The Packing District is rooted in history, grounded in opportunity and future-oriented. It will be a new community for the city of Orlando, stitching together neighborhoods and paying homage to the legacy of this special place. The project is expected to take several decades to complete in its entirety.
Led by Dr. Phillips Charities, the development of this area represents an opportunity to celebrate the history of the Packing District and look to the future of the community, the city and the region. The district's Master Plan is designed to encourage community well-being, from the development of a new regional park to the network of plazas - each connected by pedestrian and bicycle paths.
In figures, the project represents:
- 202 acres of land in the city of Orlando;
- 97 acres of currently industrial/commercial land to be converted to mixed use and residential;
- 105 acres of dedicated regional park, including a 40-acre urban farm;
- 3,500 residential units planned;
- 1 million square feet of retail and office space;
Building on its commitment to investing in neighborhoods, the City of Orlando is leveraging the development of the Packing District to improve residents' quality of life with additional recreational options, green spaces and infrastructure improvements in the area located between Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail.
Some highlights of the district include:
- Family Center (YMCA)
- Regional Park
- Trails
- Food court
- 4Roots Farm & Agriculture Center
- Townhomes
- Multifamily houses
City Park at the Packing District
The 66-acre park will include a stormwater pond, preserved wetlands, various park amenities, with trails, a future tennis center, roads and parking.
Some of the highlights of City Park are
- The park will be located near the corner of Princeton Street and John Young Parkway, extending to Texas Avenue to the east with a canal as its southern boundary.
- The relocated Orlando Tennis Center will have 17 courts: 11 clay and 6 hard.
- There will be a 101-space parking lot serving the Orlando Tennis Center and the park.
- Nine-meter-wide trails along the Orange Blossom Trail, Princeton Avenue, Texas Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue.
Construction of the park has already begun.
A bit of history
One of the region's first citrus growers, Dr. Phillips, used the land stretching along the Orange Blossom Trail near College Park as the site of one of his several first-of-its-kind packing houses, creating a key place in Orlando's early economic ecosystem. The site was the first industrial property in Central Florida and the crown jewel in Dr. Phillips' real estate holdings. The buildings on the site focused on his business and his philanthropic passion to enrich his community. Most of the buildings were constructed by his crews using Dr. Phillips' special bricks and a caring hand.
The Packing District is the result of efforts dating back almost 100 years. This place began with one man, Dr. Phillips, who sought to give citrus fruits to the world while using his profits to give back to his community. Over the years, the business and its impact on the community grew. Then, with the passing of the family and the sale of the citrus business, the profits were entrusted to Dr. Phillips Inc. - an organization created to carry on Dr. Phillips' charitable legacy. Since 1953, the organization has been giving back and earning the respect of the community for doing the right thing.
To follow the timeline of this project, visit the official website.
Related news
- Information about the Packing District on the City of Orlando website;
- Orlando's new Packing District will reshape the city's landscape;
- Construction begins on the 66-acre park in Orlando's Packing District;
- Embrey Partners Ltd starts work on the Cannery at The Packing District;
- Toll Brothers is selected to build in the Packing District;