The developer of master-planned community NorthLake Park, in Orlando, Florida, sought to distinguish its development from its many competitors by offering an unmatched amenity: a public elementary school within the community before enough rooftops were built – indeed, before a single house was built – to warrant the construction of a new school. The developer would build the school to the school district’s specifications, and the school district would lease the facility from the developer for a set period, at the end of which the school district would purchase the school at the developer’s cost. But the facility’s use as a school was not adequate justification for its construction – the developer creatively brought in other partners that promoted community buy-in by offering additional compatible uses, such as recreation and fitness, which simultaneously spread the financial liability Increased the revenue stream, and promoted communitywide use.

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Case Study/Profile Type: DCS
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World Region: North America
Developer(s): Lake Nona Property Holdings Inc.
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Designer(s): Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglion Lopez Rinehart Inc., SCHENKELSHULTZ
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