The 68-acre, $1 billion Creative Village project in downtown Orlando, the largest transit-oriented project in central Florida, is expected to break ground on May 14.
This mixed-use project, which had been delayed for a number of years, is already being touted as mecca for business, colleges, and residents. The Orlando Business Journal reports that the University of Central Florida has committed to anchor the Village with a $207 million downtown campus that would create 4,000 jobs. UCF has stated its intention to bring 6,000 students downtown.
Creative Village is a public/private partnership between the City of Orlando and the Master Developer, Creative Village Development; a joint venture between Banc of America Community Development Corporation, and a local developer-investment team lead by Ustler Development. Baker Barrios Architects, the project’s design architect; and Emerge Real Estate Ventures, are part of that group.
The city’s Amway Arena was demolished in 2012 to make way for Creative Village. That demolition’s debris—including 94 million pounds of concrete and 13 million pounds of steel—was recycled and/or sorted for future reuse to build Creative Village’s infrastructure.
The development expected to take 15 to 20 years to complete, and include when finished 1.2 million sf of office and creative space, 500,000 sf of education space, 1,500 housing units, and 225 hotel rooms. A PS-8 school is planned nearby. Construction will create 6,500 jobs, and the Village would offer 5,000 permanent jobs. The Building Team estimates that Creative Village would also generate between $800 million and $1 billion in new development.
Road and utility work in Phase 1 would accommodate the expansion of the Lynz Lymmo bus circulator system to Orlando’s west side, near the Parramore District. Craig Ustler, MAI, CCIM, president of Ustler Development, said that about $13 million in infrastructure work on the bus route and the building paths is already taking shape.
Vertical construction is scheduled to begin in later 2015 or early 2016.
Related Stories
Contractors | Apr 10, 2023
What makes prefabrication work? Factors every construction project should consider
There are many factors requiring careful consideration when determining whether a project is a good fit for prefabrication. JE Dunn’s Brian Burkett breaks down the most important considerations.
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2023
New Nashville mixed-use high-rise features curved, stepped massing and wellness focus
Construction recently started on 5 City Blvd, a new 15-story office and mixed-use building in Nashville, Tenn. Located on a uniquely shaped site, the 730,000-sf structure features curved, stepped massing and amenities with a focus on wellness.
Affordable Housing | Mar 14, 2023
3 affordable housing projects that overcame building obstacles
These three developments faced certain obstacles during their building processes—from surrounding noise suppression to construction methodology.
Mixed-Use | Mar 11, 2023
Austin mixed-use development will provide two million sf of office, retail, and residential space
In Austin, Texas, the seven-building East Riverside Gateway complex will provide a mixed-use community next to the city’s planned Blue Line light rail, which will connect the Austin Bergstrom International Airport with downtown Austin. Planned and designed by Steinberg Hart, the development will include over 2 million sf of office, retail, and residential space, as well as amenities, such as a large park, that are intended to draw tech workers and young families.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 27, 2023
New 20,000-seat soccer stadium will anchor neighborhood development in Indianapolis
A new 20,000-seat soccer stadium for United Soccer League’s Indy Eleven will be the centerpiece of a major neighborhood development in Indianapolis. The development will transform the southwest quadrant of downtown Indianapolis by adding more than 600 apartments, 205,000 sf of office space, 197,000 sf for retail space and restaurants, parking garages, a hotel, and public plazas with green space.
Retail Centers | Feb 24, 2023
Santiago Calatrava unveils plans for a luxury retail and office complex in Düsseldorf, Germany
Renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, along with the CENTRUM Group, has unveiled plans for Calatrava Boulevard, a luxury retail and office complex in Düsseldorf, Germany. Running parallel to Königsallee and connecting with the Steinstrasse station, Calatrava Boulevard will incorporate and connect to the boulevard’s existing buildings.
Mixed-Use | Feb 23, 2023
7 mixed-use developments that don't sacrifice housing affordability
Here are seven mixed-use, multifamily projects dedicated to providing affordable housing.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 21, 2023
Watch: DBA Architects' Bryan Moore talks micro communities and the benefits of walkable neighborhoods
What is a micro-community? Where are they most prevalent? What’s the future for micro communities? These questions (and more) addressed by Bryan Moore, President and CEO of DBA Architects.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 16, 2023
Coastal Construction Group establishes an attainable multifamily housing division
Coastal Construction Group, one of the largest privately held construction companies in the Southeast, has announced a new division within their multifamily sector that will focus on the need for attainable housing in South Florida.
Affordable Housing | Feb 15, 2023
2023 affordable housing roundup: 20+ multifamily projects
In our latest call for entries, Building Design+Construction collected over 20 multifamily projects with a focus on affordable housing. Here is a comprehensive list of all projects in alphabetical order.
