Ekos Creekside: Naples' First Live Local Act Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground

New 160-unit community aims to address growing demand for accessible housing in Collier County

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Construction is underway on Ekos Creekside, a 160-unit affordable housing community in East Naples, marking the first project in Collier County to be delivered under Florida's Live Local Act. The groundbreaking on March 4th represents a significant step towards addressing the region's need for accessible housing, with the project being a collaboration between Miami-based developer McDowell Housing Partners and Naples-based construction company DeAngelis Diamond.

Why it matters

The Live Local Act is a statewide initiative designed to increase affordable housing opportunities, and Ekos Creekside is the first development in Collier County to benefit from this legislation, paving the way for similar projects and a potential shift in how affordable housing is approached in the region. The project also demonstrates a growing trend of public-private partnerships in affordable housing development, as well as a focus on sustainable building practices and transit-oriented development.

The details

The seven-story Ekos Creekside building will offer a mix of unit sizes, including 98 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, and 14 three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 767 to 1,287 square feet. Rents will be more than 30% below market rates, targeting households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. The building will feature a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool with grilling stations, a fitness center, a business center, and a multipurpose clubroom. Ekos Creekside is designed to meet National Green Building Standards, aiming to lower utility costs for residents.

  • Construction on Ekos Creekside began last fall, including the demolition of two single-family structures and clearing of trees.
  • Collier County acquired the 7.43-acre property in November 2024 for $3.75 million.
  • Ekos Creekside is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

The players

McDowell Housing Partners

A Miami-based leading investor and developer of affordable housing, and the developer of Ekos Creekside.

DeAngelis Diamond

A Naples-based construction company, and the partner of McDowell Housing Partners on the Ekos Creekside project.

Collier County

The county that acquired the 7.43-acre property for $3.75 million, demonstrating a direct investment in affordable housing solutions.

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What they’re saying

“Ekos Creekside is a commitment to the workforce and families that keep the local economy running.”

— Christopher Shear, President of McDowell Housing Partners

The takeaway

Ekos Creekside represents a significant step forward in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Collier County, leveraging the Live Local Act and a public-private partnership to deliver a sustainable, transit-oriented development that will provide much-needed affordable housing options for the local community.