The Packing District is rooted in history, grounded in opportunity, and focused on the future. It will be a new community for the city of Orlando, connecting neighborhoods and honoring the legacy of this special place. The project is expected to take several decades to be fully completed.
Led by Dr. Phillips Charities, the development of this area represents an opportunity to celebrate the history of the Packing District and look toward the future of the community, the city, and the region. The district’s Master Plan is designed to promote community well-being, from the development of a new regional park to a network of plazas—each connected by walking and biking trails.
In terms of numbers, the project represents:
- 202 acres of land in the city of Orlando;
- 97 acres of land currently zoned for industrial and commercial use, to be converted to mixed-use and residential development;
- 105 acres of dedicated regional parkland, including a 40-acre urban farm;
- 3,500 residential units planned;
- 1 million square feet of space designed for retail and office use;
Based on its commitment to investing in neighborhoods, the City of Orlando is driving the development of the Packing District to improve residents’ quality of life through additional recreational options, green spaces, and infrastructure improvements in the area located between Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail.
Some highlights of the district include:
- Family Center (YMCA)
- Regional Park
- Trails
- Food Court
- 4Roots Farm & Agriculture Center
- Townhomes
- Multifamily Homes
City Park at the Packing District
The 66-acre park will include a stormwater pond, preserved wetlands, and various park amenities, including trails, a future tennis center, roads, and parking.
Some highlights of City Park include:
- The park will be located near the corner of Princeton Street and John Young Parkway, extending east to Texas Avenue, with a canal marking its southern boundary.
- The relocated Orlando Tennis Center will have 17 courts: 11 clay courts and 6 hard courts.
- There will be a parking lot with 101 spaces serving the Orlando Tennis Center and the park.
- 9-meter-wide sidewalks along the Orange Blossom Trail, Princeton Avenue, Texas Avenue, and New Hampshire Avenue.
Construction of the park has already begun.
A Little History
One of the region’s first citrus growers, Dr. Phillips, used the land stretching along the Orange Blossom Trail near College Park as the site for one of his many state-of-the-art packing houses, creating a key hub in Orlando’s early economic ecosystem. The site was the first industrial property in Central Florida and the crown jewel of Dr. Phillips’ real estate holdings. The buildings on the property reflected both his business and his philanthropic passion for enriching his community. Most of the buildings were constructed by his teams using Dr. Phillips’s special bricks and a loving touch.
The Packing District is the result of efforts dating back nearly 100 years. It all began with one man, Dr. Phillips, who sought to bring citrus fruits to the world while using his profits to give back to his community. Over the years, the business and its impact on the community grew. Then, following the passing of the family and the sale of the citrus business, the proceeds were entrusted to Dr. Phillips Inc.—an organization created to carry on Dr. Phillips’ charitable legacy. Since 1953, the organization has given back and earned the community’s respect by doing the right thing.
To follow the timeline for this project, visit the official website.
Related News
- Information about the Packing District on the City of Orlando's website;
- Orlando's new Packing District will transform the city's landscape;
- Construction begins on the 66-acre park in Orlando's Packing District;
- Embrey Partners Ltd begins construction on The Cannery at The Packing District;
- Toll Brothers has been selected to build in the Packing District;