By Zach Johnson
The Walt Disney Company is always looking for innovative ways to strengthen its communities—and Walt Disney World Resort just announced it has earmarked nearly 80 acres of land to bring a new affordable housing development to life in southwest Orange County, Florida. This initiative has been in the works for a while and builds on Disney’s legacy of bringing positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home, making a critical difference locally to address one of the nation’s greatest challenges.
“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “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.”
This new affordable housing development, which is in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units. It will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near its Central Florida theme parks. The development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex. Not only that, but it will offer a variety of amenities to help foster a strong community.
Known for building industry-leading theme parks and resort hotels around the world, Disney will work with the developer to bring that same level of innovation, expertise, and attention to detail to this initiative. The upcoming development will be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, which includes Disney cast members.
More details will be released at a later dates as Disney continues due diligence work with a prominent affordable housing developer. Disney’s initiative will play an important role as leaders in the community, including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, continue to prioritize finding lasting solutions to affordable housing in the area. For more information on Disney’s community initiatives in the area, click here.
