Planning Grant to Support Comprehensive Redevelopment of Lake Mann Homes and Lorna Doone Apartments in Orlando’s 32805 ZIP Code

ORLANDO, Fla. - (September 25, 2023) -  Lift Orlando and the Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) are proud to announce that they’ve been selected to receive the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fiscal Year 2023 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant totaling $500,000. The planning grant will support the planning of a comprehensive redevelopment of Washington Shores’ Lake Mann Homes, a family public housing site with 210 units, and West Lakes’ Lorna Doone Apartments, an elderly site with 104 units. Residents of both sites were informed via mail of the application by OHA in April 2023. 

Through the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant, Lift Orlando and OHA will work with the City of Orlando and local leaders, residents, and community contributors to plan for the redevelopment of these public housing sites, as well as the surrounding areas. 

The Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant is part of a two-step program. The planning grant provides $500,000, which will help fund an estimated $1.8M two-year planning budget.  EJP Consulting Group, LLC will facilitate the planning as the contracted coordinator for the project. 

Following the successful completion of the planning grant, Lift Orlando and OHA will be eligible to apply for a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which awards upwards of $50M, to see the plan transformed into reality. 

“Congratulations to Lift Orlando and the Orlando Housing Authority on their successful grant application”, said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The City is excited for the opportunity to support this endeavor, committing $250,000 in funding for community outreach and neighborhood planning. We look forward to working with these two remarkable community partners to develop a neighborhood revitalization plan that will serve as a roadmap for public and private investment and benefit our residents for years to come.”

“Various longtime partners such as Florida Citrus Sports, have been beside us and our work in The Communities of West Lakes for the last 10 years and have already committed to provide funding and support for the planning process,” said Sandy Hostetter, vice president of asset development for Lift Orlando.  “These partners range across diverse sectors, including housing, neighborhood, education, and health ensuring a holistic approach to the community transformation we hope to inspire.  We wouldn’t be here today, without partners like them.”

Lift Orlando and OHA will conduct an open and transparent planning process that actively engages residents and community stakeholders in the development of the vision and plan for the neighborhoods. A Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) that includes residents of the public housing sites, community leaders, and key partners will provide input and oversight. Four working groups will be created that are rooted in Lift Orlando’s strategic pillars of mixed-income housing, education, health and wellness, and economic viability. Working Groups create additional avenues for residents and stakeholders to participate in the planning process and influence the direction of the plan.

This grant is a testament to the commitment of Lift Orlando, the Orlando Housing Authority, and the City of Orlando to create a better community for the residents of Lorna Doone Apartments and Lake Mann Homes. Together with their partners, they will work toward strengthening neighborhoods so people can thrive in Orlando’s 32805 ZIP Code. For more information and interview requests, please contact C. Major at Major@LiftOrlando.org.

About Lift Orlando

Lift Orlando is a place-based community development organization that works with residents, business leaders, and community partners to strengthen neighborhoods so people can thrive.

It strengthens neighborhoods through mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education pathways, health and wellness services, and economic viability opportunities. For more information and to get involved, visit LiftOrlando.org. 

For assets and interviews, please contact Lift Orlando’s media contact: C. Major | 407.394.6411 | Major@LiftOrlando.org