Affordable Housing Complex Opened in Downtown Orlando
The Beacon has added 115 new apartments to the Creative Village redevelopment site.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The five-story Beacon affordable housing complex has opened its doors in downtown Orlando. This development marks the completion of the first phase of the Creative Village project.
Why it matters
The project seeks to enhance connectivity and walkability between the Parramore neighborhood and downtown Orlando. It specifically addresses a local need, as approximately 60% of residents in the area lack personal transportation.
The Beacon offers 115 apartments across five stories on land once occupied by the Amway Arena. So far, 62 of these units have been leased to residents.
The players
The Beacon
This is a new five-story, 115-unit affordable housing complex located in downtown Orlando.
Creative Village
This is a 68-acre redevelopment project located on the site of the former Amway Arena.
The details
The Beacon is part of a larger 68-acre redevelopment effort aimed at transforming downtown land. The complex features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units designed to integrate with the surrounding urban infrastructure.
Timeline
March 25, 2012: The old Amway Arena was demolished.
2019: The UCF and Valencia College downtown campus opened.
2022: Luminary Green Park opened to the public.
October 6, 2026: The Beacon officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
End of 2026: The second phase of Creative Village is expected to begin.
Market Landscape
The opening of The Beacon continues the transformation of the 68-acre Creative Village site, which began with the 2019 opening of the UCF and Valencia College downtown campus. This development shifts the market focus toward high-density, transit-oriented living in the urban core.
Residents gain access to new affordable housing options located centrally near academic campuses and public green spaces. The project specifically benefits those without personal vehicles by increasing walkability in the Parramore area.
The takeaway
The Beacon represents a significant step in repurposing former sports infrastructure for essential residential use. Its success provides a model for how future phases of the Creative Village project might continue to bridge accessibility gaps in Orlando.
What happens next
The second phase of the Creative Village project is currently projected to commence by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more on new residential developments in the region, visit the Orlando Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKMG.
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