On January 30, Related Urban Development Group (RUDG) and Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation (ONIC) celebrate the grand opening of Emerald Villas, their first affordable housing project in Orlando’s Pine Hills neighborhood.
The event will celebrate the official opening of the newly renovated development with a ribbon cutting and food and beverages supplied by local merchants.
The property, acquired through a joint venture by RUDG and ONIC in April of 2011, has undergone extensive renovations since its groundbreaking in January of last year. The 264 units have all been updated with new flooring, plumbing, appliances and windows. The now energy-efficient buildings, formerly Seville Place Apartments, were also remodeled with new roofs, landscaping and the property now features a brand new clubhouse, complete with classrooms, business office, fitness center and pool.
Orange County contributed $7 million to the project with an additional $1.6 million from a state-funded affordable housing program. Theproperty, 70 percent vacant at the time it was acquired, is already 65 percent occupied.
The new housing units have transformed the community from a blighted neighborhood into a vibrant place to call home, and have improved conditions in the area along with Evans High School, located directly across the street from Emerald Villas.
WHO: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs; Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, Jorge Perez; RUDG and ONIC executives, and residents of Emerald Villas will be in attendance
WHERE:
Emerald Villas Apartments
3124 North Pine Hills Road
Orlando, FL
WHEN:
January 30, 2013
2-4 p.m.
