Partnership between Orlando developer and YMCA

A unique partnership was formed between Orlando developer Lake Nona Property Holdings, a public school district and a local YMCA. Lake Nona Property Holdings recently broke ground on a 1,000-acre neotraditional development called Northlake Park. Due to the public-private partnership, Northlake Park will have an elementary school, YMCA and athletic park right at the start. The developer will build a 130,000 square foot building which will serve as a combination school and YMCA — two facilities that share an entrance and lobby. Surrounding the building will be athletic fields designed for use by students and residents. The Orange County School District will pay a user fee based on demand for the school. After five years, the district will pay the remainder of the $8.6 million cost for the facility. Through this partnership, the district can relieve existing overcrowded conditions at a neighboring school without funding a new school until 2004 (when the district had budgeted the capital expenditure). The City of Orlando gets a new park, the YMCA gets a new facility, and the developer gets a significant amenity to help sell the project.