LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Several months after revealing plans to build affordable housing in Orange County, Disney World has announced a developer for the project. 

Disney has selected The Michaels Organization for its attainable and affordable housing initiative, the resort said Wednesday.

The New Jersey-based developer, which manages more than 425 communities across more than 35 states, was chosen after a thorough search. 

"Walt Disney World chose The Michaels Organization for its long-standing track record in building and managing attainable housing communities," Disney said in a news release. 

Disney World and The Michaels Organization are currently working on a definitive agreement for the project. 

The new development, which is expected to be privately financed, will include more than 1,300 housing units that will be built on 80 acres of Disney-owned land in southwest Orange County, just a few miles from the Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex.

In its announcement Wednesday, Disney also released updated concept art of what the affordable housing development could look like. 

Disney hasn't said how much rent will be, but said the units will be available to qualifying applicants from the public as well as its cast members who are within a certain income range. 

Similarly, Universal is involved in an affordable housing initiative. The resort donated 20 acres of land near International Drive for a housing complex called Catchlight Crossings. The 1,000-unit complex is expected to include an on-site preschool, retail space and a transportation hub. That development will be built by Wendover Housing Partners. 

Affordable housing has been a major issue in Central Florida. In a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area was listed as one of the worst major metros for affordable housing in the country.

Disney said its housing initiative is part of an effort to address the housing crisis. 

"For more than 50 years, Walt Disney World has cared for and invested in our community, and we're committed to being a part of this solution which will bring more attainable housing to Central Florida," said Jeff Vahle, Disney World president, in a statement. "We will continue to find ways to use our resources to make a difference in the community we call home, and we're excited to take this step with a nationally recognized developer." 

Disney said it will share additional details, including a construction timeline, at a later date.