Disney Supports Affordable Housing in Florida
To address the critical need for affordable housing, Walt Disney World is dedicating nearly 80 acres of land for a new housing community in Central Florida. In collaboration with a renowned developer, The Michaels Organization, we envision a place where cost-burdened renters can focus on their personal growth and prosperity by gaining access to affordable housing. By alleviating the weight of escalating housing costs, we hope to give residents the relief they need to prioritize resources necessary to thrive, like food, medication, car payments, childcare and more.
Innovative Solution
Disney is working with The Michaels Organization to bring approximately 1,400 units of mixed income housing to Central Florida, more than 1,000 of which will be reserved as affordable. This development is not government funded. Disney will not benefit financially from this development. Disney’s only benefit is contributing to the solution of a problem.
Uniquely Designed Neighborhoods
This community is planned to include a mix of building typologies with a focus on storytelling and the arts, featuring murals and unique elevations that create a distinct look and feel for each neighborhood within the development. The distinctive designs will help provide a sense of belonging for future residents, who will also have access to amenities that provide ample space to focus on their wellness.
The Michaels Organization
With over 425 communities in more than 35 states – including in Florida – The Michaels Organization has provided comprehensive solutions to affordable housing for years and is the largest privately held owner of affordable housing in the country. With robust community programming that helps their residents thrive, The Michaels Organization will build, own and operate this housing community.
Seamlessly Connected Community
This community will fit seamlessly with neighboring villages in Horizon West. The development’s three entrances are designed to welcome the community in, allowing for easier traffic flow and offering safe paths for pedestrians and bikers. These paths are planned to connect the development, creating efficient ways to reach parks, gathering spaces and trails along the natural wetland.
Horizon West Community
The planned development will be based in the Horizon West area on Hartzog Road in Orange County, Florida. We selected this land because it is part of a thriving community, close to employers, shopping, services, public schools and areas of rest and recreation. We feel there is no better positioned community in Central Florida to provide residents the opportunity to start a new chapter of their story.
Intentional Design
The design of this community is intentional and intended to fit seamlessly with the culture and values of Horizon West.
Green Landscapes
From open green landscapes to parks and vibrant community gathering places, this development will build upon and complement its neighboring villages in Horizon West.
Thoughtfully Planned
This development is being thoughtfully planned to be a place the community will be proud of for years to come.
Building on Our Legacy
Disney continues to make significant investments to address affordable housing and housing insecurity from all angles, supporting organizations on the front lines of this issue. Just some of the organizations to which we have made significant contributions:
Hope Partnership
Helps families move into a home of their own while providing wraparound services to help them adjust and find stability.
Habitat for Humanity
Runs a Youth Construction Academy in Lake and Sumter Counties for the next generation a hands-on education in technical skills within the construction industry.
IDignity Orlando
Offers identification services where U.S. citizens and legal residents can get a birth certificate, a Florida ID, and a Social Security card or verification information.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Helps to create hope and nourish lives through a powerful hunger relief network. The Disney Harvest Program supports Second Harvest’s great work in serving more than 40 Orlando-area nonprofits.
Frequently Asked Questions
As work continues, here are frequently asked questions about this important project that will make a lasting positive impact for residents in Central Florida.
Share Your Support
Share your comments with us about this important housing initiative for Floridians.
All renderings are Artist Concept Only; Subject to Change