Packing District to Open in 2022
Local News Staff 
When Orlando's newest development opens in 2022, Best of Central Florida honoree John Rivers' "4Roots" project will be just one of the many new ventures deployed in the novel community.
The land once served as a transfer point for the orange grove industry in Central Florida. and will now once again call home to an 18-acre educational farm, complements of 4 Rivers Smokehouse founder John Rivers.
Rivers said the first part of 4Roots Farm is "expected to be focused on education and include a hydroponic greenhouse, field gardens, an apiary, an iconic red barn for equipment, and two classrooms."
“After seven years, I’m just happy to see it in motion,” Rivers said.
A park, YMCA, apartments and other facets of the $700 million Packing District neighborhood are projected to go online in 2022 as well in addition to 4Roots' farm.
The 200-acre construction project comes to Orlando couresy of Doctor Phillips Charities and neighbors College Park and Princeton Street, Orange Blossom Trail and John Young Parkway.
“2022 is an exciting year for the Packing District,” said Ken Robinson, Dr. Phillips Charities CEO. “You’ll start to feel the vibe of the district come to life.”
Another 66-acres will feature a park with trails, wetlands and a pond and a 17-court tennis center according to the press secretary for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
The development will also showcase a Central Florida throwback in the form of a replica juice stand that was once part of Philip “Doc” Phillips’ citrus operations. The stand will serve, sandwiches and, of course, Florida's finest orange juice.
Pictured: The Packing District's original "juice stand" near Princeton Street and College Park
The stand is prepared to open in April, although the operator has not yet been revealed.
“I think you could have heard cheers across the community because it’s been challenging to get to this point,” Alexander said.
A Publix, food hall and a YMCA are also in the works as well as a community center and restaurants.
