Orlando’s First Earth Fare to Anchor Luxury Mixed-Use Project
ORLANDO – (RealEstateRama) — Crescent Communities, a leading developer in Orlando for more than 20 years, announced today the purchase of a 4.6-acre site slated for a walkable mixed-use development in Downtown Orlando. The site was formerly owned by Orlando Health.
Earth Fare, the authentic specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, will anchor the project and provide Downtown Orlando with its first organic grocery store. The 24,000 square-foot market marks Earth Fare’s fifth Florida location and first in Orlando.
“Orlando’s Central Business District employs over 160,000 people and is an exceptional location for Earth Fare’s first Orlando-area store. Crescent Lucerne will create a residential and lifestyle destination for tenants to live, work and play,” Jay Curran, Vice President of Crescent Communities said. “As a result of our relationship with Orlando Health, the community will gain a high-quality, gateway development. The project speaks to community wellness, which was important to us and to Orlando Health, of course.”
Crescent Lucerne is an urban, six-story luxury community featuring 375 apartment residences, ground-level retail and exceptional architectural design. The development includes 7,000 square feet of additional restaurant and retail space. Foundry Commercial will manage retail leasing for the development.
“Earth Fare offers an unparalleled selection of natural, organic, and healthy products that our shoppers can trust, and that is exactly what Orlando shoppers deserve and are missing,” said Earth Fare president and CEO Frank Scorpiniti. “We are looking forward to expanding our reach to the state of Florida, and becoming an integral part of the Orlando community.”
The site is located at the corner of Orange Avenue and Gore Street. Crescent Lucerne is bound to the east by Delaney Park, one of Orlando’s most established and desirable neighborhoods; and to the south by Orlando Regional Medical Center, an urban hospital campus specializing in trauma, cardiology, orthopedics and neurosciences.
The urban development will offer walkable access to employees working in the Orlando Central Business District along beautiful Lake Lucerne. Other walkable amenities include the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Al Coith Park and downtown’s burgeoning dining and nightlife.
Brasfield & Gorrie is the general contractor. The architect is The Preston Partnership.
Since 1975, Earth Fare has distinguished itself as a leader in the healthy foods industry by developing a unique Food Philosophy that informs every product offered in the store. This Food Philosophy is exemplified by a rigorous set of Quality Standards, which ensures that all products sold are free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial fats and trans-fats, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, bleached or bromated flour and are never administered antibiotics or growth hormones. The full list of unacceptable ingredients can be found on its Boot List. Every aisle of the new store will adhere to these standards so shoppers can easily make healthier choices, every day.
About Crescent Communities:
Crescent Communities, LLC is a leading real estate investment and operating firm creating long-term value by developing thoughtful, sustainable communities that improve people’s lives. Founded in 1963, Crescent’s original mandate as a land management company continues to inform its commitment to the wise stewardship of natural resources. The company finances, plans and develops residential, multifamily, mixed-used and commercial properties and land assets, valued in total at $1.2 billion. Crescent is recognized for its innovative approach to development, robust capital deployment, seasoned leadership team, and proven model of sustainability. For more information about Crescent Communities visit www.crescentcommunities.com.
About Earth Fare:
Founded in 1975 in Asheville, North Carolina, Earth Fare is one of the largest natural and organic food retailers in the country, with 39 locations across 9 states in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Their full-service philosophy incorporates the highest food Quality Standards in the industry with compelling value, friendly and knowledgeable service, and a superior shopping experience. It’s a philosophy that makes it easy to live a healthier lifestyle, every day. Earth Fare. Healthy food for everyone.
