HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — Community leaders, partners, and residents gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the grand opening of Casa di Francesco, a new 140-unit affordable housing community for seniors aged 55 and older. The ribbon-cutting event took place at the property, located at 4470 Mango Road.
The development marks a major milestone in the effort to expand housing options for low-income seniors in the area. Casa di Francesco was made possible through a collaboration between affordable housing developer Blue Sky Communities, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and a group of public and private financial partners.
A community affair
Local officials and community leaders spoke at the ceremony, including Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, Blue Sky Communities President Shawn Wilson, Bishop Gregory Parkes, Esther Marshall of Fifth Third Bank, and Cheryl Howell of Hillsborough County. Each speaker highlighted the importance of safe, stable housing for older adults.
“Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for a thriving community,” said Commissioner Myers. “Casa di Francesco gives our seniors the dignity, stability, and hope they deserve.”
Built on land donated by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the four-story building includes 100 one-bedroom and 40 two-bedroom apartments. The homes are income-restricted and available to seniors earning 22%, 33%, or 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Rents at the 60% level are $1,056 for a one-bedroom and $1,274 for a two-bedroom.
Housing amenities
The building is fully accessible, with elevators and on-site parking. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores like Walmart, Publix, and Aldi.
Residents will enjoy amenities like a clubhouse, craft room, library, fitness center, walking trail, picnic area, and a community garden. They’ll also have access to wellness check-ins, 24/7 support, and enrichment programs thanks to management company Carteret Management and the church.
“This is a wonderful achievement and a blessing for the individuals who will call this property home,” said Bishop Parkes. “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live—especially our seniors.”
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Construction started in late 2023 and wrapped up in March of this year. Applications are still being accepted for units at the 60% AMI level. At least one resident in each apartment must be 55 or older, and no one under 18 can live in the building. Interested seniors can apply online at www.casadifrancesco.com/applicants.
The $41.7 million project was supported by Hillsborough County, the Housing Finance Authority, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Chase, Fifth Third Bank, and Raymond James.
Cary Putrino, regional president at Fifth Third Bank, said the bank was proud to finance construction. “This project is a timely solution to the growing need for affordable senior housing,” he said.
Blue Sky Communities’ Shawn Wilson added, “Casa di Francesco is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together. It wouldn’t exist without the support of our faith partners, funders, and local leaders.”
The name Casa di Francesco pays tribute to St. Francis of Assisi and was inspired by the vision of the late Fr. Chris Fitzgerald, founding pastor of the parish, who dreamed of using church land to help seniors in need.
