Winter Haven adding more multi-family units; business owners benefiting

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — More people are making the move to Polk County, and that’s driving up the demand for more housing.

The city of Winter Haven is experiencing that growth, and officials are focusing on bringing more multi-family units to the downtown area.

From selling food and sweets at flea markets to now owning a brick-and-mortar location, Mika Altidor said getting here wasn’t easy.

“I’m first-generation American, first to do many things and first to make this dream a reality,” Altidor said.

She was born in Michigan but spent most of her life in Winter Haven.

She has seen just how much the city has grown and transformed over the years.

“It’s nice to be a part of the change and be a part of development and to have my family be a part of this too,” Altidor said.

She opened her business, Vegan Monarch Bakery and Café, in 2021, serving vegan meals and treats.

She said the downtown area has grown over the years, but the most prominent addition has been more housing.

It is something Altidor said has been positive for her business.

“We get to see more of that foot traffic,” she said. “We get to see more of that business from the residents and then make that human connection,” she said.

Right now, Winter Haven has about 300 multi-family units.

As the city continues to grow, it is also looking to incorporate new housing opportunities like townhomes.

Eric Labbe is the director of Winter Haven’s Economic Opportunity and Community Investment.

“We’ve been adding about a thousand units per year within the city limits of the city of Winter Haven,” he said. “That’s total housing, single and multifamily. We will probably continue that trend for a couple years.”

City leaders say for a community to be considered a healthy one, they need to have 33% to 35% of rental product.

Winter Haven is on track to meet that percentage with 30% as of right now.

Altidor and several other business owners have seen the change in the customer base, too.

“I like the fact that people are driving intentionally from Orlando and Tampa to come here,” she said.

So that she can continue sharing a taste of her café — always ready to serve new and old customers with a smile.

Construction is currently underway on the newest apartment complex in downtown Winter Waven.

The Breeze Apartments is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for residents in the next few months.