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Construction Begins on Universal’s Catchlight Crossings Affordable Housing Community
Construction is officially underway on Catchlight Crossings, a major new affordable housing development from Universal Destinations & Experiences in partnership with Wendover Housing Partners and Orange County, marking a big step forward for housing solutions near Universal Orlando Resort. Located on a 20-acre site in the International Drive area just east of the Orange County Convention Center, the community has been in the works since Universal first set aside the land in 2021 through its Housing for Tomorrow initiative.
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When complete, Catchlight Crossings will feature 1,000 high-quality apartment homes designed to function as a full neighborhood rather than just a housing complex. Plans include on-site retail, play areas, medical offices, community event space, and a transportation center with buses, ride-share access, and employer shuttles to make commuting easier for residents. The development is being designed with input from Universal Creative, giving the community a thoughtfully planned, cohesive feel.
Education and family resources are a big part of the project, with a tuition-free Bezos Academy preschool and educational partnerships with University of Central Florida included in the plans. Residents will also have access to resort-style amenities like pools, fitness centers, technology cafés, walking and biking paths, a community garden, and four acres of open green space, bringing some serious theme-park-level polish to everyday living.
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Affordability is baked into the project permanently. Seventy-five percent of the units will be reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the area’s median income, with rents set using U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Catchlight Crossings will remain an affordable community in perpetuity and is open to anyone who meets income requirements, not just Universal Team Members. The first phase is expected to open in 2026, with added connectivity thanks to its proximity to the proposed Sunshine Corridor rail project linking SunRail, Orlando International Airport, and the Convention Center.
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