$1B plan eyes first 1,000 homes by ’23
Redevelopment project in Rosemont expected to start next year
Westside Capital Group plans to start construction by next year and complete the first 1,000 residential units in its proposed RoseArts District in 2023, according to applications and plans filed with the city of Orlando, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.
The redevelopment of the former Lake Orlando Golf Club into a $1 billion mixed-use district with up to 6,000 mid-rise multifamily units and 350,000 square feet of retail space would take a decade, according to the rezoning application submitted to the city.
The project outline by GAI Consultants describes the district as a catalyst for revitalization in the greater Rosemont neighborhood.
“With art at its core and its unifying theme of local expression and entrepreneurial spirit, the character of the RoseArts District will instill a different kind of energy and spark resurgence in the neighborhood, which has been stagnant and slowly fading for years.”
The project has drawn mixed reviews, ranging from enthusiastic support to intense opposition from residents in the Rosemont neighborhood, who say it is incompatible with the area because of the proposed density and building height. The submitted plans allow for a maximum building height of 90 feet, but the roof levels would increase gradually.
Westside is seeking the same Urban Village future land use assigned to other redevelopment projects like Baldwin Park and Health Village. Westside has also applied for Planned Development zoning for the 128 acres and has requested annexation for the 7.7 acres that are currently outside the city limits. The package is scheduled to go before the city’s Municipal Planning Board on Sept. 15.
The development team chose the RoseArts District name to stress the important role public art would play in the community. That includes an effort to engage the local artist community to be involved in the project. The conceptual renderings submitted with the application show a variety of media, including buildingsized murals, light installations, decorative fountains and outdoor sculptures.
Westside Capital bought the shuttered golf course last year for about $1.85 million, and the entire site lies within one of the city’s approved Opportunity Zones.