Who gets first priority to live in this new West Palm Beach building

Finding affordable housing has been a challenge for many in West Palm Beach as housing costs continue to rise. However, a new development in the city is set to offer much-needed relief for local workers, with 117 units earmarked for workforce and affordable housing at The Spruce in Northwood Village.

The Spruce Development: A Blend of Housing and Retail

Located between 24th and 25th streets on Spruce Avenue, The Spruce is a mixed-use development currently under construction. In addition to housing, the project will feature ground-floor commercial space and a parking garage topped by a rooftop pool offering views of the ocean and downtown West Palm Beach. Of the 270 units planned, 109 will be designated as workforce housing, while 8 units will be set aside for affordable housing.

Who Qualifies?

Workforce housing at The Spruce will be available to individuals earning between 80-140% of the area median income, while affordable housing will be reserved for those earning 60% or less of the median income. In an effort to support local residents and workers, the developer, Affiliated Development, has launched a "first look" initiative. This initiative will give preference to city and county employees, first responders, and residents of the Northwood community.

“Anyone who works for the city or the county or the local municipality will have access to get that first look,” said Nick Rojo, president of Affiliated Development.

Impact on the Northwood Community

Rojo expressed optimism about the development’s potential to revitalize Northwood Village. “Once we bring critical mass, we bring 300-350 residents to Northwood, I think it’s really going to help those local businesses thrive,” Rojo said. He believes the influx of new residents will create more foot traffic for nearby businesses, with locals walking to coffee shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

The Northwood Village neighborhood, where Miami native Carl Dawkins now resides, is one area where many residents are feeling the pinch of rising living costs. Dawkins, who relocated from Miami due to lower costs, is hopeful that The Spruce will provide opportunities for locals like him to access more affordable living options. "I'm in full support of it being offered to local people first," Dawkins said.

West Palm Beach’s Affordable Housing Goals

The Spruce is part of a broader initiative by West Palm Beach to address housing affordability. The city aims to create 1,400 affordable and workforce housing units over the next eight years. Affiliated Development has already contributed to this effort with The Grand, another apartment building in West Palm Beach that includes workforce housing units and is fully leased.

With The Spruce expected to be completed by 2026, the development represents another step toward meeting the city’s housing goals and addressing the growing need for affordable living options in West Palm Beach.

Looking Ahead

As construction progresses, local residents and workers will have the first opportunity to secure a spot in the affordable and workforce units at The Spruce. For many, this could be a welcome relief in an increasingly expensive housing market.

The first look initiative ensures that those who contribute to the local economy, particularly public service workers and long-time residents, will have the chance to live closer to where they work. This development is expected to provide long-term benefits not just for individuals, but for the surrounding community as well.

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