The Legacy at Jordan Park ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Oct. 27. Pictured above is City Councilmember Bro. John Muhammad capturing the moment as 7-year-old Daniel Pineda captured him capturing the moment. | Photo courtesy of Daniel Pineda
BY IMAM ASKIA MUHAMMAD AQUIL | Contributor
ST. PETERSBURG — For me, the grand opening of “The Legacy at Jordan Park” Friday morning was an exhilarating and cathartic event. The Legacy at Jordan Park is a cutting-edge, 60-unit, senior midrise building. Friday’s celebration also recognized the completion of the renovated 206 Jordan Park family unit apartments.
Many of my childhood friends, classmates, and family members lived in Jordan Park, in “the projects.” I worked for the St. Petersburg Housing Authority for 11 years (1985-96), including serving as Jordan Park housing manager, director of Human Services, Special Projects director, deputy executive director, and interim executive director. I had the privilege and pleasure of interacting with thousands of boys and girls, men and women of various ages and many senior citizens.
‘We need to be able to show folks that this is what affordable housing looks like. We owe a debt of gratitude to the community members who recognize the need for seniors in our neighborhoods to have the option of aging in place,’ said Mayor Ken Welch.
Today, I saw several officials and individuals I hadn’t seen in years: Attorney Rick Gilmore and his wife Stephanie Brown Gilmore, Joshua Johnson, Stephanie Lampe, Rufus “Jabo” Lewis, Dr. Willie Felton, attorney Danielle Thomas, and so many more. Seeing them brought back a flood of powerful memories.
Being on the grounds surrounded by the rich 80-plus year history, recounted in part by speakers such as Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, who grew up in Jordan Park public housing, reaffirmed my belief that it isn’t where you start from but where you end up that is most important and defining.
Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, who grew up in Jordan Park public housing, recounted some of the rich history of the 84-year-old site.
Hats off to HUD, St. Petersburg Housing Authority, the City of St. Petersburg, and every agency, department, institution and individual who worked together to bring this project forward through difficulties to completion and dedicate themselves to improving life for our fellow human beings.
The St. Pete Housing Authority said the complex will be filled by the end of the month.
The Legacy at Jordan Park
The new three-story garden apartment building marks a new chapter in the community’s history, representing a modern and innovative living space that caters to the needs of senior residents. The new midrise building offers state-of-the-art amenities and a vibrant community environment.
Sharlene Gambrell-Davis (left) and Lucy Shorter are excited to move in.
The Legacy at Jordan Park – Amenities:
- 62+ community
- Three-story building with two elevators
- 60 units (54 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units)
- LED lighting
- GE appliances, including a washer and dryer in each unit
- Pickleball court
- Shaded walking path
- Three community activity rooms
- Two community balconies
- Exercise room
- Game room
- Bike storage (inside and out)
- One outlet in each unit has a generator backup
Renovated Jordan Park Family units
Upgrades to 206 family apartments include new kitchens and bathrooms, windows, flooring, washers and dryers in units, enhanced safety features and energy-efficiency improvements
- 94 buildings + clubhouse were renovated
- 206 units (including five four-bedroom units)
- All with new GE appliances, including washer and dryer
- Two new playgrounds with grills and a bike repair station
- Renovated pavilion with two new picnic tables
- New LED lighting in the park
- New steel exterior doors for security with hi-definition peepholes
Photo Gallery
As someone who attended Jordan Elementary, in “the projects”, this article brought smiles and memories of fun times and great friends!