Walt Disney World picks developer for 1,300-unit affordable housing project

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Walt Disney World’s affordable 1,300-unit housing initiative is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Theme park officials announced Wednesday that they’ve chosen The Michaels Organization to build, own and operate the new development, which they said will offer affordable options for qualifying applicants within certain income levels.

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Disney will contribute approximately 80 acres of land in southwest Orange County for the development, which will be located west of State Road 429 a couple of miles from Flamingo Crossings Town Center.

Officials said The Michaels Organization has worked on 425 communities in more than 35 states.

Read: Disney World to build 1,300 affordable housing units to help address housing crisis

“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,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, in a statement.

Officials said additional details, including a construction timeline, will be shared in the future.

Read: Disney-area apartments scooped up by New York investment firm

Video: Disney World to build 1,300 affordable housing units to help address housing crisis Walt Disney World has announced it will donate 80 acres of land for affordable housing to more than a thousand people in Central Florida. (Christy Turner, WFTV.com)

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