Winter Garden, Florida, a charming community known for its historic downtown and rapidly growing real estate market, is experiencing a surge of development activity. Among these exciting new projects is Plant Street Commons. This mixed-use development highlights a continuing trend of urban revitalization through infill development, which is transforming downtown areas into vibrant, modern hubs while maintaining the region's unique charm.
This project was recently featured in an article on GrowthSpotter.com — one of our favorite places to get real estate updates and information. You can read the full article on Growth Spotter here.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of the Plant Street Commons project, the broader development trends in Winter Garden and Central Florida, and offer a few insights into how these projects impact real estate brokers, developers, and investors in the area.
Plant Street Project Overview
Plant Street Commons is a promising mixed-use development located at 419 W. Plant Street in the heart of Winter Garden. The project includes a three-story building that will feature 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space and ten apartments occupying the top two floors. These retail spaces are aimed at attracting businesses that thrive on foot traffic, creating a convenient experience for both residents and visitors.
In addition to the commercial and residential units, we’re also constructing three townhomes along Central Avenue and five more along Bay Street. The development will provide a total of 27 parking spaces, 16 of which are reserved for retail visitors, while the remainder is designated for residents of the apartments and townhomes.
Our vision is part of a broader trend of infill development in Winter Garden, where underutilized parcels of land within existing urban areas are being repurposed for modern use. This approach aligns with both sustainability goals and the desire for walkable, community-centered urban living spaces.
The Growth of Infill Development in Winter Garden
Winter Garden’s downtown area has undergone significant changes in the last decade, with infill development playing a major role in its transformation. Projects such as Smith & Main, a 38-unit apartment building, and The Exchange, a three-story structure with retail and office spaces, have already redefined the local landscape.
Infill developments such as these bring many benefits:
Optimized Land Use: By utilizing land within the urban core, developers can avoid urban sprawl, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance walkability.
Community Enhancement: Mixed-use developments contribute to the vibrancy of downtown areas by attracting businesses and residents, which in turn supports local economies.
Sustainability: Building within existing infrastructure reduces the need for additional roads and utilities, helping to lessen the environmental footprint.
Winter Garden’s historic downtown is a blend of preserved buildings and contemporary developments, making it an attractive destination for both real estate investors and businesses looking to capitalize on the area's charm.
Real Estate Trends in Winter Garden
Winter Garden’s real estate market has been booming, driven by its desirable location just west of Orlando and its proximity to major highways and attractions. According to Zillow, home values in Winter Garden have seen a significant increase over the last few years, reflecting both strong demand and limited inventory.
Key Market Indicators:
Home Values: As of mid-2024, the median home price in Winter Garden is approximately $550,000, a sharp rise from previous years due to limited supply and heightened demand.
Rental Market: The demand for rental properties has also surged, with median rents for single-family homes now exceeding $2,500 per month. Multifamily units, such as those in mixed-use developments, typically command lower rents, but they are still highly sought after due to their prime downtown locations.
Population Growth: Winter Garden has experienced a steady population growth rate, bolstered by its attractive lifestyle offerings and the overall migration of people to Central Florida, particularly from states in the Northeast and Midwest.
For real estate brokers and developers, these trends indicate strong investment potential. Winter Garden’s balanced mix of residential charm and urban convenience makes it appealing to a wide range of buyers, from young professionals to retirees.
What Infill Development Means for Brokers and Developers
For brokers and developers, understanding the nuances of infill development is crucial for tapping into the growing demand for mixed-use and residential projects in downtown areas like Winter Garden.
Advantages of Infill Development:
Higher Returns on Investment: Properties in infill developments typically yield higher per-square-foot rental and sales prices compared to properties in outlying areas. This is due to their proximity to urban amenities and the reduced commute times for residents.
Appeal to Diverse Buyers: Infill developments attract a broad demographic, including young professionals looking for urban conveniences, empty nesters downsizing to walkable communities, and families drawn to the quality of life that mixed-use developments offer.
Sustainability Incentives: Florida’s state and local governments often provide incentives for developers focused on sustainability and urban densification. By aligning projects with environmental and community-centric goals, developers can take advantage of these programs to reduce costs and increase project feasibility.
As brokers and developers eye properties in Winter Garden and surrounding areas, focusing on infill development allows them to capitalize on a hot market while contributing to the long-term vitality of the downtown core.
A Closer Look at the Central Florida Market
Winter Garden is part of the broader Central Florida real estate market, which has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. Orlando and Tampa are the region’s economic powerhouses, but smaller cities like Winter Garden are quickly catching up due to their high quality of life, historic appeal, and strategic location.
Central Florida Economic Growth:
Job Creation: The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area added 70,000 new jobs in 2023 alone, with Winter Garden benefiting from its proximity to Orlando’s economic engine. The job market is expected to continue growing, driven by industries such as technology, healthcare, and tourism.
Increased Tourism: Central Florida is synonymous with tourism, with over 75 million visitors annually. This influx of tourists helps drive demand for short-term rental properties and retail spaces in cities like Winter Garden.
Infrastructure Investments: The region has made significant investments in transportation, including expansions to major highways like the Florida Turnpike and the 408 Expressway, improving accessibility to Winter Garden and further increasing its attractiveness for real estate development.
For developers, the long-term prospects of investing in Central Florida, and specifically Winter Garden, are strong. The area is poised for continued growth, with opportunities for both residential and commercial development in line with rising demand.
Atrium’s Role in Shaping Winter Garden’s Future
Atrium Development Group has become a pivotal player in Winter Garden’s real estate development landscape. With the Plant Street Commons project, Atrium continues to build on its track record of creating high-quality, community-centered developments. By incorporating retail, residential, and parking solutions into one cohesive project, we’re ensuring that both locals and newcomers have access to the modern amenities they need.
Moreover, the emphasis we’re placing on sustainability and community-focused development aligns with the broader trend toward responsible urban planning in Winter Garden. This approach is expected to serve as a model for future developments in the area.
Future Outlook for Winter Garden’s Real Estate Market
As Winter Garden continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses, its real estate market shows no signs of slowing down. The city’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a small-town feel with big-city amenities. This unique combination makes it one of the most attractive markets in Central Florida for both developers and investors.
Investment Opportunities:
Commercial Real Estate: With the surge in population and tourism, demand for retail and office spaces in downtown Winter Garden is likely to increase. Mixed-use developments like Plant Street Commons are particularly attractive as they cater to both residential and commercial needs.
Residential Real Estate: The rise in rental demand and home values indicates a strong opportunity for residential development. Whether it’s single-family homes, townhomes, or multifamily apartments, Winter Garden is poised to be a prime area for future housing developments.
Short-Term Rentals: With the proximity to Orlando’s theme parks and attractions, Winter Garden presents significant potential for short-term vacation rentals. The area’s historic charm and downtown revitalization efforts make it a desirable location for tourists seeking a unique experience outside of the typical Orlando accommodations.
Winter Garden’s combination of historical charm, modern amenities, and a booming real estate market makes it a premier destination for real estate brokers, developers, and investors. Atrium’s Plant Street Commons project is just one example of the exciting developments reshaping the city’s downtown.
For real estate professionals looking to capitalize on the region’s growth, now is the time to explore investment opportunities in Winter Garden and other areas of Central Florida. The future looks bright for this vibrant community, and the continued focus on infill development ensures that Winter Garden will remain a hotspot for years to come.