Groundbreaking of Kings Cross Place, Manatee Habitat for Humanity’s Newest Affordable Housing Community
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity officially broke ground on Kings Cross Place, its newest community of affordable homes, during a heartwarming ceremony attended by more than 50 supporters, partners, and local leaders on Tuesday afternoon.
The event marked the start of a bold new chapter for Manatee Habitat. Located just east of Oneco in Bradenton, Kings Cross Place will consist of 27 affordable homes—ranging from 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom to 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom layouts—that will be sold to low-income families through zero-percent interest mortgages. Homeowners will pay between $900 and $1,000 per month for a 30-year mortgage, providing a path to financial stability and homeownership in a time of rising housing costs.
Bernie Quinn, President and CEO of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, opened the ceremony by thanking those who made this milestone possible. “This isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building opportunity, dignity, and hope,” said Quinn. “We are proud to bring this community to life with the support of our partners, donors, and volunteers who believe in the power of a safe, affordable place to call home.”
State Representative Will Robinson also delivered remarks, praising Habitat’s role in addressing the local housing crisis and supporting hardworking families in Manatee County.
Future Habitat homeowner Paula shared a deeply moving testimony about her journey toward homeownership, underscoring the life-changing impact of the Habitat program—even though her home will be in a different neighborhood. “I told myself that homeless is a temporary term but helpless is a state of being…and I don’t want to be temporary anymore,” Paula said. “Habitat for Humanity has taken me from helpless to helpful, and I am grateful once again for the opportunity to be a homeowner.”
While RedElk Land Company President Bill Short could not attend in person, his role in making Kings Cross Place a reality was recognized. RedElk facilitated the donation of 27 building lots—totaling 11.07 acres with an appraised value of $2.32 million—marking the largest land donation in the organization’s history. “This deal is a testament to our commitment to addressing the local housing crisis and providing affordable housing opportunities for those in need,” said Short. “It’s important to us that we use our work to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
Additional stakeholders in attendance included Justin Zaleski of Bank OZK, Erika Foley of Nissan of Bradenton, and Julia Vieira of Manatee County Government.
Manatee Habitat will work on the infrastructure for this community for the next eight months. The first home at Kings Cross Place is expected to begin construction in January 2026, with 12 homes scheduled to be completed by the end of that year.
About Manatee County Habitat for Humanity
Creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, volunteer-based organization with the mission to develop resources, educate and mobilize people to work alongside families in need, rehabilitating existing homes and building sustainable, affordable homes, thereby improving the quality of life in Manatee County. For more information visit manateehabitat.org.
