Walt Disney World’s 80-acre affordable housing project in Central Florida is expected to open in 2026, the company has confirmed.
Disney plans to break ground on the attainable housing development in 2024, with the first units due to be completed in 2026.
Additionally, the company has expanded its proposal to include approximately 1,400 units, as opposed to the 1,300 units originally announced.
“We hope to make a positive impact wherever we can in our community, so to be able to offer more units means even more Florida families will get access to attainable housing, in addition to creating new Florida jobs as part of the construction and operation,” Disney said in a blog post.
Disney expands number of units
Disney’s affordable housing will be built and operated by the Michaels Organisation, a developer with community housing properties in more than 35 states.
Located close to the Flamingo Crossings Town Center, the initiative will be limited to applicants within a certain income range.
“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,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, in December.
“We are excited to work with an iconic brand like Disney to deliver attainable housing for the Central Florida community,” added Michaels CEO John O’Donnell.
“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.”
Universal Parks & Resorts is also working on an affordable housing community in Orlando alongside Wendover Housing Partners.
In more news, Disney CEO Bob Iger has addressed the ongoing battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and said the company will spend more than $17 billion on Disney World over the next 10 years.
Images: Disney
