a special fund for affordable housing building apartments for our most vulnerable populations.

About CDS Monarch

The mission of CDS Monarch is to create safe and nurturing environments for the individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities that we serve, to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams. CDS Monarch does this by offering services that provide comprehensive opportunities for socialization and skill development, employment and career training, family training, education, and support, and community-based residential services. For more information about CDS Monarch, visit https://www.cdslifetransitions.org/cds-monarch/.

### 

In photo of ribbon cutting (left to right):

Andrew Sewnauth, CEO, CDS Life Transitions (CDS Monarch)

Brenda Vallecilla, Acting Director, Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services

Gwen Myers, Hillsborough County District 3 Commissioner

Kate Wagner, Executive VP of Operations, CDS Life Transitions

Paula McDonald Rhodes, President and co-founder of InVictus Development, LLC

Sankar Sewnauth, President Emeritus, CDS Life Transitions