Named after Mable Butler, the first African-American woman to hold elected office in Orlando, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando broke ground on its second community in Central Florida – Butler’s Preserve on Friday. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer along with more than 100 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Located in the West Orlando community of Greater Washington Shores, the nearly $8 million development will feature 51 single-family homes and four duplex units – slated for completion in 2018 (the first five homes will be competed in November 2014).
A longtime champion for affordable housing, Butler’s work as District 6 Orange County Commissioner was the driving force behind buying the property nearly 20 years ago.
“Bringing Mable’s dream to fruition is a major triumph for the Washington Shores area,” said Diane DiFebbo, board chair of Habitat of Greater Orlando. “Not only will we renew a once-abandoned piece of property, we will create an opportunity for 59 families to become homeowners.”
Butler’s Preserve is intended to be an example of “new urbanism” – a walkable community with green amenities and ENERGY STAR ®-rated appliances in each home. Many of the energy-efficient features will be sponsored by OUC – The Reliable One.
Wells Fargo will also play a role in supporting the community. Development of the site, including the installation of sidewalks and the extension of water and sewer lines, is being funded by a Priority Markets Initiative grant of $100,000 from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.
For more information about Butler’s Preserve, visit www.habitat-orlando.org.
