Apopka’s Kelly Park corridor witnesses groundbreaking for massive mixed-use development.
Work has commenced on a massive $1.2 billion development in the northwest corner of Orange County, Florida, which is expected to bring about a significant transformation to the area. Known as Wyld Oaks, this ambitious project will introduce a diverse range of offerings including multi-family housing, shopping centers, dining establishments, entertainment venues, and hotels. This development is taking place in an area that has witnessed a surge in single-family home construction, largely propelled by the expansion of S.R. 429 and the opening of the Kelly Park Road interchange.
Located on a sprawling 255-acre property in Apopka, remnants of its agricultural and farming past can still be seen in the form of a few citrus trees and cattle. However, the Orlando sub-market has experienced rapid growth and is now one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Florida. Mayor Jerry Demings believes that the location of this project will make it the focal point of the northwest part of Orange County, stating, “Everybody knows it’s here now, and they want a part of it.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony for Wyld Oaks, developer Joseph Beninati provided some perspective on the sheer magnitude of this venture. The development will encompass a staggering 280,000 square feet of retail and outparcel space, 70,000 square feet of restaurant space, two hotels, 3,000 to 4,000 multifamily and condominium residences, an outdoor entertainment venue, and a 10-acre park and preserve. Beninati emphasized the scale of the project, comparing it to well-known developments such as Celebration, Baldwin Park, and downtown Winter Park. He expressed his belief that if even half of the envisioned plan comes to fruition, it would leave a lasting legacy in Central Florida for decades to come.
The population of Apopka is projected to grow by 6.1% over the next five years, primarily due to the construction of nearly 13,000 homes in the Kelly Park Road corridor. With such rapid growth, the demand for retail shops, restaurants, and other amenities is expected to soar. Wyld Oaks aims to meet this demand and bridge the retail gap in the area. Beninati envisions a self-sufficient community where residents can walk to work, dine at various restaurants, shop at a supermarket, enjoy concerts within Wyld Oaks, and go about their daily lives without relying heavily on cars. He believes that such a concept is currently absent in Central Florida.
To accommodate the influx of residents and visitors to the area, numerous road projects are being planned and implemented. One highly anticipated upgrade is the expansion of Kelly Park Road from two lanes to four, which is scheduled to commence later this year. However, the full completion of Wyld Oaks is estimated to take anywhere from five to 15 years, according to Beninati.
In conclusion, the $1.2 billion Wyld Oaks development in Orange County, Florida, is poised to revolutionize the northwest corner of the county and become a significant landmark in Central Florida. With its comprehensive mix of housing, retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality offerings, Wyld Oaks aims to cater to the growing population and demand for amenities in the area. As construction progresses and road projects evolve, this ambitious project will undoubtedly shape the future of Apopka and its surrounding regions for years to come.
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