Urbo

yes but the one-story building in front of the office building circled in red below is about 12k sq. of retail. I agree. I would imagine because its in town center it would be curated by Tavistock. They try and avoid putting chains in the town center. But if they did Whole Foods would be perfect!

See the red circle in the rendering and the highlighted building in the site plan. That is supposed to the be the market.

They are for sure moving forward with retail within the town center just at a much slower pace than the typical master planned community. They still have 30+ years of development in Lake Nona, and they continued to gain momentum as they pace their design and development. I believe their priority is to focus on retail development around The Wave. They have a new Japanese inspired restaurant inside The Wave that should open up in the next few months. The One Performance Plaze includes 12,000+ sq. of retail that is "Health Focused." The new office building at 13495 Veterans will have two retail spaces. They do have plans for what is label as a "market" right behind the office building on Tavistock Lakes Blvd. It would be great to have a Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc. but I think Tavistock may look towards a more creative/innovative grocery or market concept versus a national chain. A Target would be great closer to the Drive Shack and the new Aloft hotel.

The only somewhat example that comes to mind is the beginning stages of West Midtown Atlanta starting in the 90s with the adaptive reuse and expansion of the King Plow center and further expansion of Terminal west in the 2000s. From 1990 to to late 2000s West Midtown made an handful of adaptive reuse projects that slowly started to shift the mainly rundown industrial area. Cartel Properties and the Martin family began purchasing property and converting small industrial warehouses and automotive shops into restaurants, coffee shops, boutique office, etc. By 2008/2009 the area starting gaining momentum and the development of White provision/Westside provision district revamped the historic meat packing plant into a new mixed use destination. By 2016 it gained the attention of large institutional investors and now the neighborhoods is on pace to have developed 4,000 residential units, and has seen office rent growth of over 400% in the past decade, attracting the likes of Nike, WeWork, Ford, I Heart Media, etc. Its been over a 30 year process but I said somewhat example in the beginning as this was largely an industrial neighborhood with surrounding residential communities. I agree with you on your point. Generally it takes some large development of meaning that draws regional interest for people to bypass the many cons of an under-utilized neighborhood. Prime examples are the Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta where Ponce City Market and the Eastside Beltline Trail spurred what seemed like an overnight gentrification in the neighborhood. Wynwood, Midtown, and Design district in Miami similarly had quick and drastic impact of surrounding residential neighborhoods via large redevelopment projects. It just take developers with creative and desirable plans that focuses on creating regional mixed use destinations to turn neighborhoods like Parramore around quicker. It will eventually gentrify but its needs something different than a satellite campus and a subpar office building for EA to accelerate the development pace.

Town center retail is obviously not a priority for Lake Nona right now and I do believe retail is Lake Nona's weakness. But there is over a million square foot of retail yet to be developed in Lake Nona. The claim that Tavistock completely failed when it comes to the retail equation is ridiculous. And to lump Tavistock in the same category as these other central Florida developers who have yet to dream of anything comparable to Lake Nona is unreasonable. The amount of investment Tavistock has made and continues to make in the City of Orlando should be cherished not scolded. Give them their flowers! The tax base that Lake Nona has established to support the infrastructure of the city cannot relate to any other new development in the region. It takes decades to build out a community of 20k units and over 20 million sqft of commercial uses, and Tavistock's strategy has been to bring the jobs to the community first, then the people, then the retail. And this strategy has worked year over year so why stop now? Every community has errors, and downtown has its fair share of glaring errors. You need a car to live in Orlando just like the majority of other major cities. There are only a handful of cities where you can viably live a high quality car-free life with full access to the cities best amenities (New York, Chicago, D.C.,etc.). But if I'm downtown Orlando, and I want to shop for a variety major brands I have to get in a car (whether it be Uber's or my own) and drive to Florida or Millenia mall. Downtown lacks retail and entertainment destinations just as much as Lake Nona relative to its population. The difference is downtown has been here decades longer than Lake Nona and is still lagging behind.

It desperately needs more F&B options along with cultural and entertainment venues. Although I’m not sold on a movie theater a lot of residents are begging for it. I would like to see a museum, galleries, speakeasies and a large live music venue come to the area. Make the town center more of a cultural hub.

If there was less NIMBYism in the city center and municipalities had more streamlined processes for developers within the city center I think we would see more concentration. Lake Nona isn’t the problem as they’ve consistently incorporated quality urban design and increased density in their community. If we are forced to have suburbs (which we are) then they should be developed just as good or better than Lake Nona. The problem is other more conventional suburban development that doesn’t appreciate good design and urbanism. Lake Nona continues to add an unique dimension to Orlando with its Art, culture, sports and life science cluster. I think it has already proven to be a good thing for Orlando.

The NIMBY culture is strong sometimes here... "insta-towns" or simply new human settlements is apart of life. Humans will always move from one place to another. The goal of urban development shouldn't be to restrict movement and growth, instead it should effectively gain, maintain and sustain it. The focus should be on sprawl repair and how to create good low intensity urbanism. There is nothing wrong with greenfield development, we just need to do a much better job at it. Many people want to live amongst liked minded people which is just human nature, political beliefs are irrelevant. There is a place for everyone in life and we should respect that. Clinging on to tradition and history is a dangerous game when it starts to go against the evolutionary process of cities and neighborhoods. People change, new ideas form, people come and people go, trends fade and new ones start, its just how the life goes and it has been this way since the dawn of time. We have to make sacrifices in life, and sometimes that means letting go of our own personal sentiments for the greater good of a neighborhood or community. The tone that cities should be static and not embrace evolution is counter productive to urban development.

I’ve been able to visit these apartments quite often over the past few months (who on UP would ever think I get outside the Lake Nona bubble). I have respect for the charm and character of this complex but I would disagree that it would be a travesty if it went bye bye. There is no doubt that there is a higher and better use for this land. As long as what would replace this property brings more value to the neighborhood and quality design to the public realm, I wouldn’t mind seeing more mixed use dense development in this neighborhood.

But why would you want one of the City of Orlando's economic hubs, lucrative tax base and one of the top selling communities in the nation to leave the city limits? seems like it would do more damage than good...Lake Nona is a net positive to Orlando, its great that its apart of the city and helping brand Orlando outside of tourism. The townhomes are TBD on whether it will be for sale or for rent. The idea of the "Yard-less" townhouse is that it will have direct connection to the Greenlink which will promote a better public realm and community versus having private yards. There are many amenities and greenspace that will surround the townhomes so going without the yard is not a problem. And im sure they wont have any issues with selling or renting those units. There will be many more options for people who want large private yards in the rest of Orlando suburbia. But providing housing variety is key to making a great neighborhood/community. The fact they are including more choice for people is great. There are far worst townhomes with worst views in Orlando. I think this development plan is actually a great addition to Lake Nona.

Yes, very happy to see mixed use dense development continue in Lake Nona. It’s just a matter of time before you come to love it! It’s kinda getting hard not to considering the type of development we are use to seeing in central florida.

Tavistock plans to build 625 apartments with over 25,000 square feet of commercial and retail on a 5-acre site next door to Landon House. (Orange County Property Appraiser) After winning approval from the City of Orlando to increase the maximum building height in Lake Nona, master developer Tavistock has filed a site plan for a new trio of apartment towers across from the Town Center. The proposed Skylar Apartments development would rise on a 5-acre site on Tavistock Lakes Boulevard immediately east of the Landon House apartment community. Tavistock Development Company has filed a PD amendment to create the lot from a larger parcel that extends north to Nemours Parkway. The developer also submitted a Specific Parcel Master Plan for the multi-phased development, which includes 25,473 square feet of office and retail space. Skylar would consist of 625 residential units spread across three mixed-use residential towers and eight 2-story townhouses. Towers A and C would be constructed in Phase 1, along with a 7-story parking garage, according to the application package. Tavistock Vice President Jessi Blakley said the developer is targeting early 2023 to begin construction with an estimated two-year buildout. The Skylar Apartments in Midtown Lake Nona would have two 18-story towers and one 16-story tower. The project would be developed in two phases: phase one is red, phase 2 is blue. (CES Design Group) Tower A, located in the northeast corner of the site, is 18 stories with 221 residential units (including the only three-bedroom units), with 7308 square feet of retail on the ground floor attached to an amenity room that opens up to the shared outdoor swimming pool and courtyard. Tower C would be a 16-story building attached to the parking garage, which accommodates 811 vehicles and has 25 private garages that offer direct access to the elevator cores. This tower, which is just east of Landon House, has over 10,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor and hosts the leasing office. It would have 166 units, including a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units. There’s also a separate 2-story amenity building on the south end of the courtyard with nearly 14,000 square feet. It will include a lounge space and fitness center. Developer Tavistock is seeking a zoning amendment to increase the maximum height allowed on the parcel next to Landon House Apartments. Tower B would be another 18-story building with 238 apartments and nearly 8,100 square feet of retail or commercial space. It’s located in the southeast corner of the site. The townhomes also would be built in Phase 2, according to the project narrative. Blakely said they haven’t decided yet whether to offer them as fee simple units or keep them as rental units. Each has 1,850 square feet of living space. Blakley said the Greater Orlando Airport Authority has approved the height request, but the developer is still waiting for final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The tallest towers would slightly exceed the height of the recently opened Lake Nona Wave Hotel, which rings in at 17 stories. On the north, the community opens up to the future GreenLink Park, a half-mile linear park that connects the Town Center to Laureate Park. The GreenLink will be served by the community’s autonomous shuttles. Tavistock will be seeking a parking reduction from the required minimum of 1,014 spaces. The firm is conducting a parking study to justify the requests. Blakley said the design team is still exploring opportunities for rooftop amenities. The new Skylar plan replaces a proposed master plan that was submitted in 2018 for the same parcel. The previous plan for a 450-unit apartment building would have been the largest multifamily building to date in the community and would have matched the height of the 11-story Pixon building. https://www.growthspotter.com/news/residential-property-developments/multi-family/gs-news-skylar-lake-nona-20220307-x73t7e3fmvgzpo5yu3vq3ma2ge-story.html

Haven Lounge in the Wave is set to up open in a few weeks (think they are shooting for 3/10 date). Construction is pretty much finished and the renderings don't do it justice. The the aesthetic of this place is rare for Orlando and it will definitely top the list for the best upscale bar/lounge in Orlando. Glad to see Tavistock furthering their commitment to art, placemaking and high quality design. Hope to see more projects like this in the core of Orlando, but will surely take it in Lake Nona for now!

As much as I advocate for Lake Nona I should be on Tavistock's payroll haha

Yes the hotel is open. I would say they are about 90% done. They still have to finish The 3rd restaurant Haven with the rooftop pool and cabanas, and some of the additional ground floor spaces is still to be completed. Once the place is 100% completed I will upload pictures . my first impression is that this is by far one of the best hotels in Orlando (specifically boutique hotels). The sculpture garden is gorgeous and will easily be one of Orlando most instagramable spots once the word gets out. It’s a mini outdoor museum and the plethora of palm trees actually provide shade and gives it a very tranquil vibe. Tavistock has emphasized art in this project. The interior lobby is full of art, from the ceilings to the floors almost the entire interior is decorated with some type of art. It’s very well designed, and gives off a very trendy upscale modern aurora. The lighting through the entire project combined with the art really makes the place pop and gives it a great ambiance. They do have a few gathering/ meeting spaces and a ballroom but the lobby along with the living room bar is pretty small (it’s very well design but when you walk in the front you have about 20 steps before you walk outside on the other end to the sculpture garden). The Bacan restaurant includes more art and a bar that overlooks the open kitchen, it’s a nice fine dining option but rather expensive. The first floor of the hotel is very inviting even if you aren’t a guest, it honestly doesn’t feel like a hotel and instead an upscale art and dining infused hangout. Overall this is one of the best developments Orlando has seen over the past few years in my opinion. The attention to detail and design are outstanding. The architecture is refreshing for Orlando. Reality came out pretty damn close if not better than the renderings (one of the few projects where the design actually got better as progress was made). I was very amazed with the sculpture garden even though it’s not huge, to have $1million+ of art outside for anyone to enjoy is a great addition. You can see that Lake Nona is proving itself as a viable location for a museum since it missed out on the Orlando Museum of Art expansion. The rooms are very tech savvy and modern. Didn’t get a chance to view but they say the penthouse is one of the best rooms you can book in Orlando at over $5k a night. more photos of the hotel will follow in a few weeks once it’s 100% completed.

I don’t think the design will change much outside of adding some more height. But maybe, if it is a new design hopefully they wrap the building around the garage.

Yes its for the specific project below. Will likely have some design tweaks since plans were submitted back in 2018. It will be the tallest building in Lake Nona.

This was one of the first things I noticed. They’ve planted a lot of trees between the the code wall garage and the Wave hotel. I’m sure the pandemic has prompted more open/green space in the planning and design of the town center. Below seems to be the current framework for the town center/lake Nona south. It appears the plan is the greenlink will cut through the town center via a bridge over Lake Nona Blvd. Maybe they will create a small park in the middle of the town center where the green link terminates (just an thought). While I don’t think the town center will see a cinema, Tavistock/Lake Nona continues to have very high demand for office and will likely create more office with retail/dining on the ground floor. I do think an organic/specialty grocer (Whole Foods/Trader Joe’s), a permanent food hall (once boxi’s permit expires) entertainment/music venue, and museum could all be in the works in the future.

The Wave Hotel and Sculpture Garden.

Yes, i just wanted to point out a good example such as The Interlock of what could replace the apartments. I don't think any city is perfect, and every neighborhood has its challenges or sore points. Overall, I think Atlanta has done okay with its development patterns (could be better but net positive overall). The redevelopment of the old fourth ward, inman park, west midtown, auburn avenue, and now summerhill, the gulch,/south downtown, the westside, etc. They are growing their neighborhoods and striving to make them better and more urban in my opinion. Good point in regards to Architecture/Planning programs influencing development ideas and urban design. Although, community groups and organization can very effective to spur growth and development (ie: Friends of the High Line), I'm sure those institutions play a big role. Mills50 and Ivanhoe are prime areas to rethink development and try new and innovative ideas. I don't think its about being in a hurry, it has i-4 frontage, lake frontage and skyline views. Its one of the most prime piece of underdeveloped/undeveloped property in the neighborhood. Lake Ivanhoe Shore presents the best development opportunity to make an large impact in progressing the area into a more vibrant and dense neighborhoods. Essentially, the right development here can set the tone for the other developments and infill property in the area to be better than the Yard and Lake House.

the apartments are cool and charming, but they would not stand a chance in any other great city in America, so why should they stay in Orlando which is striving to be a great city. A better Lake House with a more ground retail/commercial to activate the streets would be much better than the apartments. The Interlock in Atlanta is an ideal type project in my opinion (residences instead of hotel). Entertainment destinations like Puttshack would be great additions to the neighborhood. I understand the development history is not favorable in Orlando, but you will be surprised how quickly development and design standards can change in a city. It just takes the right vision, a strong community committed to design and neighborhood development, growth and a few years to get the ball rolling in the right direction. I believe things can change here, I believe that Orlando has the potential to be a world class city. It should capitalize on having one of the world's most visited places in Disney right down the street and grow its urban neighborhoods. People rarely crossed the bridge to Miami from Miami Beach, and always viewed Miami as the beach and retirement town, but over time Miami focused on developing its neighborhoods and now Wynwood, Design District, Midtown, Edgewater, Brickell, Mimo District, Coconut Grove and even downtown have made Miami a livable and attractive city all year around, elevating Miami as one of the top cities in America. Orlando can take a similar path by rebranding itself as not just the home of Mickey, but also a city of vibrant urban neighborhoods with arts, entertainment, and cultural destinations, unique dining and retail experiences, economic hubs/clusters, and beautiful places to live. But it starts with believing that we can have better outcomes and embracing the change necessary for good growth.

I don't believe further developing Ivanhoe Village will turn the city upside down into a playground for the rich. I'm only advocating for more urban options near the city core (specifically higher end destinations and housing). Do you agree that Orlando needs more higher end destinations close to the city's core? If so, where would they go since they cannot be plopped in the middle of Parramore? Geography and demographic played a part in the success of the Lake House in Ivanhoe, it cannot be ignored.

What about Brickell, and Coconut Grove in Miami? What about Tribeca, and SoHo, in New York? Kalamora and Georgetown in D.C.? Are these not healthy neighborhoods? Lack of affordability doesn't make a place less healthy, discouraging development doesn't make a place more affordable. Neighborhoods are unique and evolve like it or not, its just the life and reality of cities. Neighborhoods that were once low cost, funky and quirky can become expensive, trendy and vibrant at no overall detriment of a city. People migrate, generations change and have different desires, society evolves and cities adapt, whats the issue as long as there is a net positive? What is now a small artsy community in Ivanhoe village will later become a bustling creative cluster, the creative vibe will not change and it will only attract more creative people and companies to set up shop. Some artist will move on, and others will stay and rise with the neighborhood. Some shops will close down for others to open, and some will stick around its just life. SoHo was once home to up and coming artist, and now its home to the top artist around the world, the creative vibe hasn't changed. The urban fabric is in place in Ivanhoe village, with the type of development I'm advocating for it will remain walkable and that won't change. Downtown and Health Village will continue to add jobs no matter what gets built in Ivanhoe, that wont change. Lake Highland prep will continue to be successful as the neighborhood grows, that won't change. Winter Park is not going anywhere not matter how many Yuppies move to Ivanhoe, that won't change. The lakes and greenspaces will stay, more people living closer to Loch Haven means more visitors to the museum. Ivanhoe developing into a modern, higher end neighborhood won't change most of the fundamentals that make this a great neighborhood. The "charm" many of you are speaking about is simply nostalgia and personal sentiments about the neighborhood. Which is understand and empathize with, but those feelings shouldn't stop progressing this great neighborhood to being even greater.

Its interesting how there is little to no debate on what could be built here, how it could be designed, or what could be added to make the neighborhood better, as if this property is timeless, iconic and functioning at its best use. Instead, there is more debate about how new development is unwanted for the property which is nimbyism and holds back urban development. Many people want growth but only if they like it, that's just not the reality of cities. We should encourage growth, critique t, try and influence for the better, but not stop it. No one is stating affordable housing and green/shaded public spaces are not key to a successful city. I'm speaking about ONE neighborhood out of Orlando, Ivanhoe Village. I'm not saying every neighborhood needs to be a high-end, modern mixed use dense place. I'm simply saying if there were ONE neighborhood in the city of Orlando, close to the city center that could appeal to more modern higher-end urban experiences and environments it could be Ivanhoe Village. In fact, the city 's core needs it or else Lake Nona will continue to lure many jobs and developments that should take place closer to the core. There is no code to be cracked. Good urban design and architecture is not some mystery. Development can occur simultaneously, there is no reason to wait if there is demand, land and capital. Sentinel site can be developed just as other parts of the city are developed at the same time. That's what will make the city even more exciting. You'll are holding on to nostalgia, and are feeling the growth pains of a great local neighborhood going through an growth and evolution process. The focus should be on designing and developing a better city and there are many sides to that than just affordable housing.