Two of Florida’s Oldest Public Housing Communities Face Redevelopment

Photo byWFTV

Orlando is on the brink of a significant transformation with the planned redevelopment of two of its oldest public housing communities—Lorna Doone Apartments and Lake Mann Homes. These communities, which have served Orlando residents for decades, are slated for a comprehensive overhaul by 2025. The project, led by Lift Orlando in partnership with the Orlando Housing Authority and the City of Orlando, aims to improve living conditions and bring new life to these historically neglected areas.

A New Beginning for Old Communities

The redevelopment plan was discussed in detail at a community meeting held recently, the third of its kind, where residents and investors gathered to share concerns and hopes for the future. Lift Orlando, a nonprofit developer, is spearheading this ambitious project with a focus on community involvement. The goal is clear: to demolish the existing structures and rebuild them in a way that elevates the quality of life for current and future residents.

This effort is backed by federal funding, specifically a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods program. This grant is part of a larger, two-year planning phase with a total cost of $1.8 million, which also includes contributions from the City of Orlando.

The Challenges of Trust and Gentrification

While the redevelopment promises new opportunities, it also stirs up old fears. Many residents expressed concerns about potential displacement and gentrification, worried that history might repeat itself. Bernadette Davis-Stuckey, president of the Lake Lorna Doone Home Owners Association, voiced these anxieties, recalling past experiences where promises of progress led to exclusion and the pricing out of long-time residents.

Sandy Hostetter, vice president of Asset Development at Lift Orlando, acknowledges these concerns, emphasizing the nonprofit's commitment to a resident-led process. Hostetter, who has nearly five decades of experience in affordable housing, understands the deep-seated distrust among the community and is determined to prove that this time will be different. The nonprofit's past projects, such as the redevelopment of the Communities of West Lakes, have involved residents in every step of the design and decision-making process, a model they aim to replicate here.

Community Involvement: The Key to Success

The redevelopment of Lorna Doone Apartments and Lake Mann Homes is still in its early stages, with community input playing a crucial role in shaping the final plan. So far, the project team has managed to survey over 80% of the public housing residents and 20% of the broader community, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are heard.

The project’s success hinges on securing additional funding, with the ultimate goal of raising close to $200 million to cover all aspects of the redevelopment. This includes the construction of 315 new units, which will feature a mix of public housing, affordable housing, and market-rate units. Hostetter and her team are committed to pulling every financial lever available, from tax credits to state and city financing, to make this vision a reality.

The Road Ahead: A Balancing Act

As the planning phase continues, the community’s role remains vital. Meetings like the one held at the L. Claudia Allen Senior Center are designed to gather detailed feedback through focus workgroups, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with HUD’s guidelines and addresses the community’s needs holistically. This approach aims to create a balanced environment that supports not just housing, but also education, health, and infrastructure.

However, concerns about the temporary displacement of residents, particularly seniors with mobility and medical needs, remain unresolved. The Orlando Housing Authority has committed to helping relocate residents during the construction and offering them the opportunity to return once the project is complete, though the specifics of this process are still being worked out.

A Vision of Hope

Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the redevelopment. Hostetter encourages residents to “dream big” and assures them that the project team will do everything possible to deliver on those dreams. The project represents a significant opportunity to rectify decades of neglect and systemic disinvestment, bringing long-overdue improvements to these historic communities.

As the planning continues, the residents of Lorna Doone Apartments and Lake Mann Homes are cautiously hopeful that this time, their voices will lead to real change, and that the promises made will finally come to fruition.