A groundbreaking celebration kicked off the start of construction for Catchlight Crossings – a first of its kind affordable housing community that features 1,000 affordable apartment homes, on-site amenities and services, retail and play areas, and access to transportation and nearby jobs. The $350 million project is on 20 acres that was donated by Universal Destinations & Experiences’ nonprofit, Housing for Tomorrow. The developer is Wendover Housing Partners.
Located just east of the Orange County Convention Center in the International Drive area of Orlando, Catchlight Crossings will remain an affordable community in perpetuity and is open to anyone who meets specific income and other resident requirements. The majority of the units, 75%, will be designated as affordable and reserved for households with incomes at or below 60% of the area’s median income.
Florida Community Loan Fund provided financing for Catchlight Crossings, in addition to JPMorgan Chase, Orange County, Florida Government, and other public and private sources. The project supports Orange County’s Housing for All Initiative designed to create lasting community-based solutions for expanding housing options, improving affordability, and providing access to diverse and vibrant neighborhoods for Orange County residents. Also on site will be Bezos Academy tuition-free preschool, educational opportunities through the University of Central Florida, medical offices, retail space, community event space, technology cafes, community gardens, bike and walking paths, and green space.
“Catchlight Crossings is more than just a roof over someone’s head. When it comes to our residents, we want to enhance their quality of life through safe, secure housing, free childcare, easy transportation access and more,” said Jonathan Wolf, founder and CEO of Wendover Housing Partners. “Together with Universal we are redefining what affordable housing can and should be and creating a model that can be replicated to help address the affordable housing crisis on a national level.”
"The goal was to build this affordable, attainable housing, workforce housing, right in the center of commerce, right where people work so that they wouldn't have to travel these long distances throughout our region just to get to work," said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
The first phase of Catchlight Crossings is expected to open in 2026. Learn more in this video from Wendover Housing Group: https://vimeo.com/880980153/15406ef4d1?ts=0
View the press release here: GlobeNewswire Press Release: Nov 1, 2023, Catchlight Crossings Sets New Standard for Affordable Housing Communities
and this article on WESH2.com: Universal Orlando breaks ground on affordable housing project with Wendover, Orange County
Learn more about FCLF and Catchlight Crossings here.
Pictured above, groundbreaking at Catchlight Crossings. Below, architectural rendering of completed project.
