In October 2021, Osceola County commissioners approved an adaptive reuse ordinance that would allow hotel and motel properties on the East and West 192 Corridors to be converted into multi-family residential use. ‘Ordinance #2021-78: Change of Use Standards’ provides regulations to ensure that the conversion of commercial properties to multi-family residential units follow the same high quality standards as a new multi-family residential projects. This adaptive reuse ordinance will help grow the community and ensure quality Osceola County development projects continue on West 192. 

Along the corridor in the Imagination Segment, Maingate Village, the original 1974 Red Lion Motel, is now home to more than 300 full-time tenants after a multi-million dollar renovation. In a prominent location just a few minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort and on the outskirts of Celebration, these studio and bedroom apartments are being rented from $995 to $1,750 based on unit size.     

Components of the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance 

By setting standards for the redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects, hotels and motels that are converted into residential apartments, this will help both the tenants and Osceola County as a whole. Here’s a breakdown of some of the new development standards that have been enacted as a result of the ordinance:        

• Units must be upgraded to have a full kitchen with individual electric and water meters.

• For properties west of SR 535, at least 75% of the ground floor must be nonresidential (recreation space, retail, dining, or other amenities). 

• Minimum building height of two stories and minimum density of 30 units per acre. 

• A minimum of 20% of the property must be designated as open green space.

• Building facades and landscaping must be in compliance with Corridor Development Standards.   
  
  

The West 192 Development Authority board is looking at ways to work with the owners on possible grants to offset renovation costs and to team up with nonprofits to help those in need. Commissioner Ricky Booth stated, “That’s the only way we can have more affordable housing. To have an upgraded corridor, higher paying jobs and higher-end development.” Exceptions will be made on the retail or recreation space if the property doesn’t have room for it, but that will be done on a case-by-case basis.

Are you interested in redeveloping a property on our corridor? Please reach out to Christina Morris at Christina.Morris@osceola.org to see what grant opportunities may be available for your project!