ORLANDO, Fla. — On the cusp of the bustle of downtown Orlando, the Brownstones at Thornton Park are taking shape.
Starting price is $600,000 for one of the 28 townhomes — an upscale modern take on the traditional northern, urban multi-level home.
"Orlando has done a great job of bringing in growth all the way around," said developer Franco Scala.
But it's bringing a new crop of residents into downtown and with it, a major economic boost.
"I can walk to work. I can walk to restaurants. I can walk to any of the amenities," said Gerry Boyd, who's in his 50s.
It's city living at its best with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Amway Center and the night life, but there is also a balance.
"In the midst of it there is the beautiful landscape with that lake and the fountain," said Boyd's wife, Wendy.
And with more high rises being built, developers are noticing more seasoned professionals with solid incomes entering a new phase. And some, like the Boyds, come from out of state.
"They are trying to find the busiest niche in this area surrounding Orlando, which obviously ends up being Lake Eola," said Jeremy Drosin with Urbanista Brokers.
That trend is leading developers to choose land and start fresh, building the kinds of properties that will give downtown Orlando its newest economic boost. And it's paying off.
During the short sale season, the price per square foot for a condo downtown was $150. Now it's up to $300 and climbing.
The Brownstones at Thornton Park are part of the 1,000 units proposed for next year.