By Jim Carchidi
October 9, 2026
Properties that once welcomed NBA fans and golfers now offer mixed uses near Orlando's central business district. Less than a week after ground was broken at the long-awaited RoseArts District, city leaders and project partners officially welcomed new affordable housing at The Beacon at Creative Village.
RoseArts District
Image courtesy of Charlan Brock Architects
The 128-acre Lake Orlando Golf Course & Country Club served local golf enthusiasts for 43 years until lack of use and declining investments led to its 2014 closing. After purchasing the property in 2019, Westside Capital Group began the six-year process of planning and permitting RoseArts District. The mixed-use urban development officially reached the construction phase on Sept. 30.
The $2.6 billion master-planned community will include the following:
- 5,650 multifamily residential units spanning 12 buildings that will include affordable and workforce housing components
- 350,000 square feet of commercial space offering retail, office, and healthcare provider spaces, and a charter school
- Up to 65 acres of parks, trails, and public areas that adhere to the city’s 20% minimum open space requirement of the Wekiva Overlay
- Increased mobility options with biking and walking trails, electric charging ports, scooter stations, and transit access
The first phase will develop 38.5 acres on the Rosamond Drive side, east of North Lake Orlando Parkway. Four buildings will provide a total of 1,600 apartment units and 150,000 square feet of retail space. Approximately 160 residential units will be earmarked for affordable housing.
Phase 2 will feature 2,500 residential units and 100,000 square feet of commercial space across five, 8-story buildings.
Mayor Buddy Dyer said the project is a milestone in the revitalization of the district and is an example of thoughtful growth. The City of Orlando will work with the developer to ensure sustainability and compatibility with the needs of the community.
A full construction timeline is not available and efforts to reach Westside Capital Group for comment were unsuccessful.
The Beacon
Image courtesy of Ustler Development, Inc.
The 2011 implosion of the Orlando Arena/TD Waterhouse Center/Amway Arena was the first step in clearing 68 acres in the historic Parramore neighborhood for Creative Village construction. Among its educational, business, and residential uses is The Beacon, which officially opened on Oct. 6.
The 5-story, $40 million residential building is the result of a public-private partnership between Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency, Atlantic Housing Partners, Bank of America Community Development Company, and Creative Village developer Ustler Development, Inc. Located at 670 W. Amelia Street, the building offers 115 new affordable housing units for households earning at or below 80% of the area's median income.
The project is part of the Orlando Unlocked housing initiative, aimed at providing quality housing options for residents at every income level through flexible zoning and construction incentives. The city-led effort is behind 9,200 housing units currently under construction, including The Village of Pine Hills, which broke ground in September.
According to Orlando housing statistics, the city’s population increased nearly 14% between 2020 and 2024. Housing inventory growth of 11% during the same period resulted in a shortage of approximately 9,400 units. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition states the greater Orlando area has just 13 affordable rental units for every 100 low-income households.
Parcel H at Creative Village will begin construction later this year. Image courtesy of Ustler Development, Inc.
The Beacon is part of a new Creative Village phase that includes Parcel H, located at the south end of Luminary Green Park. The parcel includes a $60 million, 7-story mixed-use development featuring the following details and amenities:
- 112 apartments
- 22,000 square feet of restaurant/retail/office space
- Signature outdoor space and colonnade
- An integrated parking garage
According to the Creative Village website, Parcel H is scheduled for completion in 2027 with neighborhood-serving restaurants, retail and professional services.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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