APOPKA, Fla. – Work is now underway on a $1.2 billion development that’s expected to transform the northwest corner of Orange County.
Wyld Oaks is set to bring a mix of new multi-family housing, shopping, dining, entertainment and hotels to an area booming with single-family home development that was jumpstarted by the expansion of S.R. 429 and the opening of the Kelly Park Road interchange.
On the 255-acre property in Apopka, the remaining cattle and handful of citrus trees offer a reminder of what this region was once known for – agriculture and farming. Today, though, the Orlando sub-market is one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Florida.
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“I think that where this project is located is going to be the epicenter of what will be occurring in the northwest part of Orange County,” Mayor Jerry Demings said. “Everybody knows it’s here now, and they want a part of it.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony for Wyld Oaks, developer Joseph Beninati gave perspective on just how massive his new project will be.
In total, the development will have up to 280,000 square feet of retail and outparcel space, 70,000 square feet of restaurant space, two hotels, between 3,000 to 4,000 multifamily and condominium residences, an outdoor entertainment venue, and a 10-acre park and preserve.
“Maybe a third of this project is the equivalent of Celebration or Baldwin Park or downtown Winter Park,” he said. “I think if half of this vision is realized, it could be something that’s remembered for decades here in Central Florida.”
In the next five years, Apopka’s population is expected to grow by 6.1% thanks in large part to the nearly 13,000 homes that will soon sprout in the Kelly Park Road corridor. With growth like that, demand for shops, restaurants and other amenities will be high, and Wyld Oaks plans to fill the retail gap.
“Throughout the week, people can walk to work, go to three restaurants, walk to the supermarket, cook at home on their own barbecue, go to a concert inside Wyld Oaks, and realize that six days later they’ve actually never turned on their car,” Beninati said. “That really doesn’t exist in Central Florida.”
There are several road projects all throughout the area to accommodate the new development. One of the more anticipated upgrades will be expanding Kelly Park Road from two lanes to four, which is set to begin later this year.
Full buildout for Wyld Oaks could take anywhere from five to 15 years, according to Beninati.
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