The NRP Group Breaks Ground on Alora Lofts Affordable Housing Community Near Orlando
The NRP Group, a nationally recognized developer, builder, and manager of multifamily housing communities, has announced the financial closing and groundbreaking of Alora Lofts, a new affordable housing development in Kissimmee, Florida, approximately 18 miles south of downtown Orlando. The project marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion of affordable housing across Florida and aims to provide high-quality homes for individuals and families facing increasing housing affordability challenges in Central Florida.
Alora Lofts will feature 88 affordable apartment homes designed for households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI). By offering quality housing at attainable rental rates, the development seeks to address the growing demand for affordable residences in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
Addressing Florida’s Affordable Housing Shortage
Florida has experienced rapid population growth over the past several years, resulting in rising housing costs and increased pressure on rental markets. Central Florida, particularly the Orlando metropolitan area, continues to attract new residents due to its expanding economy, strong employment opportunities, and desirable quality of life. However, the surge in population has also intensified the shortage of affordable housing options for working families, seniors, and essential workers.
The NRP Group believes Alora Lofts will play an important role in helping meet this demand by creating modern, well-designed housing that remains accessible to lower- and moderate-income households.
Bill Zunamon, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, said the project represents an important step in the company’s broader affordable housing strategy within Florida.
According to Zunamon, the development demonstrates that affordable housing can be thoughtfully designed without compromising on architectural quality, functionality, or the overall resident experience. He emphasized that Alora Lofts is particularly meaningful because it marks The NRP Group’s first affordable housing development in Florida in more than a decade.
He also noted that the company is proud to partner with the City of Kissimmee in delivering housing that will benefit local residents for many years while supporting the region’s long-term growth.
Modern Housing Designed for Families
Alora Lofts will consist of a single four-story residential building situated on a 4.49-acre site at 1300 Windsor Drive along the highly accessible John Young Parkway corridor.
The community will offer a variety of thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, allowing the property to accommodate individuals, couples, and families of different sizes.
Each residence has been planned to provide comfortable living spaces while incorporating modern finishes and practical layouts that support everyday life. The development reflects The NRP Group’s commitment to delivering affordable housing that offers the same level of quality and attention to detail often found in market-rate communities.
Prime Location Offers Excellent Connectivity
One of Alora Lofts’ greatest advantages is its strategic location within Kissimmee, providing residents with convenient access to transportation, employment centers, education, healthcare, shopping, and recreational opportunities.
The property sits less than one mile from several LYNX public transit bus stops located along North John Young Parkway. These transit connections provide residents with convenient access throughout Kissimmee as well as the greater Orlando metropolitan area, making commuting more accessible for individuals without personal vehicles.
Residents will also benefit from close proximity to essential daily services, including Publix, Publix Pharmacy, and Highland Elementary School. Additional nearby amenities include healthcare facilities, restaurants, retail centers, parks, and numerous employment hubs throughout Central Florida.
This accessibility supports residents by reducing transportation barriers while enhancing overall quality of life.
Thoughtful Design Enhances the Community
The architectural design for Alora Lofts was developed by FK Architecture, with careful consideration given to integrating the building into the surrounding neighborhood while introducing a contemporary residential community.
Rather than simply providing affordable housing, the development has been planned to enhance the local streetscape through attractive architecture, quality construction materials, and functional outdoor spaces.
The project reflects The NRP Group’s philosophy that affordable housing should contribute positively to neighborhoods while offering residents attractive, comfortable, and durable homes.
Long-term resilience also played an important role during the planning process. Given Florida’s exposure to hurricanes and severe weather events, Alora Lofts will utilize a concrete construction system specifically designed to improve structural durability and enhance the building’s ability to withstand challenging weather conditions.
This resilient construction approach supports long-term sustainability while helping protect residents during extreme weather events.
Amenities Promote Healthy Living
In addition to quality apartment homes, Alora Lofts will feature a comprehensive range of community amenities designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, recreation, and social interaction.
Residents will have access to a fully equipped fitness center, providing opportunities for convenient daily exercise without leaving the property.
Outdoor amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool, allowing residents to relax and enjoy Florida’s warm climate.
The development will also feature a multipurpose community room and community kitchen, creating flexible gathering spaces for resident events, educational programs, and neighborhood activities.
Additional outdoor amenities include a grilling area for family gatherings and social events, along with a tot lot designed to provide safe recreational space for young children.
Together, these amenities create a welcoming residential environment that encourages community engagement while supporting residents’ physical and social well-being.
Support from City Leadership
City of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa welcomed the development, describing Alora Lofts as an important investment in the city’s future.
According to Mayor Espinosa, expanding affordable housing options plays a critical role in supporting Kissimmee’s growing workforce while creating additional opportunities for local families to thrive.
She expressed appreciation for The NRP Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality housing and partnering with the city in its ongoing efforts to promote intentional, sustainable growth that benefits residents across the community.
Strong Financial Partnership
The development is supported through a collaborative financing structure involving several public and private organizations committed to expanding affordable housing throughout Florida.
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation provided housing tax credits along with tax-exempt bond financing to support the project.
Additional funding comes through Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) resources administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
These disaster recovery funds were allocated following Hurricane Ian and are being used to help accelerate the development of critically needed affordable housing throughout affected regions of Central Florida.
Private financing partners Truist and Grandbridge also contributed to the project’s financial structure, enabling construction to move forward.
Continued Investment in Florida
Alora Lofts reflects The NRP Group’s renewed focus on expanding its presence within Florida’s growing housing market.
Since its founding in 1994, The NRP Group has developed more than 68,000 apartment homes across the United States and currently manages over 33,000 residential units nationwide.
Within Florida alone, the company owns and manages more than 1,700 apartment homes, including developments currently under construction.
The groundbreaking of Alora Lofts follows last year’s launch of Adria and Maren, two luxury market-rate residential communities in Venice, Florida, that will collectively deliver 665 apartment homes and townhomes.
While those projects focused on market-rate housing, Alora Lofts demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities for affordable housing as Florida continues experiencing rapid population growth.
By combining thoughtful design, resilient construction, modern amenities, and strong public-private partnerships, The NRP Group aims to create a community that not only addresses immediate housing needs but also supports the long-term well-being of residents and the continued growth of Kissimmee and the greater Central Florida region.
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