A Look Back at Corey Jones Isle
As the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) celebrates 40 years of transformative work in the city, we look back at one project demonstrating the CRA’s ongoing commitment to community, culture, and affordable housing. The Corey Jones Isle project, located in Delray’s Southwest Neighborhood, is a perfect example of how the CRA’s work revitalizes its residents’ spaces and lives.
A Vision for Affordable Housing
When the CRA began on the Corey Jones Isle project in 2019, it had a clear vision: to address the growing concern of housing affordability in a rapidly developing downtown Delray Beach. As development increased along Atlantic Avenue, the housing market did as well, with rising land values and rents. With this in mind, the CRA ensured that the existing community’s needs were included in the city’s growth.
The vacant site of a former nursery provided the ideal location for this community-focused project, which would consist of 10 single-family homes. These homes were designed as workforce housing, helping families earning between 80% and 140% of the County’s area median income (AMI)—families who would otherwise find it difficult to afford a home in Delray’s market.
History of Corey Jones Isle
The Corey Jones Isle project in Delray Beach honors the area’s Bahamian and Caribbean Islander heritage while blending historic American Craftsman architecture with island-inspired elements. This thoughtful design reflects the past and embraces the future, offering modern homes that meet the needs of today’s families. Ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 square feet, these three- and four-bedroom homes feature rear-loaded garages and two bathrooms.
Named after Corey Jones, a beloved community member and mentor who tragically passed in 2015, the project is a tribute to his legacy. It sits across from where Jones once mentored others, ensuring his spirit of community and support lives on.
Partnerships for Success
The success of the Corey Jones Isle project is the result of strong partnerships. The Delray Beach Community Land Trust (DBCLT), an organization dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing, played a critical role in bringing the project to life. With their expertise and dedication to the community, the DBCLT worked alongside the CRA to pre-qualify potential homeowners and ensure that the homes went to local families who needed them most.
Stuart & Shelby Development, Inc. was chosen to construct the homes. They broke ground in early 2020 and completed the project by the end of the year. The partnership between these organizations, alongside the CRA’s continued support, made Corey Jones Isle a reality.
Impacting the Community
The impact of the Corey Jones Isle project goes beyond the 10 families who now call these homes their own. The first certificates of occupancy were issued in March 2021, marking a significant milestone in a neighborhood’s revival and the expansion of affordable housing options in Delray Beach. The homes, priced between $235,000 and $295,000, are designed to fit the financial needs of local working families, offering them an opportunity to stay in the community they know and love.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As the CRA celebrates 40 years of impactful work, the Corey Jones Isle project stands as one of the agency’s proudest achievements. It reflects the agency’s dedication to creating vibrant, inclusive communities where residents can thrive, regardless of their economic status. The project also exemplifies how growth and development can be balanced with respect for cultural history and a commitment to social equity.
