Largo's First Luxury Apartments in 20 Years Opens

By Josh Rojas, Reporter
Last Updated: Sunday, December 21, 2014, 9:06 AM

LARGO -- 

A City Commission moratorium placed on impact fees ensured that the first luxury apartment community in about 20 years was built in Largo.

"It was a huge catalyst to us building in this area," said Gateway North marketing representative Melissa McGee.

Gateway North, located at 2681 Roosevelt Blvd., celebrated its grand opening Dec. 10. The 342-unit complex features a resort-style pool with outdoor kitchens and cabana beach seating.

The multifamily property also features a 2-acre private lake with walking trail, 24-hour fitness center, resident lounge and dog park. Residents began moving in last month.

"Right now, we're about 4 percent occupied. So, we've got some early awesome residents," she said. "We'll be filled up here soon enough."

Resident Eduardo Orengo said he enjoys the central location and being the first person to occupy his unit.

"For some reason, we just love things that are new," he said. "It has all the amenities that you'd want, and I think most of it is the commute to everywhere we need to go."

Largo Community Development Director Carol Stricklin said developer Pollack Shores Real Estate Group saved about $1 million in impact fees on the Gateway North property. Stricklin said the moratorium placed on impact fees will end in 2016 and other developers are also taking advantage of the incentive.

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