ORLANDO, Florida – While WKMG was touring downtown Orlando this week, we learned that the 32801 zip code is experiencing a population boom, and there’s no slowdown in sight.

The City Beautiful is in the midst of a growth spurt, and the downtown skyline continues to transform as new high-rises rise. According to Orlando leaders, $1.5 billion worth of residential projects are planned downtown.

Society Orlando is the newest building to open on Orange Avenue. The 27-story, 464-unit building is the largest downtown residential building to date. It also features numerous amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and a massive pool, considered the largest among downtown's high-rises.

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“I always wanted to be downtown, but I never found the right building or the right location,” said Brandon Bergler, one of the first residents to move in. “When I drove by on I-4 and saw this place being built up, it immediately caught my attention. I knew this was the right place.”

In addition to traditional market-rate studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, Society also offers the option to rent by the room, which starts at just $1,250 per month. The average rent in downtown Orlando is about $2,089, according to data from RentCafe.

Leasing agent Gabrielle Timpson told News 6 that each room-by-room apartment has its own bathroom and is fully furnished.

“It's a very affordable way to live downtown and still have access to all of these extensive amenities,” Timpson said. “We also offer a free cleaning service, so the living and common areas are cleaned every two weeks for free.”

More than 21,000 people live in downtown Orlando, 57% more than in 2010. The increase in residential areas is intentional, as the city wants to transform the corridor into a more residential area.

“In the last year, we've started to see the change,” Bergler said. “I think we're still a few years away from where many of us would like to be, but I'm sure this place will be unrecognizable in the next five to six years.”

David Barilla, executive director of the Downtown Development Board, said the city is working to create an environment where everyone feels there is something for them, including creating more affordable housing.

The Beacon at Creative Village, an affordable housing project along Amelia Street, will provide 106 units for low-income renters. The site was once home to the Orlando Tennis Center.

About two miles away, near the Star Tower on Mariposa Street, another 138 affordable housing units exclusively for seniors are under construction.

One of the most prominent planned developments is Westcourt, the sports and entertainment district near the Kia Center. Part of the project is a 270-unit residential tower that will offer ten affordable housing units.

“We continue to work with developers as interest in downtown living continues to grow,” Barilla said.