The barren vista looking over Lake Nona that once housed a sprawling industrial complex has been cleaned and prepared to become the home of Lake Nona’s subsequent major development —
The Flagship Cos. and Woodbury Corp. announced “Sunlake City” as the name of the over 700-acre master-planned development focusing on a vibrant, sustainable, and walkable mixed-use community along the picturesque eastern shore of Lake Nona. This new development is set to redefine the future of urban living in the southeastern United States.
As a comparison, this is more than 100 acres larger than the touted Point of the Waterfront development where an old industrial site once stood.
Located on the east shore of Lake Nona, this will be Orange County’s largest sustainable, walkable, transit-oriented, mixed-use community. Planners say Sunlake City is being designed and developed to be the county’s urban core.
According to Jeff Woodbury, managing partner of Sunlake City, the project is a “legacy development.”
“This is Orange County’s new downtown,” he said. “We have flown worldwide to see what will be best for this community.”
Woodbury said it is a “legacy” because it will constantly upgrade with new technologies. He added that building something this big from the ground up is a gift that most cities wish they had.
“My grandchildren will be working on this,” Woodbury added. “We feel a real stewardship to Orange County. We will hopefully see the need to make changes always.”
According to Nate Hutchinson of Flagship, another managing partner of Sunlake City, Sunlake City is being built for everyone.
Ground was turned last week on 450 units of multi-family dwellings, signaling the start of the project. A major cancer research center will break ground early next year.
“There will be homes for billionaires and affordable housing for kids now living in their parents’ basements. It will be a mixed-use environment. All will be welcome, but it may not be for everyone.”
Over hundreds of acres along Lake Nona’s eastern shore, Sunlake City has been designed by a nationally recognized town-planning team.
Sunlake City will be accessible off Interstate 15 from 1600 North, 800 North, and Center Street exits going west, east-west connectors, and the Lake Nona SunRail station.
The district's mayor said she is excited to see this development come to fruition. Other city leaders and councils began the discussions several years ago and have been working with the state, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Transit Authority, the regional water management district, area faith communities, the Orange County School District, the University of Central Florida, a leading cancer research institute, and other stakeholders.
“The site will bring community connection, increased recreation, a diverse economy, and add access to universities, increasing our talent pipeline,” the mayor said. “As facilities like the second campus of a leading cancer research institute develop, the housing types, open spaces, and planned boardwalk along the lakeshore will create places and homes for those working here. Our residents and visitors will be able to access this area that connects to regional trails, Lake Nona, and multi-modal and jurisdictional networks that bring them quickly into Lake Nona’s downtown, up into the coast, around the lake, and to nearby international airports, bringing vitality to our incredible city.”
The anticipated growth of the state and county, along with the project’s overall scope, plays into the all-encompassing project name. Currently, there are 3.3 million residents in Florida, which is expected to grow to 5.2 million by 2060, and 30% of this growth is expected in Orange County.
Anchors of the project already include Lake Nona Station, which opened in August 2022, and a recently announced cancer research campus. This comprehensive research center will provide over 150 patient beds and will bring thousands of high-paying jobs to the county’s economy.
According to Hutchinson, Sunlake City’s unique location created an irreplaceable chance to rethink development on the Gulf Coast. “As the county has continued to grow, we recognized the immense potential to create a world-class living experience,” he said. “Building something incredible for our community that enhances the natural beauty of the location, right in our backyard, that’s the dream.”
Sunlake City is a commitment to push Florida forward. Offering a world-class experience, built sustainably and with a comprehensive quality of life in mind. We’re so passionate about making Florida better we named our city after it.
Less Than an Hour from World-Class Beach Resorts
Sunlake City has easy and direct access to Naples, home to some of the best boating resorts in the country.
Shop, Dine, and Unwind with Exclusive Designer Shops and High-End Restaurants
From fine dining to fusion, Sunlake City is focused on fostering a diverse food scene and the best luxury shopping in the state.
Sunlake City will accommodate multiple living budgets and lifestyles and be home to elevated hotels and hospitality options in Orange County.
Parks, Trails, and Lakes in Your Backyard
Located on the shores of Lake Nona, residents will have direct access to scenic views and Lake Nona State Park.
Over 17 million square feet of combined mixed-use space, including living, shopping, dining, entertainment and hospitality, is planned. Construction will begin at the end of the year on the first residential units. The new community will also include 50 acres of designed open green space in the form of a 12-acre promenade that will run down the middle of the town center from the Lake Nona SunRail station to the shores of Lake Nona, as well as a network of parks and paseos throughout the residential units.
“Sunlake City is a visionary development that we are thrilled to welcome to our city as the largest regional development in Orange County,” the mayor said. “By partnering with Sunlake City to take a proactive approach in shaping the future we desire, we can capitalize on the innovative spirit of our community and our strategically connected location to create an unprecedented experience for Florida.”
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The real estate market in Lake Nona, Florida, is booming, and Sunlake City is in high demand. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in your future. Act now to secure your dream home in this dynamic community.
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