Added on December 7, 2023
In a significant move, Pulte Group has solidified its presence on over 400 acres of picturesque land in northeast Orange County, marking the commencement of construction on Orlando's inaugural Agrihood community. Valued at $10 million, this initial phase heralds the beginning of The Grow, a project that has been eagerly anticipated yet stirred some controversy.
The First Phase Unveiled
The first phase of The Grow is set to feature 504 lots, presenting a diverse range of housing options. This includes a nine-acre operational farm, two barns, a farm stand, and a restaurant and welcome center. Pulte Group's investment is a testament to their commitment to transforming this expansive land into a vibrant and sustainable community.
The Grand Vision of The Grow
Upon completion, The Grow will sprawl across a total of 1,185 acres between Lake Pickett Road and State Road 50. Envisioned by Pulte, it will comprise 2,078 residential lots and over 165,000 square feet of commercial space, with the working farm standing as the heart of the community.
The project is not merely about housing; it is a holistic approach to community living. In addition to various housing types, The Grow will boast 21 acres of community gardens, a 20-acre park, 12 miles of recreational trails, an equestrian facility, edible landscaping, a street for farmers' markets, and a farm-to-table restaurant, among other agricultural amenities.Pulte's Investment and the Project's Past
Pulte's recent acquisition encompasses 407 acres on the southern portion of the site. Prior to Pulte's involvement, the land was under the ownership of an entity led by Dwight Saathoff, the proprietor of Project Finance & Development. Saathoff, who dedicated over a decade to securing necessary approvals, expressed enthusiasm about seeing The Grow materialize.
Construction Milestones
With the closing formalized, Pulte is gearing up to construct 76 townhome units and 428 detached homes during the initial phase. Five of these homes will sit on spacious lots, some as large as half an acre. The construction, expected to commence in late January, includes the development of the first of two large pool and cabana facilities.
Challenges and Anticipated Progress
While clearance has been granted by Orange County for some aspects of the project, certain elements, such as the internal farm and associated structures, are still pending final approval. Dwight Saathoff highlighted the uniqueness of the project and the meticulous planning that has gone into the design details.
"This is a very unique project, and we have labored over the design details extensively," Saathoff said. "The team is very talented, so we are really excited to actually see the translation of the drawings as built out in the field."As The Grow takes root, Orlando's landscape is set to transform, offering residents a distinctive and sustainable living experience. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking project that is poised to redefine community living in Orlando, Florida.
The Grow: A Vision Unveiled
The Grow project, spearheaded by Pulte Group, is set to be a one-of-a-kind venture that combines residential living with agricultural sustainability. The first phase, now officially underway, includes the establishment of a nine-acre working farm, signaling the start of a development that promises to be distinctive and forward-thinking.
Pulte's Continued Commitment
Dwight Saathoff, the driving force behind The Grow, revealed that Pulte Group is poised to close on an additional 395 approved lots in January. Max Perlman, VP of Land Acquisition for Pulte's Central Florida division, expressed gratitude for being part of this visionary project, highlighting the team's enthusiasm for contributing to the unique landscape of The Grow.
Diverse Architectural Styles and Home Types
The Grow is set to offer a diverse range of housing options, with lots varying from 32 feet to one acre. Townhomes, ranging between 1,600 and 1,900 square feet, will feature 3-4 bedrooms, while detached homes will span from 1,600 to over 5,000 square feet. This diversity ensures that The Grow caters to a wide range of preferences and needs within the community.
Expert Project Team
The development of The Grow is backed by a team of experts in their respective fields. VHB and Jim Hall with HallDSI are overseeing subdivision plans, with VHB also serving as the civil engineer on the project. Bio-Tech Consulting Inc. is managing environmental affairs, and Allen & Company is contributing as the surveyor. Longwood-based landscape architect Dix.Hite+Partners is an integral part of the project team, ensuring a thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing design.
The Agrihood Concept
The Urban Land Institute defines Agrihoods as communities built with a working farm or community garden as a focal point. The Grow aligns with this concept, bringing together residential spaces and agricultural sustainability to create a harmonious and unique living experience.
Joining a Growing Trend
According to ULI, there are over 200 agrihoods across the United States, spanning at least 30 states. From rural communities to major cities, the agrihood trend is gaining momentum, and The Grow stands out as a pioneering example in Orlando.
As The Grow takes shape, Orlando residents can anticipate a community that not only offers diverse and sustainable living options but also contributes to the flourishing trend of agrihoods across the nation.Stay updated on The Grow's progress and learn more about how this innovative project is reshaping the future of community living in Orlando. Visit our blog section at drcritter.com for the latest information.