Our President & Founder Becomes the New Vice President of the PRCCCFL

We are proud to announce that our President and Founder, Ricardo Velez, has been elected as the new Vice President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida.

Ricardo won the elections held this past Wednesday, November 20th, and will now take on this prestigious role, further advancing his dedication to fostering business growth and professional development within our community.

This achievement reflects his unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and making a meaningful impact in the Central Florida business landscape.

Congratulations, Ricardo, on this well-deserved recognition of your leadership and vision!

Velz Group Development Company Media

It’s Our First Year Anniversary!

 Celebrating 1 Year of Growth, Innovation, and Success! 

Today marks the first anniversary of Velz Group Development Company! Over the past year, we have achieved remarkable milestones, from groundbreaking real estate developments to creating meaningful partnerships. We couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our amazing team, the trust of our clients, and the support of our community.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us. Here’s to many more years of building a brighter future together! 

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Velz Group Development Company to Build 2,000 Affordable Homes in Orange & Osceola Counties

Velz Group Development Company is excited to announce our latest project: the development of 2,000 innovative affordable housing units across Orange and Osceola counties, set to be completed within the next three years. These homes are designed to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community, offering a range of options including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.

Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in every aspect of this development. Each home will feature clean energy solutions to reduce environmental impact, contributing to a greener future. Additionally, every unit will be equipped with cutting-edge smart technology, allowing residents to control their home environment with ease, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency.

This ambitious project marks another milestone in our mission to provide quality housing while setting new standards in affordability, sustainability, and technology integration.

Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative development!

Velz Group Development Company Media

Velz Group Development Company & Azure Hotel Holdings Propose Transformative Development in Kissimmee

Velz Group Development Company, in collaboration with Azure Hotel Holdings, recently held a pivotal meeting with the City of Kissimmee officials, including city manager Mike Steigerwald, Tom Tomerlin, director of economic development, and his team. The discussion centered around an exciting proposal to develop a high-end hotel and a new convention center, replacing the current civic center.

This ambitious project promises to significantly impact not only Kissimmee’s downtown area but also the entire Osceola County. The proposed development aims to elevate the region’s appeal, fostering economic growth and enhancing community facilities.

We are eager to finalize the negotiations and share more details about this remarkable project. Stay tuned for the official announcement!

Velz Group Development Company Media  

Velz Group Development Company Announces Strategic Partnership with Azure Hotel Holdings

On July 19, 2024, Velz Group Development Company, a leader in real estate development, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Azure Hotel Holdings, one of the leading companies in real estate and hospitality investment. Azure Hotel Holdings is renowned for maximizing property values and delivering unparalleled guest experiences.

This collaboration positions Velz Group Development Company as one of the top development companies in the hotel and hospitality industries. Owners of Azure Hotel Holdings, Ramon Gonzalez and Manuel Rios, expressed their excitement about the partnership, recognizing it as the beginning of great success.

“We are thrilled to partner with Azure Hotel Holdings,” said Ricardo Velez, president and founder of Velz Group Development Company. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for our company as we continue to expand and innovate within the hospitality sector.”

Resource: Velz Group Development Company Media  

Velz Group Development Company Enters the High-End Real Estate Segment.

We are thrilled to announce that Velz Group Development Company is redefining luxury development through our latest collaboration with one of the largest privately held construction companies in the United States, Sky Builders USA. This partnership marks our bold entry into the high-end real estate segment, aiming to create a collection of iconic residential towers and commercial buildings that will transform urban living.

As a full-service development company, Velz Group is driven by an exceptional team of real estate professionals whose combined expertise spans all areas of real estate development. Our commitment to clear communication and proficient execution enables us to successfully acquire, finance, develop, market, and manage the most sophisticated urban development projects.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey to elevate urban living!

Resource: Velz Group Development Company Media  

Demand For Built to Rent Communities

In today’s market, demand remains high for build-to-rent due to rising mortgage rates. It’s more expensive than ever to own a home. Unlike an apartment rental, single-family rentals in a build-to-rent community offer the lifestyle of homeownership without the added expenses of maintenance or what some call the hassle of owning a home. When we asked the millennials why they rent, four out of five top reasons have to do with affordability. Build-to-rent communities do offer an alternative housing solution.

Built-to-rent housing may be the next big thing in multifamily living. It provides tenants more privacy than an apartment complex, with similar ease of care for landlords. “Build-to-rent,” is a fairly new twist on an old concept. Of course, everyone knows about houses for lease, and a lot of people have even owned them as investors. But BTR is a little different. Instead of just having a house here or there, BTR homes are clustered together and form a community, much like an apartment community, and with many of the same amenities.

Built-to-Rent communities will have a leasing office and a pool or fitness center, but instead of having it stacked up, you have it laid out horizontally. Those homes could be townhomes or little cottages or detached single family houses. It really depends on the geography. If you're in urban infill, it's going to be super dense, but if you're in suburban Houston, for example, it's going to be detached. From an institutional point of view, it operates like multifamily or apartment buildings and from a consumer’s point of view it lives like single family.

Although potential tenants are finding this new type of property appealing for a number of reasons, landlords really like BTR’s, too, because they’re designed to make owning single-family rentals much easier than they’ve ever been. Geared at having several years or more per tenant stay, BTRs can offer a staggering 74% renewal rate. “BTR can be incredibly useful to landlords, as they can be properties built and designed for easier renovation or correctional work, access to systems, and they are traditionally more well equipped for turnover, while encouraging less of it, and an assortment of clientele.

Resource: Ricardo Velez, President & Founder Velz Group Development Company  

Target to Open 150,000 SF Store at Lake Nona West.

Target plans to open a 150,000 square-foot at Lake Nona West, marking the first anchor tenant at the 405,000 square-foot open-air shopping center project in Orlando’s Lake Nona district. Tavistock Development Company is Lake Nona West landlord and developer.

Situated on 54 acres near the Brightline Station and Orlando International Airport, the development is scheduled for completion in fall 2025. Tavistock is currently in discussions with a variety of tenants, aiming to feature a mix of national brands alongside local shops, restaurants and service operators.

Resource: Rebusiness Online

Establishing Relationships with the Government

On Friday, November 17, 2023, we had the privilege of meeting with Congressman Darren Soto and Damián Reyes, Velz Group Development Company business partner to present solutions to alleviate the affordable housing problem in Florida. Velz Group Development Company is introducing innovative affordable housing alternatives to alleviate the housing crisis in our state.

Resource: Velz Group Development Company Media  

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Establishing Business Relationships in Puerto Rico

On December 7, 2023, our president and founder Ricardo Velez had a meeting with the mayor of the town of Hatillo, honorable Carlos Roman on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico to establish economic development relations with our company and the municipality of Hatillo and the discussion of Future economic impact projects for the region that are planned to begin during the year 2024.

Resource: Velz Group Development Company Media

Ricardo Velez Elected New Orange County Director

On Monday, February 5, 2024, our president and founder Ricardo Velez was named the new Orange County Director of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. With his passion for driving economic growth and fostering meaningful connections within our community, we are confident in his ability to lead with excellence.

Ricardo’s expertise and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and impact of the PRCCFL chamber. He will definitely make a positive difference.

Resource: Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida

What are housing choice vouchers?

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

Resource: U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development

HUD and FCC Partner to Promote Affordable Internet Access for Low Income Communities

WASHINGTON D.C - The Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) formalized a partnership to promote awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among federal housing assistance recipients. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced the partnership while engaging with community members and touring a newly built computer lab at Yesler Terrace in Seattle, Washington. The partnership agreement will decrease the time it takes for some people to sign up for the program and is coupled by HUD’s commitment to increase outreach activities. The partnership furthers work the Commission is doing to coordinate with other federal agencies to ensure that low-income households participating in eligible federal assistance programs are provided information about the ACP, including how to enroll in the program. Starting this week, the FCC and HUD will partner on ACP outreach targeted toward recipients of public housing assistance.

“I am pleased to partner with the Federal Communications Commission to close the digital divide and to spread the word about the Affordable Connectivity Program. All recipients of HUD assistance are eligible to receive free or reduced cost internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. I personally encourage you to sign up,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “We are deeply committed to ensuring families and their children have the necessary resources to thrive, and this partnership makes it clear that eligible HUD households can get the financial help they need to equitably access broadband resources.”

Under the Secretary’s leadership, HUD has taken action to increase the enrollment of HUD residents in the Affordable Connectivity Program. HUD clarified that receiving benefits through the ACP will not impact the amount of rent that HUD-assisted tenants pay. The Department is streamlining the process of enrolling in the ACP through data sharing agreements that enable voucher holders and public housing residents to enroll with reduced paperwork, and soon will enable Multifamily residents to do the same. HUD’s field offices have been holding regional enrollment events across the country and will soon be doing so with FCC sign up stations.

Since its inception, FCC staff has engaged in extensive outreach to help raise awareness of the ACP among households participating in qualifying governmental assistance programs, including the creation of the Your Home, Your Internet pilot outreach program. FCC coordination with HUD is a valuable component of ACP outreach efforts because HUD oversees qualifying federal housing assistance programs.

“This agreement builds on our ongoing and tireless efforts to broaden awareness of an essential cost-saving program that can bring connectivity to families on the wrong side of the digital divide,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I appreciate Secretary Fudge and our government partners for joining with us in getting the word out to consumers receiving federal housing assistance so they can learn about the ACP, and if they are eligible, to sign up and get connected.”

“As we’ve seen with the Your Home, Your Internet program, there is a particular nexus between housing and connectivity: if we can help a family secure housing, we should be able to help them secure an internet connection as well,” said FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “With better coordination between HUD and the FCC, we will get closer to ensuring that the millions of eligible households receiving federal housing assistance have the opportunity to enroll in ACP and get connected.”

With the partnership in place, the FCC and HUD will work together to increase awareness of the ACP among HUD-assisted households through:

  • Outreach and enrollment events at public housing, in properties participating in HUD’s multifamily project-based rental assistance programs, and with key partners.

  • Regular coordination meetings to review work on ACP outreach intended to target HUD-assisted households including through a series joint in person enrollment events around the country.

  • Collaboration on ACP outreach and education efforts, including development of messaging and targeting intended audiences.

More than 20 million households have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program provides a monthly discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households participating in the ACP can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Resource: U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development

Lake Nona, a Technological and Innovative Region

Lake Nona, located in Orlando, Fla., is a visionary community.
with the building blocks of today’s future. 

Resource: Arnulfo Peralta Telemundo 31 Orlando

Brightline Begins Service from Orlando to Miami.

Orlando, Fla. - After about 10 years of anticipation, Brightline finally started service out of Orlando on Friday, September 22, 2023. They're up to full service, offering 16 daily round trips with hourly departures between Orlando and South Florida. Brightline's high-speed rail service between Orlando and South Florida is not just a convenient mode of transportation; it's also a marvel of engineering and a source of fascinating facts. From the impressive number of carry-on suitcases that can fit on one train to the vast network of suppliers across the United States, here are some fun and intriguing facts about Brightline's high-speed rail:

Trainsets and Coaches

  • Trainsets Manufactured in the USA: Brightline's trainsets are proudly manufactured in the USA, contributing to the nation's industrial capabilities.

  • Carry-On Suitcases: Have you ever wondered how many carry-on suitcases can fit on one Brightline train? The answer is a whopping 3,000,000 suitcases.

  • Welds in One Coach Carshell: It takes an impressive 50,000 welds to fuse together a single coach carshell.

  • Height of Stacked Coaches: When Brightline coaches are stacked on top of each other, they reach the astonishing height of sixteen 65-foot sabal palm trees.

  • Hours to Build One Coach: Constructing one Brightline coach is a time-intensive process, taking approximately 2,100 hours of labor.

  • Oranges in a Coach: You might be surprised to learn that one Brightline coach can accommodate enough oranges to fill it completely.

  • Cummins Locomotive Power: A single clean diesel Cummins locomotive engine can power the equivalent of 560 adult alligators for 24 hours.

  • Weight of a Locomotive: Each Brightline locomotive is a heavyweight, weighing in at 279,987 pounds.

  • Suppliers Across the U.S.: Brightline's operations involve more than 160 suppliers spread across 27 states in the U.S., showcasing the widespread economic impact of the rail service.

  • Material Origins: The materials used for the train and track construction are sourced from various parts of the United States, including Sacramento, California; Carson, California; Littleton, Colorado; and many more.

Environmental Impact

  • Economic Impact: Brightline's high-speed rail has a direct economic impact of $6.4 billion on Florida's economy, demonstrating its significant contribution to the state.

  • Eco-Friendly Diesel Equipment: Brightline takes pride in having the most eco-friendly diesel equipment in service in the United States, promoting sustainable travel.

  • CO₂ Reduction: The operation of Brightline will annually remove a substantial 72,000 metric tons of CO₂ from the air, making it an environmentally responsible transportation choice.

    Brightline's high-speed rail service represents a significant transportation infrastructure project with implications for American innovation, environmental considerations, and economic impacts. 

Resources: Brightline & Wesh 2 News

Brightline stations in Florida.

Besides Orlando and Miami, trips are also available to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura. Additionally, Brightline is planning to have a station in Tampa eventually.

Resource: GoBrightline.com

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Creating a New Standard

© 2024 Velz Group Development Company

6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32827

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