Horizon West
We all know that oranges are iconic with Florida. But did you know that oranges first reached the New World in 1493 with the landing of Christopher Columbus’s ships. The history of the Florida orange is tied to the Spanish ships that brought citrus to the Florida Indians who were responsible for planting the seeds and establish the growth of the fruit. In the 1980’s there was a series of devastating freezes that effectively shut down the citrus groves in the southwest part of Orange County.
With the groves no longer viable for citrus production, the landowners came to together to discuss the pressure they were receiving to develop the land. The landowners did not want to sell their land separately to create individual housing tracks. They wanted something else. So with the help of land use experts, they came up with “Horizon West”.
The original plan included a group of 5 villages. Within each of the villages there would be a “high-density activity center” and all would share one central town center. In 1994 construction began on residential neighborhoods that promoted walking, convenience, and community spirit. These communities were also structed to preserve open space and enhance environmental features. It was a new concept from the beginning and one that is modeled throughout the US in residential development.
The future of Horizon West is exciting. The projected 2030 population is 63,000 mostly due to the addition of a 6th village: Hamlin. Hamlin is the town center that ties the original five villages together. Take a drive to Hamlin and see the construction of Lake Hancock waterfront. This area will incorporate trails and parks that integrate with existing neighborhoods. It is expected that Hamlin will host 400,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, office space and entertainment. Thus, making Horizon West the fastest growing community in unincorporated Orange County.
It is nice to think that we live in a neighborhood that was thoughtfully planned to encourage community and keeps evolving with exciting growth opportunities. The simple goal of the original land developers was “to promote the development of neighborhoods, villages and community centers that reflect the characteristics of a traditional southern town; where streets are convenient and pedestrian-friendly, and where parks, open space and civic facilities are a focus for public activity.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT HORIZON WEST:
Horizon West Happenings Community Group
Hamlin / Horizon West – Rants, Raves, and Reviews! (No Politics!)
Horizon West Development Discussion