A new affordable housing complex, Ekos Allegro , has opened near Lely Resort, offering a rare opportunity for low-income seniors to secure affordable housing in Collier County. Located at the intersection of County Road 951 and Rattlesnake Hammock Road, the 160-unit complex is at 85% capacity just two weeks after opening.
"It just shows the need. It's massive, even in a place like Naples. Despite the high income of many residents, a place like this is still necessary," said Patrick McDowell, the developer of the property and owner of McDowell Housing Partners.
The community includes resort-style amenities such as pickleball courts, a dog park, a community garden, grilling area, theater room, clubhouse, events, and even a medical screening room for on-site checkups. Developers say these features are designed to create a community feel and to help residents live in comfort, especially if they cannot or will not drive on their own.
“A lot of people hear ‘affordable housing’ and think, ‘Not in my backyard,’ but we’re building this to keep for the long haul, not to sell. We want residents to be able to work, live, and play nearby," said McDowell at Monday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The project, which was first approved in 2019 by the Collier County Commission, has income-based eligibility requirements, with most residents needing to make less than $43,000 a year. Rent is maxed out at around $1,000 a month for residents.
“Rising rents have left so many of our seniors at risk of homelessness. Demand has been very strong. We’ve had to guide applicants through income limits, but we’re on track to fill every unit. There’s certainly room for more developments like this,” said Michael Puchalla, the president of the Housing Alliance of Collier County .
Darryl Evans, one of Ekos Allegro’s newest residents, shared his journey with NBC2 News to finally find stable housing after relocating to Naples from Orlando in the 90s. After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Evans lost his job and then felt the impacts of Hurricane Ian, Helene and Milton.
"Every time something came, my place was destroyed or flooded," Evans said.
Now settled in his one-bedroom apartment with a fixed-rent, he’s grateful for a fresh start. “Last night, I woke up and thought, ‘I can’t believe I’m in my own place,’” he said. “It feels like I’ve hit the lottery — a brand new, affordable place right here in Naples. This doesn’t happen often.”
Populations in Southwest Florida have surged since the early 2000's, and the developers of the project claim that spikes in full-time residents create a larger need for affordable housing. Since 2009, Collier and Charlotte counties have each seen population growth of over 20%, while Lee County has grown by more than 30%, according to United States Census Data.
In order to address the ongoing demand for workforce and affordable housing, McDowell announced plans for a second, nearly identical complex directly across the street, which will include a pool and is expected to open next year. The facility, similar to Ekos Allegro, will host 160 units for low-income seniors 62+.
As Evans put it, “As they used to say, ‘How sweet it is,’ and it’s just getting sweeter.”