Forest Cove Project to Deliver 156 Workforce Housing Units in Bradenton with County Loan and Employer Support
A major step toward addressing Bradenton’s growing need for affordable workforce housing is officially underway. Forest Cove of Manatee LLC, led by Sarasota-based developer One Stop Housing, has secured a $5.66 million catalytic loan from Manatee County to move forward with a 156-unit residential development tailored to essential workers and low- to moderate-income families.
Approved during the April 15 Manatee County Commission meeting, the catalytic loan is intended to spark transformative development by bridging funding gaps for projects that provide widespread social and economic benefits. The Forest Cove development is being hailed as a model public-private partnership, with additional investment coming from local employers and regional banks.
The 4.5-acre property, located at 1478 45th Ave. Circle West, is just off Cortez Road West and 14th Street West, a key transit corridor that provides access to public transportation, nearby grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and job centers. The site is currently vacant but previously hosted a failed development, which One Stop Housing plans to redevelop fully.
The project includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed specifically for households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income. Amenities will include a community center, on-site property management, recreational green space, and wraparound services such as financial literacy workshops and job placement support.
Forest Cove is expected to be completed in phases, with vertical construction beginning later this year. One Stop Housing, which has a proven track record of building and operating income-restricted housing across Florida, will retain ownership and long-term management responsibilities.
County officials emphasized the project’s strategic value — addressing housing shortages and supporting the local workforce, including teachers, healthcare aides, hospitality workers, and first responders who often struggle to find affordable housing options within Manatee County.
Commissioners also noted that the project aligns with the county’s long-term affordable housing strategy and comes amid heightened concerns about the lack of attainable housing units for working-class residents.
Construction on Forest Cove is expected to begin by fall 2025, and leasing is anticipated to open in mid- to late 2026.
