FK Architecture, a Fugleberg Koch Company, announced the start of construction on Willow Way Village, a 3.23-acre affordable housing community located at 333 Lewis Street in Fort Walton Beach. The groundbreaking ceremony on September 26 was attended by representatives from FK Architecture, Archway Partners, Bridgeway Center, and other project collaborators and financing partners, as well as community leaders. Willow Way Village is a 3-story garden-style community consisting of two buildings on scattered sites located at Lewis Street, west of the intersection of Lewis Street and Trowbridge Avenue.  

“This groundbreaking is a critical milestone in our commitment to creating equitable communities,” said Kimberly Hellekson, AIA and Managing Principal and Owner at FK Architecture. “Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their homes, no matter their income level. We are proud to be a part of a project, designed with longevity at its core, to make a lasting impact on long-term affordable housing and stability for the community.”   

The project will provide the community with 72 thoughtfully designed one-bedroom and studio apartments, with the interiors designed by FK Architecture. Half of the apartments are reserved for veterans and individuals with special needs, while the remaining apartments will be offered at sliding-scale rents. Designing for supportive housing requires creating a welcoming, functional, and therapeutic environment that fosters safety and personal growth for residents.  

For the clubhouse at Willow Way, universal design principles were at the heart of FK Architecture’s design thinking, along with incorporating multi-use spaces that encourage social gatherings, skill-building workshops, and quiet reflection. Residents will also have access to on-site supportive services, including healthcare referrals, job training, and counseling. 

“It’s an honor to celebrate the groundbreaking of Willow Way Village,” said Jessica Wyatt, Project Manager at FK Architecture. “At FK, our mission is to create affordable housing that Florida urgently needs, delivering quality homes and partnering with communities committed to seeing them thrive.”  

Upon completion, the development will obtain a green building certification from a nationally recognized organization. Green building standards drastically reduce energy consumption, directly benefit residents by lowering the cost of utilities.