Faced with the reality of its Navy base being closed for good, the City of Orlando utilized the bad news as an opportunity to create an infill 1,100-acre new urbanist community within five miles from its downtown core. Here's a look at how Baldwin Park has matured after 15 years of development.

Baldwin Park Awards

American Society of Landscape Architects – FL Chapter - 2003 State of Florida Award of Honor - New Broad Park

The National Arbor Day Foundation - 2004 Building with Trees Award of Excellence

The Council for Sustainable Florida - 2004 Sustainable Florida Best Practices Award

The Palladio Awards - 2004 New Design Award – Enders Park Community Center

Urban Land Institute - 2004 Awards of Excellence – Mixed-Use Development Winner

Audubon of Florida - 2004 Distinguished Corporation Award

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - 2005 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

National Association of Homebuilders – The Best in American Living Award 2005 Platinum Award for Best Community

National Association of Homebuilders – The Best in American Living Award 2005 Platinum Award for Best Smart Growth Community

National Association of Homebuilders - 2006 Pillars of the Industry Award

Urban Land Institute – 2008 Inaugural Land Use Excellence Award

Florida Association of Realtors – 2008 Environmental (ENVY) Award

Florida Community Association Journal/Becker & Poliakoff - Communities of Excellence - 2009 Disaster Preparedness Award

Congress for the New Urbanism – 2009 Charter Award

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com