Universal Destinations & Experiences and Wendover Housing Partners are breaking ground on a new affordable housing solution in Orlando, Florida.
The companies are to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Catchlight Crossings development today (1 November). The project is located east of the Orange County Convention Center and close to Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park.
Catchlight Crossings features 1,000 affordable apartments, and on-site amenities such as resort-style pools, a fitness centre, game rooms, technology cafes and retail outlets.
It also includes a tuition-free preschool for residents, and medical offices, a transportation centre, and programmes in partnership with the University of Central Florida.
Catchlight Crossings was created in line with Orange County’s ‘Housing for All’ initiative, which aims to address the affordable housing crisis in the county.
“Affordable housing is one of the region’s most pressing issues and today’s groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to be part of the solution and give back to the community that we have called home for more than 30 years,” said John Sprouls, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Catchlight Crossings development
Jonathan Wolf, founder and CEO of Wendover Housing Partners, added: “Catchlight Crossings is more than just a roof over someone’s head.
“When it comes to our residents, we want to enhance their quality of life through safe, secure housing, free childcare, easy transportation access and more.
“Together with Universal we are redefining what affordable housing can and should be and creating a model that can be replicated to help address the affordable housing crisis on a national level.”
Disney is also working on an 80-acre affordable housing project in Central Florida. The company plans to break ground on the development in 2024, with the first units to be completed in 2026.
“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.
Images courtesy of Universal and Wendover
