Miniopolis is Modernizing How We Live

In a skyrocketing real estate market under looming climate issues, Miniopolis lays down the welcome mat for prospective home buyers.

Brian Sodre, who heartily believes life is more enjoyable when simplified, is offering Brevard County residents the chance to enjoy homeownership without the hassles that come with a large abode. His company, Miniopolis, recently unveiled a house model that he anticipates will entice buyers into the tiny home lifestyle at Peacewind, a community of tiny homes and small cottages in Cocoa.

At 500 square feet, Miniopolis homes fall into the tiny category, but what they may lack in square footage, they more than make up for in structural strength, sustainability, energy efficiency, affordability, sense of community — and good looks.

Miniopolis is groundbreaking beyond the land plots, though. 

“One of my dreams had been to start a community of like-minded individuals,” Sodre said.

With Miniopolis, Sodre’s dream is becoming reality through Peacewind, the first tiny home community in Brevard. Located on 27 acres west of Interstate 95, Peacewind was developed by Jinkie and Gray Echols through their nonprofit, Braveheart Properties of Brevard. 

“I feel tiny homes like Brian’s, that are smart, energy-efficient and hurricane-resistant, are perfect,” said Jinkie Echols, who not only created Peacewind, but also lives there. 

As of mid-May, 27 lots in the community were occupied, primarily by tiny homes on wheels, with a smattering of foundation-built cottages that slightly exceed the tiny home definition. Miniopolis has several lots in the community to build.

Comparing Miniopolis houses to traditional “wheeled” tiny homes is an apples-and-oranges exercise. 

“Most tiny homes are built on wheels, and they depreciate with time,” Sodre explained.

“Our homes appreciate in value. We build on a concrete pad, using structurally insulated panels. Our homes are built strong enough to withstand powerful storms and efficient enough to battle Florida’s heat.”

With Miniopolis, residents own both their home and a 5,000 square-foot lot. When they buy with Miniopolis, they become part of a community that is kind to Mother Nature and grateful for her gifts. Peacewind’s website notes that homes there “are planned with purpose in a pocket community that will allow residents to foster strong relationships and a healthy neighborhood.”

The houses begin at $145,000, plus the cost of the lot, which ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 for a 55-foot x 90-foot site. 

Miniopolis tiny houses pack a big punch. Impact-rated windows allow the homes to be light and airy. Sixteen-foot ceilings relay a sense of spaciousness. The square footage may be small, but the features are huge:

• Bamboo flooring and countertops
• 18,000 BTU mini-split A/C system
• Metal roof
• Breakfast bar
• Upgraded cabinetry, fixtures and lighting
• Water-saving commodes
• Smart appliances
• Pavered driveway
• Tankless water heater
• High-end bathroom
• Garage
• Wrap-around porch

With a Miniopolis home, eco-consciousness and luxury can coexist happily, for the homes are designed to be energy misers that also rely on renewable resources such as bamboo.

“It’s living tiny in a big way,” Sodre said. 

Persistence Pays Off

Sodre’s journey toward tiny homes began when he was a teen in Miami and tackled renovating his parents’ home. Similar projects followed. 

“I’ve always enjoyed the design process,” he said.

In his early 20s, he migrated to Colorado with his bride, Lucia, for a few years, but returned home to Florida when it was time to start a family. The potential of tiny homes was a dream of his, as a way to create a legacy in homebuilding, and Sodre was pumped about a tiny home community. But he soon discovered that Florida did not share his eagerness.

Although tiny homes have enjoyed plenty of attention and press around the nation, the Sunshine State turned out to not be so sunny about them. 

“We’re the only official, legal tiny home community in the state that is not an RV park,” Jinkie Nichols said. 

Traditional building ordinances in Florida counties require houses to meet a 1,000-square-foot minimum, and Brevard County was no exception. It took the Nichols five years and notable expense to present a reworked building ordinance and convince county officials to approve their property at 200 Sandpiper Dr., just south of State Road 520, for a tiny home community.

All’s well that ends well, however, and everything is in order for Peacewind to thrive. Miniopolis’ tricked-out model home — proof of what a tiny home can provide — has already gathered plenty of buzz. As to who is showing interest, well, that’s practically everybody.

Building Community

“We have baby boomers who want to transition to something smaller, millennials who are trying to get into the housing market, remote workers who live in another state but need a second home, and families with one or two kids,” Sodre said.

This diversity is just what the Echols envisioned with Peacewind, already home to young married couples, retirees and single parents. 

“We’re extremely diversified and it’s very intentional, because we believe finding our community within our diversity is critical,” Jinkie Echols said.

The Echols have set aside plenty of green space so residents can wander through trails, stop by the community lake and enjoy getting back to nature, perhaps even doing a bit of foraging for dinner along the way. Residents will be able to bring veggies home from the community garden. 

In the works are a clubhouse and community pool for entertainment and relaxation. There currently are no HOA fees, but once the clubhouse and pool are built, residents are likely to incur reasonable monthly dues in the $25 range.

For individuals who need affordable housing, who want a home that is not a cash and time drain, or who wish to do their part in conserving dwindling natural resources, Miniopolis’ tiny homes can be the answer.   

“Tiny living is all about being able to go out and enjoy life,” Sodre said. “It’s a great option.”

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