(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of RealEstate Florida.)

ORLANDO, FL-Lane Florida, a company created by Atlanta-basedLane Co. two years ago to manage development within the SunshineState, has begun leasing its near-finished Verano Apartment Homesat 2200 Villa Verano Way in Osceola County. The $50-million projectis the first of three communities Lane plans to complete over thenext two years.

"The apartment market remains strong, and we have the platformto deliver a quality product to meet the growing demand," says LaneFlorida regional development partner Mike Mulhall. "We are locatedin a very convenient place to live," right off Florida's Turnpikein proximity to Orlando's major theme parks, he says. A new grocerystore is being built adjacent to Verano, along with local shoppingand dining options that will appeal to people who choose to live inthat area, he adds.