News Summary
A six-year stalled affordable housing project in downtown Orlando is being revived by Lift Orlando. The project aims to develop 30 townhomes in the West Lakes neighborhood, previously managed by the Hannibal Square Community Land Trust, which faced financial difficulties and delays. Visible signs of neglect remain at the site, but Lift Orlando is negotiating to complete the construction. The initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle chronic poverty and improve living conditions in the community, with a community meeting scheduled for residents to discuss future developments.
ORLANDO – A long-stalled affordable housing project in downtown Orlando is set to be revived by nonprofit developer Lift Orlando after facing six years of delays. The housing initiative, aimed at developing 30 townhomes in the West Lakes neighborhood, was previously managed by the Hannibal Square Community Land Trust (HSCLT), which encountered financial difficulties that ultimately halted construction.
The townhome project, which has been left partially constructed, presents significant challenges to the neighborhood, with visible signs of neglect, including rotting wood framing and accumulating trash. Lift Orlando has announced its intentions to take over the completion of this project, with ongoing negotiations with the City of Orlando and the lender to finalize the acquisition.
Sandy Hostetter, the Vice President of Asset Development at Lift Orlando, stated that the organization hopes to present an offer on the property within the next 60 to 90 days. Lift Orlando was originally one of six developers that bid for the city-owned land back in 2021 when HSCLT first purchased the property and secured a $5.75 million construction loan to begin development.
Since then, the project has been mired in setbacks, with construction issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent financial strain. By early 2024, only 12 units had been framed and six had concrete slabs poured. The project was further affected by contractor disputes and damage from hurricanes, culminating in HSCLT entering foreclosure and a settlement that mandated a six-month period to either sell the lots or face complete foreclosure. Currently, HSCLT owes $4.18 million to its lender and approximately $1.65 million in various liens.
Lift Orlando remains committed to addressing chronic poverty in West Orlando through various initiatives, including affordable housing, education, and healthcare improvements. The organization is actively pursuing additional projects, having already completed a second phase at Pendana consisting of 120 units of affordable senior housing. Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the acquisition of a neighboring lot for further affordable housing development.
A community meeting is scheduled for August 20, allowing residents to discuss the future of the townhomes and potential developments on the next lot. This initiative is part of a broader effort by both community organizations and city leaders to tackle the critical shortage of affordable housing in the area.
In addition to the townhome project, other affordable housing efforts are underway, such as the opening of the Palm Garden Orlando Apartments, which transformed the former Ambassador Hotel into a facility with 150 affordable units. This new project was funded through $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, designed to provide stability for residents with low incomes and support those living at or below 80% of the area’s median income. The second phase of the Palm Gardens Orlando project includes 149 efficiency and one-bedroom apartments specifically set aside for supportive housing.
The West Lakes Partnership, a local initiative, has begun repurposing vacant homes into affordable single-family residences for low to moderate-income families, aiming to preserve community heritage while creating ownership opportunities. Tim Ayers, the Executive Director of the West Lakes Partnership, pointed out that their efforts are focused on addressing the wealth gap in the area while creating generational homes for families.
A new multi-family townhouse project is also being planned by the West Lakes Partnership, following the acquisition of vacant lots in the area. As the affordable housing crisis persists in Orlando, the collaboration between various organizations aims to foster growth, stability, and better living conditions for the community.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Lift Orlando Seeks to Buy Unfinished Townhomes
- Google Search: affordable housing Orlando
- WFTV: Run Down Hotel Turned into Affordable Housing
- Google Scholar: affordable housing initiatives in Orlando
- Click Orlando: Nonprofit Flips Historic Vacation Homes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: affordable housing
- Dwell: Why Disney is Building Affordable Housing
- Google News: affordable housing news Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
