Universal Orlando sells lot for $100, paving way for 1,000 new homes

A unique land sale by Universal Orlando is paving the way for a 1,000-unit housing development on a 20-acre parcel adjacent to Universal's Epic Universe theme park, reports Stephanie Reid in Hoodline.

"According to WKMG ClickOrlando, Wendover says Universal sold the land for $100 to boost workforce housing, and the property sits across from a bus depot that will give residents direct transit access." Construction crews are already on site, and the new housing is expected to be ready for move-in by summer 2027. The deal was developed by Universal's nonprofit arm Housing for Tomorrow and is financed through a combination of private lenders, tax credits, and local support. 

The developer says the project will have around 600 income-restricted units and 400 "attainable" units for households with somewhat higher incomes. The project will include an on-site preschool, a grocery store and cafe and other amenities. "Developers and housing advocates say Catchlight Crossings could serve as a playbook for employer-backed housing in other high-cost job centers, though copying it would require deep pockets and long-term commitments from both property owners and local governments."