ORLANDO, Fla. – Construction is underway on the first phase of a planned mixed-use development at the former Lake Orlando Golf Course.
The 65-acre property, which has sat vacant and fallen into disrepair over the years, is being transformed into the RoseArts District. The development is expected to include homes, retail space and affordable housing.
The first phase will include four buildings on four separate parcels, with up to 150,000 square feet of retail space and about 1,600 residential units. That includes 160 affordable housing units.
The project has drawn questions from residents, who have questioned whether the former golf course is the right location for a development of this size.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the project could help address the city’s housing needs by closing the housing gap.
When all phases are complete, the RoseArts District is expected to include more than 5,500 residential units. Developers say the goal is to turn a long-neglected property into a place where people can live, shop and gather.
Residents said they will continue watching the project as construction moves forward.
An impact study commissioned for the project says construction could create more than 11,000 temporary jobs and generate nearly $2.6 billion in gross economic output.
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