- The Michaels Organization, a prominent developer with community housing properties in more than 35 states, set to build, own and operate more than 1,300 units on Disney’s land in southwest Orange County, Florida
- The development – which is planned to be privately financed – will be limited to applicants within a certain income range
Walt Disney World announced on Wednesday that it selected The Michaels Organization, a prominent and visionary developer known for creating high-quality homes in communities across Central Florida, to build, own and operate a new attainable housing development.
The initiative will offer affordable options for qualifying applicants within certain income levels. Walt Disney World said it will contribute approximately 80 acres of land in southwest Orange County, Florida, for the development, located west of State Road 429 and just a couple of miles from Flamingo Crossings Town Center.
The development is expected to include more than 1,300 units, and will be open for qualifying applicants, including Disney cast members.
“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 Resort. “We will continue to find ways to use our resources to make a difference in the community we call home, and we’re excited to take this step with a nationally recognized developer.”
Disney noted that the initiative will also create new jobs in the Central Florida community through The Michael’s Organization’s construction and ongoing operation of the property. Disney added it will collaborate with The Michaels Organization throughout its design and construction.
“We are excited to work with an iconic brand like Disney to deliver attainable housing for the Central Florida community,” said Michaels CEO John J. 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.”