How Citron at the Packing District Turned an Industrial Corner Into One of Orlando's Most Desirable Addresses
A 345-unit apartment complex honors the neighborhood's citrus-packing roots while helping reinvent a 202-acre district — earning developer Embrey a CoStar Impact Award.
Orlando is a comparatively young city that is still defining the form and personality of its neighborhoods. Developer Embrey's 345-unit apartment complex, Citron at the Packing District, aligns perfectly with that goal, converting a onetime industrial commercial area into one of the city's most desirable spots.
The units are available in one- and two-bedroom layouts, complete with high ceilings, wood-style flooring, quartz countertops, and either garden tubs or glass-enclosed showers.
Dr. Phillips Charities, a philanthropic group based in Orlando, is spearheading the redevelopment of the 202-acre Packing District. The brickwork wrapping the ground floor of Citron nods to the working-class origins of the neighborhood, which was once the center of citrus-packing activity.
Now, the upscale Great Southern Box Company food hall stands just across the street, and the community features an urban farm along with a 100-acre park currently in progress.
"This development is a signature piece of the Dr. Phillips Charities vision to celebrate the city's heritage while creating a dynamic destination for living, working and gathering." — Janet Galvin, co-founder and tenant and landlord representation for Archon Commercial Advisors, and a judge in the CoStar Impact Awards competition
Turning this property into housing that pays tribute to the city's history while breathing new life into the Packing District is what earned it a CoStar Impact Award, as decided by regional real estate industry experts.
About the project
Residents enjoy a courtyard pool, and the fifth floor features a sprawling amenity deck that includes a fitness studio with yoga, a dog park, and a business center.
What the judges said
"The continued advancement of the Packing District redevelopment is forever changing the landscape for that corridor of Orlando and unlocking a tremendous opportunity for residential and commercial growth." — Trey Vick, CEO of V3 Capital Group LLC
"This is a 'new' market and a little pioneering but needed to help the Packing District thrive. The architecture turned out great for the area." — Adam Wonus, partner at Atrium Management Co. in Orlando, Florida
They made it happen
Embrey's development team consisted of Trey Embrey, president and CEO; Garrett Karam, chief investment officer; Brad Knolle, executive vice president of development; Joel Albea, vice president of development; Garrett Fox, director of development; and Holly Smith, property manager.