“Audubon Park is to be commended for reinventing itself as the homeof several destination-worthy small businesses and the epicenter of Orlando’sgood food movement while also pioneering green practices for businesses andcommercial districts,” says Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America. ​“APGD’s skill in providing low-cost, high-touch support toits small businesses has paid huge dividends, driving retail vacancy rates tojust 2 percent. They should take great pride in creating such an inviting placefor people to live, shop, and open businesses.”

Developed post-World War II, Audubon Park was long defined by a wide, four-lane commercial main drag dotted with suburban strip malls. Under Audubon Park Garden District’s leadership, that corridor is now flourishing with small businesses, gardens and events that are the antithesis of bland suburban sprawl. With the Main Street Approach as its guide, Audubon Park Garden District has emerged as a hip place to be. The redevelopment of a foreclosed church into a nationally recognized food and culture hub, a thriving shopping and dining scene and a retro modern home tour are just a few of the attractions that make this neighborhood one of America’s best.

Other hallmarks of Audubon Park Garden District’ success include 521 new jobs since 2009, two abandoned buildings rehabbed into showpieces, and $3.5 million in private investment. The $3 million East End Market project to create Orlando’s only urban market brought twenty new businesses and over 100 new jobs to the area.