provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Creating public spaces while preserving Sanibel’s unmatched beauty is no small feat. Rose, a landscape architect, is up to the challenge. Community Housing & Resources has made her work a little easier.
Rose came to Sanibel three years ago from Florida International University, her landscape architecture degree in hand. She joined Coastal Vista Design, creating public and residential landscapes, and has been part of many projects, from the new Sanibel fire stations to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s reworked nature center.
“We make sure landscapes comply with the City of Sanibel’s code, that they’re good from a responsible-use point of view, an environmental point of view, and for the public that’s going to use them,” she said.
While Rose loved the work, her long commute from Punta Gorda every day took its toll. Leigh Gevelinger, Coastal Vista’s founder, suggested that Rose contact CHR.
“I applied and was accepted, but I was on the wait list for about a year before the plan came together,” said Rose, pointing out the need for more affordable housing. It was worth the wait.
“It’s great living here. Now I’m able to walk to work, so I don’t add to traffic. There’s so much vegetation around. And where I live, it’s elevated, so you get this effect like you’re living in a tree house,” she said.
CHR provides vital support and often a new perspective for young professionals like Rose.
“Being able to work on the island, live on the island, and contribute to the community is truly rewarding, and CHR makes it possible,” Rose said.
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