The City of Kissimmee has begun a phased redevelopment of The Haven on Vine (1815 W. Vine St.), moving forward with upgrades that will convert the old Motel 8 into safe, modern, and affordable housing along the Vine Street corridor.
City leaders marked the start of construction during a Thursday kickoff, ringing handbells in a ceremony themed “Ringing the Bells of Change.”
Phase 2A/2B: $2.12M in near-term upgrades
Approved unanimously by the Kissimmee City Commission on Aug. 5, 2025, the current $2.12 million phase will:
- Renovate 40 existing units into code-compliant efficiency studios (including two ADA-accessible units).
- Complete plumbing, electrical, and fire-suppression upgrades.
- Add exterior improvements and enhanced tenant amenities.
- Convert a former storage structure into an on-site administrative and resident-services hub.
Construction in this phase is expected to wrap in approximately 120 days. Funding combines $1.8 million in Community Project Funds, $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and $120,000 in State of Florida HL205 resources.
“This project turns an underused property into dignified homes and onsite services that help families stabilize and succeed,” said Desiree Matthews, Deputy City Manager. “By moving forward in phases, the City is delivering results now: safer units, accessibility upgrades, and on-site support while we continue assembling resources to complete the full vision.”…