By Cassady Quintana
Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Creative Village is transforming the former Amway (now Kia) Arena site into a lively, 68-acre mixed-use urban hub. This ambitious project is an example of public-private partnership, spearheaded by the City of Orlando and Creative Village Development, LLC (CVD). Its purpose is to create a thriving community where residents can live, work, learn, and play—all while fostering innovation and opportunity.
Phase 1: Building a Foundation of Innovation
Completed in August 2022, Phase 1 of Creative Village represents over $700 million in development activity.
Credit: City of Orlando
This initial phase brought together a dynamic mix of residential, educational, and commercial spaces. Highlights include:
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Housing: 260 mixed-income apartments, 701 market-rate apartments, and 640 student housing beds.
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Education: The UCF Downtown and Valencia College Downtown campus, supporting more than 8,000 students, faculty, and staff in 350,000 square feet of educational space.
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Corporate Anchor: The 176,000-square-foot Electronic Arts Orlando Studio, employing 1,000 high-wage professionals.
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Recreation: Luminary Green, a 2.3-acre park, offers a much-needed green space for relaxation and events.
By the end of Phase 1, Creative Village became home to 2,500 residents and over 1,000 professionals, establishing a vibrant community and critical mass for future growth.
Phase 2: Continuing the Vision
Phase 2, set for completion between 2026 and 2029, is an ambitious $600 million investment in Orlando’s future.
Credit: City of Orlando
The plans include:
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Housing: 450 market-rate apartments, 106 mixed-income units, and 600 additional student housing beds.
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Commercial Development: Between 100,000-200,000 square feet of office and mixed-use space.
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Hospitality: A new 180-room hotel to cater to visitors and professionals.
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Adaptive Reuse: The historic Bob Carr building will be reimagined as a "high-tech town square," blending inclusive innovation with Orlando's digital economy.
Credit: City of Orlando
Transit-Oriented
Creative Village places a strong emphasis on connectivity. Its design incorporates SunRail and other public transit options in Orlando, making it Central Florida's largest transit-oriented development. This accessibility, combined with the inclusion of retail spaces, parks, and mixed-income housing, reflects a commitment to sustainable urban growth.
Impact on the Parramore Community
Creative Village's development has brought new life to the historically underserved Parramore neighborhood. Its "Cradle to Career" model offers unprecedented access to education, housing, and jobs, creating opportunities for residents to thrive. The area is now a hub of innovation and learning, showcasing the potential of thoughtful urban redevelopment.
Eyes on the Future Ahead
When fully completed, Creative Village will feature over 2,000 residential units, 1,500 student housing beds, 900,000 square feet of office and creative space, and 100,000 square feet of retail. It will also host a total of 225 hotel rooms and provide dynamic open spaces for the community.
Credit: City of Orlando
Creative Village is a vision for what urban development can achieve when innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability come together. With projects extending through 2031, this district will remain a cornerstone of Downtown Orlando's growth and provide opportunities for years to come.
Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando is known for its blend of business, culture, and entertainment. Located at the crossroads of major highways and interstates, including I-4 and State Road 408, it offers easy access to the region’s attractions, the Orlando International Airport, and surrounding communities. It features a thriving arts scene, iconic landmarks like Lake Eola Park, and a variety of dining and nightlife options. Home to corporate headquarters, educational institutions, and world-class sports and entertainment venues, Downtown Orlando is where the energy of the city comes alive.
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