Disney Earmarks 80 Acres of Land for Affordable Housing
Walt Disney World Resort will develop nearly 80 acres of land to bring a new affordable housing development to southwest Orange County, Florida. The project has been in the works for some time and builds on The Walt Disney Company’s legacy of bringing positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home – making an important difference locally to address one of the nation’s greatest challenges.
More than 1,300 units will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer near the Disney-owned Flamingo Crossings Town Center, just outside of Walt Disney World in Central Florida. Disney will engage the housing developer to bring the same innovation, expertise, and attention to detail from their theme parks to this project, making this a special place to live.
Available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney Cast Members, the development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable.
Jeff Vahle, president of WDW, says:
“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues. The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”
The new development is still in the early planning stages and is subject to appropriate approvals. More details on the ongoing project will be released at a later date.
Universal Did It First!
In late March, Universal Parks & Resorts announced an affordable housing development as part of their Housing for Tomorrow initiative.
Universal is working with Wendover Housing Partners to develop Catchlight Crossings; 20 acres of land for 1000 units of affordable/mixed-income housing.
The Catchlight Crossings development plan sets a new vision for what affordable housing can be; a community built to enhance the lifestyle of its residents. A wide range of on-site services and amenities will put residents first, including:
- On-site tuition-free preschool
- On-site medical offices
- A transportation center for buses, ridesharing, and employer shuttles
- 16,000 square foot retail area
- Community event space
- Technology cafés
- A makerspace for hobbies, activities and educational events
- Community gardens
- Bike and walking paths
- Neighborhood food pantry
- Fitness center
- Game room
- Playground
- Two resort-style pools
- Grilling gazebo
John Sprouls, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Universal Parks & Resorts, says:
“Our vision has been to bring an innovative, new approach to solving our community’s affordable housing crisis. This is about creating a community that will put residents first – a place that inspires them and that they will be proud to call home.”
The Catchlight Crossings development plan is currently going through the approval process with Orange County.
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Let’s Hear From You
As the state’s theme park and resort leaders, both Disney and Universal play an important role in the community as they find solutions for affordable housing in Central Florida. We look forward to learning more about these ongoing projects. What do you think of the news so far? Share your thoughts below!
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