LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World Resort says it has plans to build a 1,300+-unit affordable housing development on nearly 80 acres of land in southwest Orange County.
Disney said the initiative 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.”
“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.”
The new development, which is still in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near its Central Florida theme parks, Disney said.
According to Disney’s announcement, the development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are “affordable and attainable,” located near schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex.
It reportedly will offer a variety of amenities to foster a strong community.
Several years ago, Disneyland Resort led an effort to revitalize the Orange County Housing Trust that provides “last mile” funding for affordable housing projects in Anaheim. This made the Buena Esperanza project — a converted studio apartment community for veterans and homeless individuals with mental illness — a reality.
In addition to providing them a place to live, the community offers job placement and mental health and wellness support to residents.
As a result of Disney’s investment, a second project in Anaheim, Finamore Place, is under construction with an expected completion date of early summer 2022. It will reportedly provide over 100 additional housing units.
For additional details about Disney’s community initiatives in Central Florida, please visit DisneyWorldGivesBack.com.
