For Danelle Hoffer, development has always started with a simple question: How will people experience this place?

As CEO and founder of Urban Hideaway® Development, Danelle has built her work around design-led residential development and place-making, with an increasing focus on mixed-use and hospitality. Today, that work is entering a defining new chapter.

Huddle, now moving into construction in Eustis, brings together thoughtfully designed residential living with food, recreation and gathering. At a larger scale, Aquilo, Urban Hideaway® Development’s proposed mixed-use waterfront development in downtown Eustis, reflects Danelle’s belief that thoughtful development can become a catalyst—connecting people to one another, strengthening the relationship between downtown and its waterfront, and creating experiences that contribute to a community’s future.

“I believe kindness and a welcoming spirit have the power to influence how people experience a place,” Danelle says. “That’s why hospitality is at the heart of my work.”

The evolution builds on a portfolio that includes 30 North Park Residences in Winter Garden and Farmstead 44 in Eustis. Though the projects differ in scale, Danelle says the philosophy behind them remains remarkably consistent: create places with personality, purpose and a genuine sense of belonging.

Beyond her work in development, Danelle serves on the AdventHealth Waterman Foundation Board, supporting initiatives that contribute to the health, vitality and future of Lake County. Whether through development, volunteer service or community collaboration, she says her goal has always been to leave the places she touches better than she found them.

While she’s proud of her professional accomplishments, Danelle says her greatest blessings are her faith and her family. She credits her husband, Joe, as her partner in life and business, helping turn shared ideas into reality while standing beside her through every opportunity and challenge. Their daughter, Riley, continues to inspire her through her strength, independence and determination.

Danelle also credits mentors, colleagues and community leaders with reinforcing her belief that leadership is rooted in service—and that meaningful accomplishments are rarely achieved alone.

Looking ahead, she hopes the next generation of leaders has the courage to see possibility where others see only what exists today.

“Lead with faith, listen with humility and never underestimate the power of one thoughtful idea to become a catalyst for lasting change,” Danelle says.

“The greatest measure of leadership is not simply what you accomplish, but what you set in motion for the people and generations who will come after you.”