$63-Mil Mixed-Use Project Now Under Way in Parramore

ORLANDO-The city’s west side celebrates one of its most expansive projects ever with a recent groundbreaking for a $63-million office, retail and residential complex in the Parramore area, off Interstate 4.

In a show of support for the low-income neighborhood, building-supply distributor Hughes Supply will house its headquarters in the complex. Bank of America and Trammell Crow Co. are actively involved in the project.

The multi-use development will sit on four acres at West Church and South Division streets. Upon the projected 2003 completion date, the property will offer 266 apartments, and 40% of those dwellings will be stipulated as affordable housing. However, in an effort to revitalize the area and attract a broad array of residents, there also will be apartments to accommodate those willing to spend up to $1,300 per month. And for residents as well as shoppers in the 25,000 sf of retail space, builders are planning a parking garage to accommodate as many as 1,000 vehicles. At last week’s groundbreaking, Bank of America’s Ed Timberlake says the mixed-use development will be a magnet for other commercial and residential projects, a surefire change for the “complexion” of the Downtown area.