Pensacola OKs nine affordable homes on former Malcolm Yonge Gym site

The city is donating the land to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust for a Habitat-led project targeting buyers around 80% to 120% of area median income.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pensacola is donating the former Malcolm Yonge Gym site to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust so nine long-term affordable homes can be built there. Backed by $240,000 in city homebuyer assistance, the Pensacola Habitat-led project targets buyers around 80% to 120% of area median income, with a structure designed to keep prices affordable for generations.

Why it matters

In a city facing rising housing costs, this project aims to create affordable homeownership opportunities that will remain accessible to moderate-income families for decades to come, helping address the need for more attainable housing options in Pensacola.

The details

The nine new affordable homes will be built on the former Malcolm Yonge Gym site, which the city is donating to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust. The Pensacola Habitat for Humanity-led project will target buyers making between 80% and 120% of the area's median income, with $240,000 in city homebuyer assistance to help keep the homes affordable. The land trust structure is designed to maintain the homes' affordability for 99 years, ensuring they remain accessible to moderate-income families for generations.

  • The city of Pensacola approved the donation of the former Malcolm Yonge Gym site to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust in February 2026.

The players

Northwest Florida Community Land Trust

A nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land in trust, providing affordable housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income families.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity

The local chapter of the national nonprofit that builds and rehabilitates homes in partnership with income-qualified families.

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The takeaway

This project represents Pensacola's commitment to addressing the city's affordable housing needs by leveraging community land trusts and partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to create long-term affordable homeownership opportunities for moderate-income residents.