Located 27 miles north of popular beach resorts, Arbours at Shoemaker Place offers workforce housing to many of its residents who are in the service industry and can’t afford high rents on the coast. Of course, not all residents commute—numerous folks work in DeFuniak Springs and the surrounding area and call the Shoemaker Place “home.” Bordered on three sides by undeveloped wooded areas, families reside in a peaceful ambiance. And, across the street is Lake Stanley Park where residents can take a stroll, walk a dog or gander at the lake.
Arbours at Shoemaker Place is a tax credit, affordable community oriented toward families. Typical of tax credit housing, the $11.6-million property was met with acute reservation by citizens living near the property. After several tense meetings prior to construction, Arbour Valley agreed to plan modifications satisfying a supportive city council. Completed in August 2011, the property has quietly blended into western DeFuniak Springs and has become a model for workforce housing in Walton County.
