Craig Ustler on Revitalizing Downtown Orlando and the Real Work Behind Urban Development

In this conversation, Craig Ustler, a prominent real estate developer in Orlando, shares his journey from growing up in College Park to becoming a key figure in urban development. He discusses the evolution of Orlando, the principles of new urbanism, and his experiences with various projects, including Thornton Park Central and Creative Village. Ustler emphasizes the importance of community, market dynamics, and the challenges faced in real estate development, while also reflecting on the future of urban planning and the significance of creating meaningful spaces for people.
Takeaways

• Craig Ustler is a third-generation Orlando resident and developer.
• His early exposure to real estate came from his father, a real estate broker.
• Ustler believes in the shift towards urban neighborhoods and new urbanism.
• Education in urban economics shaped his understanding of city development.
• His first projects were small-scale developments in Thornton Park.
• Thornton Park Central was a neighborhood-defining project for Ustler.
• Creative Village represents a new vision for urban development in Orlando.
• Market dynamics play a crucial role in the success of real estate projects.
• Ustler emphasizes the importance of community and local businesses in development.
• He advocates for studying urban planning and place making for future developers.

Today's guest, Craig Ustler, can be found online at:Website: https://ustler.net/
Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:BrightRay Publishing: ⁠https://brightray.com/⁠⁠⁠Entrepreneur Website: ⁠https://scottturman.com/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottturman/⁠
KeywordsCraig Ustler, Orlando, real estate development, new urbanism, Thornton Park, Creative Village, urban planning, neighborhood development, market dynamics, community building