FORT WALTON BEACH —Although the summer’s heavy rains have caused repeated delays, construction is underway on four buildings at SoundSide Apartments on Carson Drive.
The Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority is developing the $22 million affordable housing complex on the 13-acre site.
“We are a little behind schedule, mainly due to the rain,” said Gail Sansbury, executive director of the Housing Authority.
The 200-unit complex will feature one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, a pool, a fitness center and a wireless Internet cafe. The apartments will have 9-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens, washer and dryers and screened porches.
Nearby resident John Feagin said he expects the apartment complex to enhance the neighborhood.
“It’s always positive when you see growth in a community,” said Feagin, who has lived on Chatelaine Circle for about 10 years. “It just kind of revitalizes the area.”
Feagin said he hopes SoundSide will spur retail, restaurant and entertainment growth in the area.
Sansbury said there has been growing interest from people looking to rent units, and that the Housing Authority will begin accepting applications some time in September.
“I think it will meet a need (in the community),” she said. “There are a lot of one-bedrooms that are needed.”
Construction crews have made the most progress on the clubhouse, which now has its roof attached. The clubhouse should open in mid-October.
The apartment building directly in front of the clubhouse is expected to open sometime in early November, with tenants being able to move in soon after.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.