Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a rezoning request for an almost 80-acre affordable housing development in Central Florida.

Disney is contributing 78.67 acres of land west of State Road 429, near Walt Disney World and Flamingo Crossings Town Center. Disney chose The Michaels Organization to build, own, and operate the property, which will have between 1,300 and 1,450 apartments.

Imagineering has requested to zone 114.23 acres in Horizon West Village H Apartment Land Use District, just to the north of Flamingo Crossings Town Center and west of Magic Kingdom. The plan includes a maximum building height of 65 feet or 5 stories and a minimum living area of 500 square feet, but these may not be the final dimensions.

Groundbreaking on the affordable housing project is scheduled for 2024, with a projected opening in 2026. The development 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,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said about the project last year. “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.”

This initiative will help offer a viable solution to one of the nation’s greatest challenges and will support and build upon Orange County’s Housing for All action plan to address housing affordability for local residents, an action plan brought about by the passion and leadership of Mayor Jerry Demings.

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