Universal Orlando Resort announced today that it broke ground on its third expansion project, leaving millions shocked as construction is now underway for this new 20-acre land.
Credit: Inside The Magic
Universal Orlando Begins Third Expansion Project Before 2026
Glass crunched beneath work boots as the first shovelful of dirt split the warm Orlando soil. Construction crews seemed focused on just another build site, yet what’s rising on that silent stretch of land might transform daily life for thousands — not through roller coasters or cinematic thrills, but something far more lasting. Could this be Universal Orlando Resort’s most unexpected expansion yet?
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
A Different Kind of Foundation
While fans were busy speculating about new lands at Epic Universe (which is now open) and future attractions at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Destinations & Experiences quietly began laying the groundwork for something entirely different: Catchlight Crossings, a 20-acre affordable housing community now officially under construction near International Drive.
Universal article that says Catchlight Crossings is opening 2026. Affordable housing that UOR is developing walking distance from Terra Luna/Stella Nova.
Universal article that says Catchlight Crossings is opening 2026. Affordable housing that UOR is developing walking distance from Terra Luna/Stella Nova. https://t.co/zZHTnWQ5sp pic.twitter.com/6hdl15sJdj
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 27, 2025
What began as an idea in 2021 has evolved into a full-scale development effort in partnership with Wendover Housing Partners. The project, celebrated with a formal groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023, marks a bold new chapter for Universal’s ongoing commitment to Central Florida — one not built on entertainment, but on empathy.
Credit: Inside The Magic
What to Know About Catchlight Crossings
The new Universal affordable housing project aims to provide 1,000 high-quality apartment homes within walking distance of major transit routes, hospitality hubs, and even Universal Orlando Resort’s own campus.
Here’s what residents can expect once Catchlight Crossings opens its first phase in 2026:
Affordable housing for all: Seventy-five percent of units are reserved for households earning 60% or less of the area’s median income, ensuring long-term affordability.
Innovative amenities: A tuition-free Bezos Academy preschool, community event spaces, retail options, and medical offices are all part of the blueprint.
Educational and career resources: On-site training, partnerships with the University of Central Florida, and easy access to employer shuttles aim to create an environment for upward mobility.
Transportation connectivity: The complex will include a transportation hub near the proposed Sunshine Corridor, an east-west rail line linking SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.
According to Universal’s Housing for Tomorrow initiative, the project’s long-term goal is to “provide economically diverse housing options” while addressing critical needs identified by Orange County leadership.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
A Community, Not a Complex
Catchlight Crossings isn’t just housing — it’s a reimagining of what it means to live at the center of Orlando’s tourism-driven economy. For many residents who work in the theme park and hospitality industries, affordable options close to their jobs have been nearly impossible to find.
This effort brings hope to those who help make Orlando magical every day — from hotel housekeepers to attraction operators, retail clerks, and restaurant servers. “Our Team Members are the heart of everything we do,” Universal said in its original announcement, emphasizing that the community will remain affordable in perpetuity.
By ensuring that rent levels are tied to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, Universal and Wendover are setting a precedent for sustainable, people-first development that benefits both residents and local businesses.
Credit: Inside The Magic
Why It Matters for Fans — and for Orlando
So why should theme park fans care about a housing development? Because this initiative reflects a growing trend: major entertainment companies expanding their focus beyond park boundaries to invest in the well-being of their surrounding communities.
For Universal Orlando, this marks an unexpected “third expansion,” complementing Epic Universe and other resort growth efforts. It signals that the company’s ambitions aren’t just about building the next great attraction — they’re about shaping Orlando’s future.
Guests visiting the parks may not see Catchlight Crossings on a park map, but its impact will ripple far beyond ride queues. Affordable housing ensures stable employment, improves local morale, and creates a more sustainable foundation for the tourism industry that powers Central Florida.
And perhaps most importantly, it proves that even in a city defined by fantasy, real-world dreams — like having a safe, affordable home — can finally come true.