Celebration, Florida

Coordinates: 28°18′37″N 81°33′03″W / 28.31028°N 81.55083°W / 28.31028; -81.55083
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For the Felice Brothers album, see Celebration, Florida (album). For the Chumbawamba song, see WYSIWYG (album).

Celebration, Florida
CDP
Water Street Park
Water Street Park
Official logo of Celebration, Florida
Location in Osceola County and the state of Florida
Location in Osceola County and the state of Florida
U.S. census map
U.S. census map
Coordinates: 28°18′37″N 81°33′03″W / 28.31028°N 81.55083°W / 28.31028; -81.55083[1]
Country United States
State Florida
County Osceola
Area
[2]
 • Total10.58 sq mi (27.40 km2)
 • Land10.53 sq mi (27.26 km2)
 • Water0.06 sq mi (0.14 km2)
Elevation
[1]
85 ft (26 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total11,178
 • Density1,062.04/sq mi (410.06/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
34747
Area code(s)321 & 407, 689
FIPS code12-11285[3]
GNIS feature ID2402754[1]
Websitewww.celebration.fl.us

Celebration is a master-planned community (MPC) and census-designated place (CDP) in Osceola County, Florida, United States. A suburb of Orlando, Celebration is located near Walt Disney World Resort and was originally developed by The Walt Disney Company. Its population was recorded as 11,178 in the 2020 census.[4]

After founding Celebration, Disney followed its plans to divest most of its control of the town.[5] Several Disney business units continue to occupy the town's office buildings. Walt Disney World operates two utility companies, Smart City Telecom and Reedy Creek Energy Services, that provide services to the town. The town itself is connected to the Walt Disney World resorts via one of its primary streets, World Drive, which begins near the Magic Kingdom.

Various New Classical architects participated in the design of buildings in Celebration. Downtown Celebration's post office was designed by Michael Graves, the adjacent Welcome Center by Philip Johnson, and the Celebration Health building by Robert A. M. Stern.[6] Other well-known architects who have designed nearby buildings include Charles Moore (Preview Center), Graham Gund (Bohemian Hotel), Cesar Pelli (movie theater), and Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown (SunTrust Bank).[7]

History[edit]

Early development[edit]

In the early 1990s, the Disney Development Company (DDC) established the Celebration Company to spearhead its development within about 4,900 acres (20 km2) of land in the southern portion of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.[8] Total investment for the project is estimated at US$2.5 billion.[9]

The master plan was developed by two Driehaus Prize winning architects, Jacquelin T. Robertson of Cooper, Robertson & Partners and Robert A. M. Stern. The extensive landscape, parks, trails and pathways were designed by the San Francisco firm EDAW (now AECOM).[10] Urban Design Associates, of Pittsburgh, developed design guidelines, called a Pattern Book, as a tool for the design of new architecture within the community.[11] Celebration is planned in an early 20th-century architectural style and is not zoned for high-density residences. Celebration was named the "New Community of the Year" in 2001 by the Urban Land Institute.[12] Disney hired graphic designer Michael Beirut to design community elements including street signs, retail signage, manhole covers, fountains, golf course graphics, park trail markers, as well as home sales brochures.[13]

View of downtown Celebration over Lake Rianhard

The first phase of residential development occurred in the summer of 1996 with Celebration Village, West Village, and Lake Evalyn; this was followed by the North Village, South Village, East Village and Aquila Reserve and the final Artisan Park phases.[14] Later phases included construction by a number of developers, including David Waronker.[15]

Disney CEO Michael Eisner took an especially keen interest in the development of the new town in the early days, encouraging the executives at Disney Development Company to "make history" and develop a town worthy of the Disney brand and legacy that extended to Walt Disney's vision of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). DDC executives collaborated extensively with leaders in education, health, and technology in addition to planners and architects to create the vision and operating policies for the town.

There were a series of car accidents involving a retention pond adjacent to World Drive which required the addition of more safety structures.[16]

Disney attempted numerous efforts to encourage economic and ethnic diversity among residents in the early days of development. The company placed advertisements in newspapers and magazines that catered to African-American and Hispanic demographics, printed brochures featuring racial minorities, and hired African-American workers in the community's sales office.[17] In addition, the owners of the first 350 houses and 123 apartments were chosen by a lottery in an effort to prevent racial discrimination against homebuyers.[17] However, by 2000, it was revealed that the racial makeup of the community was 88% white, compared to the surrounding county's 59% white population. Demographers partially blamed the lack of diversity on Disney's decision to forego building subsidized housing inside the community, instead opting to donate $900,000 to Osceola County to help area residents buy houses under $80,000, below the market value of most housing in Celebration.[17]

Civil suit[edit]

In 2016, The Wall Street Journal reported that Celebration Town Center condominium owners "are battling leaky roofs, balconies that have become separated from the sides of buildings and mold spreading in their walls. Their properties have become so dilapidated, they say, they're having trouble selling them."

An April 2016 civil suit seeks to force the Town Center Foundation, a controlling entity under sole direction of Lexin Capital, "which took control of part of Celebration in 2004, to pay for upward of $15 million to $20 million in repairs" which were deferred over ten years.[18]

Geography[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.7 square miles (28 km2), of which 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2), or 0.28%, is water.

Celebration is under USPS ZIP code 34747, sometimes known as Kissimmee. This is due to the city being unincorporated, as Celebration is not a subdivision and is still considered an unincorporated town.

Nature trails[edit]

Celebration is well known by Orlando Area residents for its town center, luxury houses, and walkability, which includes the Celebration Nature Trails. Celebration has over 23 miles (37 km) of nature trails connecting the entire neighborhood. The nature trails give residents and visitors the chance to take in some of Central Florida's finest scenery and wildlife. The trails can be enjoyed either on foot or by bike.

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
20002,736—
20107,427171.5%
202011,17850.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[19]
Bank of America building, downtown Celebration

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 7,427 people, 3,063 households, and 716 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 704.9 people per square mile (272.2 people/km2). There were 4,566 housing units at an average density of 102.4 per square mile (39.5/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.0% white (with 81.9% of the population non-Hispanic white), 1.5% black, 3.2% Asian, 2.2% from two or more races and 0.26% Native American. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 11.2% of the population.

There were 3,063 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no married spouse present, and 35.0% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.96.

The age distribution was 25.6% under the age of 18, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males in that age range.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $74,231, and the median income for a family was $92,334. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $46,650 for females. The per-capita income for the CDP was $39,521, and 4.1% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Government[edit]

Osceola County Fire Station #72

The area is organized under state law as a community development district. As a result, voting is restricted to local landowners. The largest landowners are entities controlled by The Walt Disney Company.[20]

Politics[edit]

Town Hall

For decades Celebration was very politically conservative, but has become more competitive.

Celebration is represented by Democrat Darren Soto in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat Victor M. Torres Jr. in the State Senate, and Republican Carolina Amesty in the State House of Representatives.

2020 presidential election[edit]

Democrat Joe Biden narrowly carried the town of Celebration, defeating Republican Donald Trump by a vote of 3,286 (49.9%) to 3,252 (49.4%). 88 votes (1.3%) went to third-party candidates. This was a flip towards the Democratic Party from the previous presidential election.

2018 Florida elections[edit]

In the Governor's race, Republican Ron DeSantis narrowly defeated Democrat Andrew Gillum in Celebration by a vote of 2,667 (51.0%) to 2,509 (47.9%). 58 votes (1.1%) went to third-party candidates.

In the Attorney General election, Republican Ashley Moody defeated Democrat Sean Shaw in Celebration by a vote of 2,807 (54.2%) to 2,299 (44.4%). 75 votes (1.5%) went to third-party candidates.

In the Senate race, Republican Rick Scott defeated incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson in Celebration by a vote of 2,906 (52.1%) to 2,505 (47.9%).

2016 presidential election[edit]

Donald Trump narrowly carried the town of Celebration, defeating Hillary Clinton by a vote of 2,906 (49.3%) to 2,696 (45.7%). 293 votes (5.0%) went to third-party candidates.

2016 Senate election[edit]

Incumbent Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican, defeated Democrat Patrick Murphy by a vote of 3,310 (57.0%) to 2,291 (39.5%). 202 votes (3.5%) went to third-party candidates.[21]

City life[edit]

Downtown[edit]

A view of downtown Market Street.

Celebration Town Center contains shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments, as well as 106 residences.[22]

Worship[edit]

Celebration has six Christian churches, one Jewish congregation, and one hospital ministry.[23]

Commerce[edit]

There are now more than 500 registered companies[24] listed as doing business in the shopping plazas, small office complexes, and the Disney World office building park. This community holds the only Class A office buildings in Osceola County.[citation needed]

Villages[edit]

Celebration is separated into areas referred to as "villages." The main village, closest to downtown, is where the first homes were constructed. North Village, closest to US-192, houses the Georgetown Condos as well as Acadia Estate Homes. East Village includes Roseville Corner and Aquila Loop. Lake Evalyn, generally considered its own area of Celebration but not quite its own village, includes a small lake where one can find a multitude of ducks, alligators, and the occasional river otter. South Village houses the Spring Park Loop estate homes and Heritage Hall. Additionally, Siena Condos complete the outer edge of South Village by Celebration Blvd. Mirasol includes condos with concierge service and a day spa. Artisan Park is at the end of Celebration Ave and houses condos, townhomes, single-family residences as well as a clubhouse consisting of a pool, gym, and restaurant.

Events[edit]

A gathering in Celebration on Independence Day

Celebration hosts many celebrations every year, including community-wide yard sales, an art show, an exotic car festival, an annual Radio Disney Holiday concert, an Oktoberfest Celebration, the "Great American Pie Festival" (televised on The Food Network),[25] a "Posh Pooch" festival, and downtown events for the Fall and Christmas seasons when autumn leaves and "snow" (small-scale soap flakes) are released into the Town Center. The community also hosts a large Independence Day fireworks celebration. The town events are organized on the Internet by the Community Calendar.[26]

Library[edit]

West Osceola Branch Library

The Osceola Library System operates the West Osceola Branch Library in Celebration.[27]

Transportation[edit]

91% of residents who work outside their homes drive to work.[28]

The two main roads going through the center of the Celebration's downtown area are Market Street and Front Street. Other streets in Celebration include:

Celebration Avenue
Celebration Avenue
This is considered the main road in the town. The road stretches from U.S. 192 to Artisan Park where it ends in a traffic circle. Starting from U.S. 192 near the Disney Parks and the Celebration water tower, one can find a small shopping plaza. From there, Celebration Avenue passes the North Village, splits the Celebration golf course, winds through a few down-town shops and schools, and then proceeds into the parks and homes in the newer sections of Celebration.
Celebration Boulevard
Celebration Boulevard has two sections. The most public section is an avenue parallel to I-4 that includes many commercial businesses and Celebration High School. The architecture on the street is mostly Celebration Modern style. This style reflects art Streamline Moderne and Art Deco influences with its sleek lines, sparse but effective ornamentation, and ample opportunities for individually expressive special features. The entire street is lined with two rows of Washington Palms. The buildings on the street include sitting areas under the shade of trees and trellises along their frontage. The other section of Celebration Boulevard lies on the other side of the golf course, closer to the Celebration Water Tower in the North Village. Here, Celebration Boulevard is almost completely residential. In addition to the homes perched behind white picket fences, this section of Celebration Boulevard flows past the Georgetown condominiums, the community pool, and soccer fields.
Celebration Place
Celebration Place nearly spans the gap between the two sections of Celebration Boulevard, except that its eastern end terminates at the Water Tower Plaza instead of at the entrance to North Village on the other side of State Road 417. Celebration Place is a commercial road.

Education[edit]

Public[edit]

Celebration School

The School District of Osceola County, Florida, operates public schools in Celebration.[29] Celebration is zoned to the Celebration School for K-8.[30][31] Celebration High School, located in the city, serves Celebration for grades 9–12.[32]

There are free classes offered at the community center by clubs for cooking, gardening, art, writing, and technology.[citation needed]

Private[edit]

There are private education options provided by The Montessori Academy of Celebration (K-8).[33]

Private graduate education was once offered at Stetson University Celebration Campus.[34] The Stetson Celebration campus was sold in 2018 with plans to convert it into offices. It was purchased again in 2021 with intent to open a medical school in the building.[35]

Healthcare[edit]

The only hospital that operates in Celebration is AdventHealth Celebration.[36][37]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Celebration, Florida
  2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  4. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  5. ^ Goodnough, Abby (January 16, 2004). "Disney Is Selling a Town It Built to Reflect the Past". The New York Times. Retrieved January 16, 2004.
  6. ^ Riddle, Lyn (March 7, 1999). "At Celebration, Some Reasons to Celebrate". The New York Times.
  7. ^ "Architectural walking tour description". Celebration.fl.us. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012.
  8. ^ Davis, Brandy (April 1997). "New Urbanism: Cause for Celebration?", Impact Press. Retrieved on October 20, 2007.
  9. ^ Frantz, Douglas; Catherine Collins (September 9, 1999). Celebration, U.S.A.: Living in Disney's Brave New Town. Henry Holt and Company. p. 23. ISBN 0-8050-5560-6.
  10. ^ "Design, Planning and Environments Worldwide". EDAW. August 18, 2009. Archived from the original on September 25, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  11. ^ Robert Steuteville (August 7, 2013). "Daybreak makes no small plans". CNU Public Square Journal. Archived from the original on December 24, 2018.
  12. ^ "The Urban Land Institute". Cincinnati.uli.org. Archived from the original on August 19, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  13. ^ Campbell-Dollaghan, Kellsey (April 20, 2014). "Celebration, Florida: The Utopian Town That America Just Couldn't Trust". Gizmodo. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  14. ^ Celebration, Florida – General Information Archived January 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (December 2005)
  15. ^ Pino, Mark (February 5, 2003). "IF CELEBRATION WANTS A SCHOOL, IT WILL BUILD IT". Orlando Sentinel. ProQuest 280032287.
  16. ^ "FATHER CALLS POND A DANGER". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c Blair, Jayson (September 23, 2001). "Failed Disney Vision: Integrated City". The New York Times. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  18. ^ Laura Kusisto (November 15, 2016). "Leaks and Mold Are Ruining the Disney Magic in Celebration, Florida". The Wall Street Journal.
  19. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  20. ^ Pittman, Craig (July 5, 2016). Oh, Florida!: How America's Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country. St Martins Press. ISBN 978-1250071200.
  21. ^ "Florida Congressional District, County, City, and Precinct Data". Dave's Redistricting. November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  22. ^ "Celebration Florida". Celebration Town Center. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  23. ^ "Worship Archived August 10, 2015, at the Wayback Machine". Directory. Retrieved on August 18, 2015.
  24. ^ "Sunbiz.org" Division of Corporations – Florida Department of State
  25. ^ "Great American Pie Festival Archived November 11, 2013, at the Wayback Machine"
  26. ^ "Community Calendar Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine" Celebration Desktop
  27. ^ "Hours & Locations Archived November 25, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." Osceola Library System. Retrieved on December 29, 2010. Click map link, and "6070 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, FL 34747" will be displayed
  28. ^ Glaeser, Edward (2011), Triumph of the City: How Our Best Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier, New York: Penguin Press, p. 215, ISBN 978-1-59420-277-3
  29. ^ "Celebration CDP, Florida[permanent dead link]." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on December 29, 2010.
  30. ^ "Celebration School (K-8) Attendance Zone Boundary 2010/2011 Archived July 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine." School District of Osceola County, Florida. Retrieved on December 29, 2010.
  31. ^ Celebration Florida: Disney's Not So Perfect Town. Rob Plays. October 24, 2018. Event occurs at 3:36-3:56. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  32. ^ "Celebration High Attendance Zone Boundary 2010/2011 Archived July 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine." School District of Osceola County, Florida. Retrieved on December 29, 2010.
  33. ^ "Montessori School of Celebration".
  34. ^ "Stetson University Center at Celebration". Archived from the original on June 4, 2010.
  35. ^ Kinsler, Laura (July 27, 2021). "Plastic surgeon wants to open medical school in downtown Celebration". Orlando Sentinel. GrowthSpotter.com. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  36. ^ Grogan, Mike (June 5, 2008). "Celebration Hospital Not Only Local". The Ledger. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  37. ^ "AdventHealth Celebration Opens New Patient tower". Orlando MedicalNews. July 30, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2023.

Bibliography

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Celebration, Florida.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Celebration.
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