Orange County Innovation Center & Senior Hub Opens

Orange County opened two new facilities on the Multicultural Center campus Tuesday, drawing nearly 700 people to a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Innovation Center spans 20,000 square feet and opens to the public this fall. It features a makerspace, fabric arts studio, robotics lab, computer lab, immersive technology lab, a 300-seat multipurpose room, and collaborative meeting spaces. Orange County officials say it is the first facility of its kind in Central Florida.

The Multicultural Senior Center covers 17,000 square feet and includes a multipurpose room, game rooms, meeting spaces, and arts areas. It houses the Orange County Office on Aging, which connects residents with programs supporting independent living.

More than 208,000 Orange County residents are age 65 or older, representing 14 percent of the county's population.

"These two facilities reflect Orange County's commitment to lifelong learning and innovation," Mayor Jerry L. Demings said.

The Community and Family Services Department operates both centers. The Multicultural Center is one of nine community centers Orange County operates, serving more than 250,000 residents annually.