Disney’s projects stretch beyond its theme parks, merchandise development, and film production. You might already know that Disney also operates a cruise line, hosts guided tours around the world, and even is developing exclusive, master-planned communities. But did you know about Disney’s affordable housing project?
Disney World Entrance
Earlier this year, Disney announced that they were going to earmark about 80 acres of land for a new affordable housing development near the Disney World theme parks. The company said the purpose of this project is to make “positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home.” Now, we have NEW details about the development!
Disney has announced the location and developer for their affordable and attainable housing initiative. The land that will be used for the project is located west of State Road 429, a few miles away from Magic Kingdom. It’s close to schools and shopping centers, including Disney’s own Flamingo Crossings Town Center, which has a variety of restaurants and shops.
©Disney
The development (which doesn’t have a name yet) is going to be built, owned, and operated by The Michaels Organization, which Disney describes as “a prominent and visionary developer known for creating high-quality homes in communities in many states, including Florida.” Disney said that “negotiations between Walt Disney World and The Michaels Organization on a definitive agreement for the initiative are underway.”
The CEO of The Michaels Organization said, “We are excited to work with an iconic brand like Disney to deliver attainable housing for the Central Florida community. Our goal is to create a repeatable model that we hope will inspire other companies and municipalities to create high quality, attainable housing in their own communities.”
©The Michaels Organization
Disney says they’re expecting the community to be privately financed and include over 1,300 housing units. Those units will be available to “applicants within a certain income range,” with the intent being to help Florida “find solutions to this important challenge” of a need for more affordable housing.
©Disney
We previously saw some concept art for this development, which shows lots of trees, a couple of lakes, and several buildings that could be apartments or townhouses.
©Disney
Jeff Vahle (president of Walt Disney World Resort) said, “For more than 50 years, Walt Disney World has cared for and invested in our community, and we’re committed to being a part of this solution which will bring more attainable housing to Central Florida.” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings had created an action plan called Orange County’s Housing for All, which Disney hopes to build upon through this new development.
Disney said that the project is “near and dear to our hearts” and they will share more details about a construction timeline in the future. We’ll continue to watch for more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest news.
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The sad think is that most DW employee’s will be eligible for the affordable housing because of the low wages they are paid.
So happy they will build affordable housing. I work part time at Disney Springs and sublet an apt. near Oviedo Mall which owner will sell soon I constantly worry I will be homeless because area rents are too expensive.
I live alone with income of 11k retirement & approx. Another 5k working @ Disney which I appreciate because pays my $100 monthly Obamacare plan, gas & food.
So hopeful & will apply asap.