Closing the Gap

Richard Westlund | 5/1/2007

"Mills Park will have a true pedestrian orientation with an artistic and urban personality," says Pelloni Development CEO Jim Pelloni (with son Justin, company president). [Photo: Jeffrey Camp]

Over the past seven years, Orlando's Uptown neighborhood has seen major development to its south -- in downtown Orlando -- and to its east -- with sprawling Baldwin Park in Winter Park. But an old lumberyard, a concrete plant and storefronts along U.S. 17-92 held back large-scale redevelopment in Uptown itself. Now, the quiet enclave known also for its antique stores, ethnic restaurants and cultural institutions is about to undergo a transformation of its own.

Pelloni Development is planning a $350-million, 14-acre mixed-use project called Mills Park that will include 1 million square feet of office, medical and retail space, as well as moderately priced residences.

In keeping with the area's artistic feel, Jim Pelloni, CEO of Pelloni Development, says, "Mills Park will have a true pedestrian orientation with an artistic and urban personality." The project will include a courtyard for weekend concerts, outdoor markets and art shows, a community center and a studio for local artists.

"We've held more than 100 meetings with homeowner associations, officials and business and civic leaders," says Pelloni's son, Justin, president of the Lake Mary company. "We have listened to them and planned a community that is truly complementary to the area."
Pelloni Development is partnering with ZOM Florida to develop the project's midrise residential component, called The Hudson at Mills Park. Greg West, senior vice president, says the 425 condominiums and town homes will be priced at less than $400,000, with some units from the low $200,000s.

The Hudson at Mills Park

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall on Mills Park's retail facilities, a two-building medical plaza and a general office building. Jim Pelloni expects to complete the entire project in the next five years. "It's a genuine urban environment," he says, "that has great roots in the community."

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