commitment to sustainability, the city embraces its role as a catalyst for prosperity and progress. As Orlando continues to evolve and redefine itself, it serves as a testament to the power of communitydriven initiatives and the boundless potential of collaborative endeavors. KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN ORLANDO BARNETT VILLAS With the Orange County Commission’s recent funding approval for additional affordable housing projects, 2024 holds promise for the introduction of new affordable housing units. Among the greenlit initiatives is Barnett Villas, a 156-unit affordable rental housing complex developed by Banyan Development Group in collaboration with FK Architecture. Nestled adjacent to Barnett Park in Pine Hills, this endeavor is poised to tackle the county’s urgent demand for affordable housing. COOL ZOO ORLANDO Get ready for an exhilarating animal experience heading to International Drive! Cool Zoo, renowned for its wildlife rehabilitation efforts, is set to introduce a brand-new 10,000-square-foot indoor attraction. This educational facility will captivate visitors with immersive exhibits focused on wildlife and conservation. Encounter sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, and alligators up close, and engage in interactive activities such as gemstone mining and fossil exploration. ORLANDO MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT + RESIDENCES The groundbreaking $500 million sports hub spearheaded by the Orlando Magic, adjacent to downtown’s Kia Center, heralds a revolutionary urban landscape. Encompassing 8.5 acres, this visionary project led by the DeVos family alongside JMA Ventures, SED Development, and Machete Group, encompasses a diverse array of elements. Among them are a 260-room hotel tower, a 200,000-squarefoot office complex housing the Magic’s corporate headquarters, 270 residential units, a 1,100-space parking facility, 125,000 square feet of retail space, a 3,500-capacity live event venue, and a vibrant central plaza, promising an array of dynamic offerings for the community. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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