Orlando Development News [Archive]

smiley

July 18th, 2006, 04:23 AM

Here's a little assistance - I hope they get moving because that will force Tampa/Pinellas to do something:

CHANGING HOW WE LIVE
On track for commuter rail
Town centers with shops, offices and homes could sprout near stations
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/graphic/2006-07/24421222.jpg
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/graphic/2006-07/24421232.jpg
Jay Hamburg and Etan Horowitz | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted July 17, 2006
GRAPHICS

Map: Central Florida rail-transit system

Graphic: Charlotte a model for Orlando
PHOTOS

Train (ROBERTO GONZALEZ, ORLANDO SENTINEL)
Jul 12, 2006
STORY GALLERY

How would you like to walk a few minutes to a train station and zip to work in an air-conditioned rail car -- and then return the same way? Once back in the neighborhood, you could walk to grocery stores, restaurants and businesses to run errands.

Sound too good to be true?

It could happen in Central Florida, where plans for a 61-mile commuter-rail system are moving toward reality. If transportation officials can cement a deal to have cities along the route help pay for the system and CSX Railroad agrees to sell the tracks to the state, then the region's first attempt at speedy mass transit could affect the way we grow.

The project, which could cost as much as $500 million, could come together this summer.

If planners take the right steps -- and so far they are off to a slow start -- the rail system could help spur self-contained, walkable neighborhoods around stations from DeBary to Orlando to Poinciana. Replete with grocery stores, drugstores, parks and restaurants, they'd be the kind of small communities that grew up around town squares in the era before interstate highways.

In turn, the new approach to development could help reduce sprawl by anchoring more growth in a central transportation corridor running through the region.

So-called smart growth that is focused around mass transit -- transit-oriented development, in planner lingo -- has happened in other communities around the nation.

Portland, Ore.; Los Angeles; Salt Lake City; and Charlotte, N.C., already have, or are planning to build, neighborhoods mixed with offices and shops around transit stations that link to their downtowns.

"It's the quality of city life without the responsibility of suburban life," said Bruce Stephenson, a Rollins College professor of environmental studies who specializes in growth issues.

Developers love the idea of building more condos and town houses per acre near offices and retail shops. And from a planning standpoint, it makes sense to consolidate growth and get commuters off jammed roads and onto rail cars.

But as rail plans move forward in Central Florida -- the first line would open in 2009 -- plans for transit-oriented development are off to a slow start. In a few places, communities have zoned their land to allow that type of growth, and in some select areas, developers have expressed interest in transit-friendly projects. Maitland's City Council recently voted to ask for a stop along the line.

But for the most part, Central Florida has adopted a wait-and-see attitude in part because the region has a history of several failed rail proposals. Some also think little action may be required because they'd prefer that market forces dictate what kind of development would go along the rail.

It's a different story in other places around the country, which have taken direct action to ensure development follows a logical pattern. That includes Charlotte, which won federal money for its rail system when the Orange County Commission turned down the funds in 1999. The first part of Charlotte's transit line, light rail, is scheduled to open in fall 2007. The commuter-rail line is supposed to begin running in 2010.

Just like Central Florida, the Charlotte line is planned to operate on existing freight tracks and carry passengers from suburban towns and cities to downtown. In both Central Florida and Charlotte, the lines run parallel to major interstates -- Interstate 4 in Central Florida, Interstate 77 in Charlotte. And many of the stops are planned for historic downtowns that have deteriorated as growth has sprawled out from the interstates.

But beyond that, the two regions differ in how they have been planning their commuter-rail systems.

"Here [Central Florida], they are designing it to build the best transit system; in Charlotte, they are designing it to build the best community," said Troy Russ, a transportation planner with the Orlando firm Glatting Jackson. Russ has spent six years working on Charlotte's public-transportation system.

In the Charlotte area, the local governments have focused not only on planning the stations but also taking the lead in planning the area around the stations. To do this, local governments have bought land around the station and then sold it to handpicked developers who agreed to create the walkable communities Charlotte envisioned. The governments also created new zoning categories to more easily allow denser development, and they offered financial incentives to developers who build transit-friendly projects.

As a result, nearly 10,000 homes are planned or under construction at eight of the 12 commuter-rail stops and, just like in the pre-automobile days, the downtown cores of towns and cities are becoming a hotbed of activity.

That approach gives the rail line a better chance to succeed by building ridership from those who live within walking distance of stations. And it directs growth to areas that already have infrastructure such as roads, schools, water, sewer and public safety.

"It's fair to say the commuter rail has given local policymakers one additional rationale or justification for focusing the intensity and density [of development] along the central core of the rail line as opposed to allowing more of a suburban-sprawl pattern to continue to develop," said Jonathan Wells, Charlotte's land-use project manager for the commuter-rail line.

Transit-oriented development can turn suburban towns into more than bedroom communities. In the Charlotte suburbs, towns are planning farmers markets, interactive museums, corporate headquarters and libraries around their rail stops.

In Central Florida, leaders in cities up and down the proposed rail line say they are interested in transit-oriented development and are waiting for the project's final approval, which could come this summer.

But Linda White, president and CEO of the West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, said governments must take the lead.

"In reality, we haven't embraced the next generation of development," she said. "We are still very dependent on vehicles. Anything that we can do as a community to lessen our use of the automobile is probably good for us in the long run."

Jay Hamburg can be reached at 407-420-5673 or jhamburg@orlandosentinel.com. Etan Horowitz can be reached at ehorowitz@orlandosentinel.com or 386-851-7915.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-railmain1706jul17,0,1123017.story

jzquince69

July 18th, 2006, 05:39 PM

Smiley, thanks for bailing me out on that.

smiley

July 18th, 2006, 06:07 PM

No problem. The interesting thing is that this is a real Orlando rail - not Disney rail.

Jahi98

July 18th, 2006, 07:23 PM

If they can get it together, good for Orlando! Are there any plans for commuter lines into Lake, Polk and Brevard Counties or into west Orange County? That would really set the area off.

jzquince69

July 18th, 2006, 08:15 PM

I think the red line on the map Smiley posted is it for the proposal for 2009/2013.

I foresee that if it gets approved and is a success, they will follow the example of TriRail and double track where it isn't yet along that route and decrease wait times.

After that, IMO, I only see them expanding commuter rail up existing tracks or easements, such as into Lake Co. along 441, as long as CSX lines aren't interrupted too much.

Jahi98

July 18th, 2006, 08:22 PM

^^True. I can definately see a commuter line going into Lake County.

jzquince69

July 19th, 2006, 04:38 PM

they approved the tax yesterday to fund the PAC, Arena, and improved Citrus Bowl.

Sunstorm

July 26th, 2006, 01:46 AM

FLAWDA-FELLA

July 26th, 2006, 07:13 AM

What's this that I read in Florida Trend recently about Orlando getting a new tallest? It said the city commission has voted to allow a 45 story building, downtown I believe. I don't think that I've seen anything here about that here. Are there any posts about this project on the other skyscraper sites. This thread here at SSC is the only one I usually look at concerning Otown projects.

I haven't heard anything about this new project yet, but maybe you can find something on www.orlandoskyscrapers.com. Btw, there is already a proposed tower with 46 floors at about 460'.

jzquince69

July 28th, 2006, 05:50 PM

Are they talking about Orl. City Place? I won't hold my breath on that one.

As you know, always gotta look at total height in feet; depending on height per floor, you can have a 45 story tower that's only 450' tall, which is a few feet taller than Suntrust. Or, in say, Chicago, you can have the Daley Center at 32 stories and 660+' in height.

Dale

July 28th, 2006, 06:55 PM

I'm pretty sure it was approved at 458'.

Sunstorm

July 28th, 2006, 08:44 PM

The article said it would be Orlando's tallest, unless that was just an assumption made by the person who wrote the article. And, yes jz, I think it was called City Place. It's to include a least a couple of other 30somthing story towers. I was very surpised to read about all this.

jzquince69

August 2nd, 2006, 05:29 PM

Big News regarding Commuter Rail: Smiley, help me on linking this:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-raildeal0206aug02,0,3750777.story?coll=orl-home-promo

smiley

August 2nd, 2006, 06:13 PM

I think the map is the same as before, so I'll just link it:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/graphic/2006-07/24421222.jpg

Deal finally made on commuter rail

Gov. Bush likely to unveil CSX agreement today

Jay Hamburg and Etan Horowitz | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted August 2, 2006
Gov. Jeb Bush is expected to announce a nearly $500 million deal today to bring commuter rail to Central Florida, capping a 20-year dream to relieve gridlock in one of the nation's most congested regions.

With funding mostly lined up and details over routes and stops just about worked out, only minor negotiations remain before construction can begin, and trains could start running between DeBary and Orlando by late 2009. An extended route into Osceola County is scheduled to be completed by 2013.

Bush is expected to announce a deal with CSX Transportation, which owns the 61 miles of track on which the commuter trains would run. The state would buy the tracks and in exchange, it would improve existing freight lines so that CSX can increase its capacity and move some of its trains away from urban areas, possibly farther from downtown Orlando.

"It will be good news for Central Florida and the rest of the state," said U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, who has been working to get commuter rail in the region since 1993.

The Florida Department of Transportation plans to release more details about the project following the governor's announcement today at 12:30 p.m. at the main Lynx bus station in downtown Orlando. Commuter-rail cars are planned to be on hand for the public to see after 1:30 p.m.

"This increases mobility options and freight capacities for the future of Florida," said Denver Stutler, Florida's transportation secretary.

The deal with CSX was the final component needed to push the rail project forward. It is being called an "agreement in principle" between Florida and CSX with some details such as liability for any environmental contamination around the existing tracks to be worked out in the near future, Stutler said.

But both he and Gary Sease, a spokesman for CSX, said a strong framework was in place and both expected the deal to be finalized in the near future.

FDOT will oversee the design, construction and operation of the rail system. The purchase of the rail lines will come from state funds.

The deal also creates new possibilities for housing and retail development around transit stations in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties.

Long time coming

Transportation planners have pushed for some form of rail to relieve congestion in Central Florida for more than 20 years, but funding problems and political battles nixed the idea.

This time, governments have agreed that rail is needed and have pledged money to get it built.

In addition to the $500 million for the tracks, construction of the system, including the stops, will amount to about $475 million. The federal government will chip in half. The state will provide 25 percent, and local county and city government will put up the other 25 percent.

The state also will pay operating costs through 2015.

"What a great opportunity for this region," said Shelley Lauten, director of myregion.org, a think tank that tackles growth issues in seven Central Florida counties. "It shows what we can do when we work together."

Supporters of commuter rail say it will begin to take some pressure off Central Florida roadways, where congestion is ranked as the nation's ninth worst.

Pressure has been building to develop mass-transit options in a region whose population is expected to double to more than 7 million people by 2050.

"I think it's wonderful," said Linda Chapin, director of the Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies at the University of Central Florida. "We had a chance at rail in the late 1990s and we blew it."

Chapin pushed for an earlier project, but she had left office as Orange County chairman when the County Commission turned down a light-rail proposal by one vote in 1999. She called today's announcement a "good first step."

A regional impact

Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty said counties will have to continue to work together to figure out how to operate and pay for the system in the future.

Orange County already has put aside $30 million to build transit stations.

"This project is important," Crotty said. "It is not the end all. It's a starting place."

Leaders in Volusia County, where about 30,000 residents commute every day to jobs in Seminole and Orange counties, were ecstatic about the news.

"I think what it will do is connect us in ways that we have only been connected by automobile and I-4," said Linda White, president and chief executive officer of the West Volusia Chamber of Commerce. "And we all know the issues we have in terms of that connection. It will allow us to rethink where we relocate business, how we look at workers and how we move people back and forth."

White said that the commuter rail also will boost plans for a $23 million Partnership Center in Orange City, which will host seminars, conferences and concerts.

"This will give them [commuters] an opportunity not to have to go through the stress of driving, the cost of gasoline and the maintenance on their vehicles," Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno said. "It will change the lifestyle of the people who will be using it."

Jay Hamburg can be reached at jhamburg@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5673. Etan Horowitz can be reached at ehorowitz@orlandosentinel.com or 386-851-7915.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-raildeal0206aug02,0,3750777.story?page=2&coll=orl-home-promo

jzquince69

August 2nd, 2006, 09:07 PM

thanx Smiley:

there's an update article to this one... Jeb rolled into the Lynx station around 12:40 pm today aboard a 2-car Commuter Rail deal and announced that the deal went thru. Tally bought the lines from CSX for $150M. Fed 50%, FLA 25%, Local 25%.

the rest of the article is a repeat of the one above. It's still on schedule for 2009 (the first line from DeBary to DT).

pretty sure they will be double-decker cars.

somewhat related: there was an OBJ article 2 weeks ago stating that CSX intends to build a $1B multimodal freight hub near Winter Haven specifically to handle freight from Chi-town. interesting read. (sorry, no link)

Hisma

August 2nd, 2006, 11:34 PM

it's about time.
Orlando is finally starting to get all the elements of a real city.
A world-class PAC, mass transit, and a real live-work-play downtown. It's amazing to see where this city was just a decade ago, to where it is now.

Jasonhouse

August 3rd, 2006, 01:01 AM

^Yes, it is...

btw, I was in Orlando this past weekend... Things are looking good downtown, with the area around the Suntrust building getting dense.

That's awesome that Orlando got commuter rail... Especially since it is now a sure thing that some kind of expanded mass transit will occur for us Tampa folks. :cheers1:

Hopefully they can tweak the plan a bit to speed up those commute times... Remember, people have to travel to and from the stations, and that takes time too... But overall, I think the plan is good. That first route will hit some major employment centers, and also serve to help bleed some traffic growth off of I-4...

smiley

August 3rd, 2006, 01:49 AM

Finally, for God's sakes. I thought ORlando would never get going to force Tampa to play catchup and build something.

Seriously, it will be good for all.

Lakelander

August 3rd, 2006, 04:27 AM

Congrats! This is big news for Jax, as well. The relocation of major freight to CSX's "S" line removes major rail traffic from inner city Jax as well (the "A" line through Orlando terminates in downtown Jax). With the state investing so much in the Baldwin to Plant City line (S line), it now makes financial sense on the state's part to back future commuter rail from Jax to Orange Park.

jzquince69

August 4th, 2006, 12:42 AM

... and other local news, c/o Sunshine at UP:

IKEA Expands in South

Home furnishings retailer IKEA announced plans to build a store in Orlando, expanding its reach in the U.S. South. Currently, the closest IKEA store to the area is in Atlanta. The company plans for a 310,000-square-foot space with 1,200 parking spaces, to be built on 22 acres off of Eastgate Drive, at the southeastern end of The Mall at Millenia. It anticipates an opening in the fall of 2007. IKEA's expansion plans also include an opening in the summer of 2007 in Sunrise, Fla., along with stores in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Canton, Mich.; Draper, Utah; Dublin, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; Round Rock, Texas; and Somerville, Mass.

http://commercialpropertynews.com/cpn/regi...t_id=1002575280

jzquince69

August 10th, 2006, 11:50 PM

C/O Maxxlife at UP:

"Ran across an article that has Orlando as the #8 U.S. city in terms of Tech related growth. Below is the top 10 list from the article. Here is the LINK if you want to read the whole piece. " (can't get the link to work)

1. Seattle • City population: 570,430 • Companies that call it home: Amazon, RealNetworks, AT&T
Wireless, T-Mobile • The details: The June 2006 Dice Report ranks Seattle No. 10 in available
jobs, with 1,901 listed, up over 300 from one year ago. Indeed.com ranks Seattle No. 4 in
number of tech jobs per capita, with 13 jobs per 1000 people. And a WashTech/CWA report
issued this week calls Seattle a "bright spot" of technology growth in a recovering market.

2. Atlanta • City population: 419,122 • Companies that call it home: Cingular, EarthLink, Internet
Security Systems • The details: The June 2006 Dice Report ranks Atlanta No. 9 in available jobs,
with 2,366 listed. Indeed.com ranks Atlanta No. 1 in tech number of jobs per capita, with 17 per
1000 people.

3. Boston • City population: 569,165 • Companies that call it home: Akamai Technologies, EMC
Corp., CMGI venture capital • The details: The June 2006 Dice Report ranks Boston No. 7 in
available jobs, with 2,699 listed, up over 400 from one year ago. Indeed.com ranks Boston No. 5
in the number of tech jobs per capita, with 11 per 1000 people. WashTech/CWA, in a report
issued this week, gives Boston props for holding its own in IT job creation after the recession.

4. Washington, D.C. • City population: 553,523 • Companies that call it home: Sprint Nextel,
America Online (nearby), Computer Sciences Corporation • The details: The June 2006 Dice
Report ranks Washington No. 2 in available jobs, with 2,548 listed. Indeed.com ranks
Washington No. 3 in the number of tech jobs per capita, with 14 jobs per 1000 people.
WashTech/CWA, in a report issued this week, gives Washington props for holding its own in IT
job creation after the recession.

5. Dallas • City population: 1,210,393 • Companies that call it home: Aspen Communications,
CompUSA, Electronic Data Systems, Kinkos • The details: WashTech/CWA, in a report issued this
week, gives Dallas props for hold its own in IT job creation after the recession. Dallas is home to
the "technology corridor," the source of nearly 100,000 jobs before the recession.

6. Philadelphia • City population: 1,470,151 • Companies that call it home: Unisys, SAP America,
Verizon • The details: The June 2006 Dice Report ranks Philadelphia No. 6 in available jobs, with
3,345 listed, up approximately 500 from one year ago. Indeed.com ranks Philadelphia No. 13 in
the number of tech jobs per capita, with eight jobs per 1000 people.

7. Chicago • City population: 2,862,244 • Companies that call it home: Accenture, US Robotics,
Telephone and Data Systems, Click Commerce, Motorola (nearby) • The details: The June 2006
Dice Report ranks Chicago No. 5 in available jobs, with 3,648 listed, up almost 700 from one year
ago.

8. Orlando • City population: 205,648 • Companies that call it home: Lockheed Martin, Symantec,
Electronic Arts (nearby) • The details: Indeed.com ranks Orlando No. 9 in the number of jobs per
capita, with 10 technology jobs per 1000 people. Joel Kotkin, a writer on economic and political
trends, lists Orlando among areas ripe to become the next Silicon Valley, noting its quick
economic and population growth, and according to Inc. Magazine, among the reasons is that
Florida has a job growth of 9.6 percent between 2001-2005, the third highest in the country.

9. Los Angeles • City population: 3,845,541 • Companies that call it home: DirecTV, Belkin,
Univision, Memorex • The details: The June 2006 Dice Report ranks Lose Angeles No. 4 in
available jobs, with 5,218 listed, up over 700 from one year ago. NimbleCat.com, a tech jobtracking
service, finds that Los Angeles comes in first place in tech job creation.

10. Charlotte • City population: 651,359 • Companies that call it home: SPX Corporation, Time
Warner Cable, Bank of America • The details: Indeed.com ranks Charlotte No. 7 in the number of
tech jobs per capita, with 10 technology jobs per 1000 people. Inc. Magazine in its Boomtowns
'06 report calls Charlotte the 11th best place in the United States to do business. The cost of
living in Charlotte is 30 percent lower than in the San Francisco Bay Area.

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 06:57 PM

C/O dcfilmknight at UP:

The Contemporary is adding a 15 or 16 story tower to its complex. It is rumored that the project will be announced and break ground in October.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/dcfilmknight/db_2008_DVC_Wing_art11.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/dcfilmknight/db_2008_DVC_Wing_art21.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:01 PM

c/o Tim at UP:

THe Landmark-- to take over old Hyatt & 192 property:

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7696/bilderc1.jpg

TampaMike

August 13th, 2006, 07:07 PM

^^^^ I like that one :)

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:08 PM

c/o bic at UP; from a few months back:

An 18-story 1,400-room Hilton hotel will break ground before the end of the year and, when completed in 2009, be connected to the north concourse of the Orange County Convention Center by an elevated walkway.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-03/22577518.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:13 PM

c/o tm68 at up: Mona Lisa-- already broke ground at Celebration Place:

http://www.monalisaatcelebration.com

http://www.monalisaatcelebration.com/assets/design/birds-eye_view.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:23 PM

c/o firemick from late 2005: Rosen's Shingle Creek Resort & CC.-- 1,500 rms; 250,000 sq. ft CC.:
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3672/01shingle20creek20resort2020re.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1874/20051016aerial28jc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

UCF Rosen School of Hospitality in upper right of photo:

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/4878/20051016aerial34mc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:27 PM

c/o firemick at up:

Two renderings of Sage Resort, on Turkey Lake Rd just north of Sand Lake Hospital.

http://img343.imageshack.us/img343/8531/sage2hr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img343.imageshack.us/img343/9366/sage27wp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:29 PM

c/o firemick at UP:

Village of Imagine, located on Universal Blvd across from the OCCC. There are two 12 story hotels fronting the Boulevard. Main address is 9635 Universal Blvd. The first 12 story tower is already U/C.
http://www.villageofimagine.com/

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/5475/productlargeimage3489113052594.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

c/o bic at up.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5492/voiaerialrendering2su.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7908/voigrandimaginerendering2xs.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 07:46 PM

c/o bic at up: couple of weeks back when the Commuter Rail was announced in DT ORL:

Gov. Jeb Bush (left) talks with Congressman John Mica before the announcement of the nearly $491 million deal with CSX that will bring commuter rail to Central Florida.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-08/24690332.jpg

A proposed route map is displayed as Gov. Jeb Bush announces the nearly $491 million deal with CSX that will bring commuter rail to Central Florida.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-08/24690178.jpg

State senator Lee Constantine (R-Altamonte Springs) touring a prototype doubledecker commuter rail car after the announcement by Gov. Jeb Bush of a nearly $491 million deal with CSX that will bring commuter rail to Central Florida.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-08/24690152.jpg

Ken Bordner, a CSX rail signal maintenance worker (far right) checks out a prototype doubledecker commuter rail car as guests tour the car.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-08/24690149.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 08:00 PM

The new Winnie Palmer CHildren's Hosp. at ORHS on Orange (few months back)(c/o bulldogger at up):

http://img449.imageshack.us/img449/8269/p10403470zd.jpg

Also, these are updated photos of the Wellesley on Edgewater Drive in College Park:

http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/6412/cp1ps7.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5384/cp2te6.jpg

FloridaFuture

August 13th, 2006, 08:05 PM

Thats a cool looking hospital. Go Orlando. :cheer:

Lakelander

August 13th, 2006, 08:11 PM

Great updates. Btw, what's the tower going up in Reunion Resort, just south of Disney?

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 08:14 PM

c/o firemick at up:

Park Towers Altamonte: 16 story and 13 story luxury condo residential towers on southbank of Cranes Roost. (sitework)

Notice how they dwarf the 8 story apt. bldg. which is presently topped off with the north face complete to the left. It is currently visible from I-4 beyond the first Emerson tower which opened recently. THe apt. bldg. is in the shape of a rectangle and encompasses its owh parking deck within; it is self contained.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2336/parktowersaltamonte5ns.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 08:23 PM

Great updates. Btw, what's the tower going up in Reunion Resort, just south of Disney?
It's Reunion Grande being built by Turner. No photos, but there is a rendering and siteplan somewhere... condos. the site is amazing and as you probably noticed, there are dozens of bldgs. U/C all over that property. It is already dwarfing ChampionsGate and will soon dwarf Celebration.

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 08:26 PM

c/o Tim3167 at up:

This is one of Kuhn's next projects at Washington and Orange: The Dolive. THis is a new rendering from the presentation to the Historic Preservation Board Meeting a few weeks back.

http://img425.imageshack.us/img425/4954/dolive7ho.jpg

c/o orlandonative at up: THis is Eola Place which is straddled the recently completed Jackson.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b38/orlandonative/Eola.jpg

...and these are c/o upsdan at up:
http://www.orlandoskyscrapers.com/sitebuilder/images/Eola_Place_Camera_03-600x388.jpg

http://www.orlandoskyscrapers.com/sitebuilder/images/Eola_Place_Camera_04-600x388.jpg

http://www.orlandoskyscrapers.com/sitebuilder/images/Camera_match-600x388.jpg

...and these are PTP updates c/o Tim3167 from July:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6834/dsc3245edited1le7.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2619/dsc3278edited1sy6.jpg
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/8269/dsc3325edited1oh7.jpg

... and an updated skyline shot showing PTP, the bandshell, CNL, Suntrust, etc... THe power is now on at PTP:
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9711/dsc3568edited1ie9.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 09:05 PM

new rendering for Capital Plaza III, c/o bic at up. THis complex will border Pine St. to the north and Rosalind to the west. it is in a low-height zone on the east side of Rosalind.

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/2887/capitalplaza3oa4.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1970/capitalplaza4wb4.jpg

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/3973/capitalplaza5pi8.jpg

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/7587/capitalplaza1ez6.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/5096/capitalplaza2is6.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 09:15 PM

c/o maxxlife at up, this is a view from Washington and Magnolia looking NE. THe foreground shows the Dynetech construction site, with the Vue a block away. These two bldgs., when finished, will compliment Amsouth greatly with regards to density in that area.

http://img343.imageshack.us/img343/6609/113ql5.jpg

clo Tim3167 at up, this next photo shows the western-most edge of the 55W construction site, which abuts the CSX tracks. In the right-back of the photo, you can see the original Church St. train station w/ the locomotive in front. The Commuter Rail line is to have a station at Church Street as well.

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/9872/dsc3264edited1eb8.jpg

c/o bulldogger at up, here are construction photos of 55W from a couple of weeks back:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9476/55wqv7.jpg

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8764/55w2ug7.jpg

c/o dannyh at up, this photo shows the Paramount construction site with Waverly in the background.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h114/dhumphress/DSCN0987.jpg

c/o palmtree73 at up, this is a view from Waverly looking east over the Paramount site. Sanctuary is in the background:

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/3210/cranext9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 09:49 PM

c/o bulldogger at up, here is a view of Star Tower u/c:
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/2897/star1ct.jpg
... and here's a view from the Waverly by palmtree73 showing Star and the Jackson in the background:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1958/startower1rs5.jpg
...and c/o bulldogger at up, here's a shot of the construction site from July for 101 Eola:
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5835/p1050371oo4.jpg
and a rendering c/o jaybee at up:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/30jaybee/205SEolacopy.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 10:16 PM

here's a view of 801 N. Orange from 1 1/2 months ago c/o bic at up. The grass lot to the north is where Ivanhoe twin towers is slated to go (renamed "Verde"). THis is in Uptown.
http://www.801northorange.com/images/Jun06.jpg
another photo from May c/o bulldogger...
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1036/magnolia25ax.jpg
also, this is a recent photo of City Commons, showing the CNL, City Hall, and recently completed CNL II (RBC Centura Bank) on the right (c/o tim3167 at up):
http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/6492/dsc1166a0ra.jpg

jzquince69

August 13th, 2006, 10:29 PM

Here is a recent proposal for a mixed use tower at Livingston and Orange. small lot. 385 N. Orange (c/o bic at up):
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1509/385norange21cf.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/711/385norange33qm.jpg http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/2166/385norange17xg.jpg http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/2/385norange46rq.jpg

Here is a rendering superimposing Tradition Towers into the Orlando skyline looking from north to south over Rosalind. c/o upsdan at up:
http://www.orlandoskyscrapers.com/sitebuilder/images/TT-294x244.png

Maxim98

August 14th, 2006, 03:18 AM

Nice, nice updates. This definitely need to be compiled for the front page. Awesome.

orlandonative

August 14th, 2006, 03:54 AM

Damn jz, good job!

FLAWDA-FELLA

August 14th, 2006, 07:15 AM

Great pics man, looks like Orlando is really starting to develop!!! Btw, are there any talks of a 500'er or higher going up anytime soon??

Dale

August 14th, 2006, 05:16 PM

Not with the executive airport nearby. However, there is a new tallest planned at around 460'.

FLAWDA-FELLA

August 14th, 2006, 05:25 PM

Thanx Dale, I guess a 460' tower will suffice for now.

jzquince69

August 14th, 2006, 11:32 PM

here's some different renderings of Blue Rose on Universal and Carrier, c/o bic at up:
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/9932/bluerose1yq5.jpg

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/9610/bluerose2mk3.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7782/thebluerose20lr.jpg

and here is the location for the 1,500 room Hilton & Waldorf Collection two-tower complex, c/o i_cre8 at up:
http://idisk.mac.com/i_cre8/Public/hilton_location.gif

and here is an article about a proposal from last year for the new Solis brand hotels to open up in o-town, c/o bic at up (sorry, no pix):
Luxury hotel targets Orlando

By Jerry W. Jackson | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted July 29, 2005

The bustling business-tourist corridor near the Orange County Convention Center will get a boost in luxury hotel rooms if plans for a new upscale brand come through.

Representatives of an Atlanta-based hotel company run by the former president of Ritz-Carlton said Thursday that it will open and manage a 300-room luxury hotel in south Orlando in 2008.

The Solis Resort & Spa will be built near the convention center and will be one of six hotels to open under the new Solis brand, representatives of the West Paces Hotel Group LLC said Thursday.

West Paces is headed by Horst Schulze, former Ritz-Carlton president, and is bankrolled in part by former Coca-Cola Chief Executive Officer Douglas Ivester.

Convention Center Executive Director Tom Ackert said he had no details about the project but liked the concept. However, Ackert said past projects have been announced and "no dirt turned," so convention center officials "look with some skepticism" at all announcements of proposed upscale projects in the area.

jzquince69

August 15th, 2006, 12:13 AM

here are newer images of Orlando City Place-- not sure if they've been posted yet. this project is moving forward by having hired a marketing company already; and the Lexington condotel conversion of the old Holiday Inn is nearly complete exterior-wise (the Lexington is one of those two small bldgs. depicted within the "U" that the 3 larger towers create; its the one on the right:

these are the latest images, c/o bic at up:
http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/home-side.jpg http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/homeplace-side.jpg http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/workplace-side.jpg http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/funplace-side.jpg http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/dining-side.jpg
[/quote]

smiley

August 15th, 2006, 04:56 AM

Well, I have to say, I am not too keen on the Dinsey clusters, but hte last thing there - leaving aside the bizarre and discombobulating fireworks in the background - where exactly is that going.

I like the size, though the layout remins me of those huge soviet-era hotels in Moscow - very crowded, as opposed to dense - and inhibting its own view corridors (which I think is always a bad idea). Nonetheless, it would add to urban feel in downtown

smiley

August 15th, 2006, 04:58 AM

This is the one I mean (Hotel Cosmos) - it is not the design per se (the orlando design is much better - at least the facade) but sort of the massing- just that big wall (I know, the orlando design is broken up, but I think it will really come across as more of a big wall) - like I saide, good for adding to urban density and feel (street action seems good), but a bit disturbing

http://www.moscow-hotels.net/images/hotels/cosmos-hotel/facade.jpg

especially with these views (god, please remove the fireworks)
http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/home-side.jpg
http://orlandocityplace.com/images/side/workplace-side.jpg

Lakelander

August 15th, 2006, 12:57 PM

Orlando City Place is planned for a site located on SW corner of Colonial Blvd and I-4, a few blocks NW from the core downtown area.

FLAWDA-FELLA

August 15th, 2006, 02:00 PM

Nice looking projects. Especially the rendering of Orlando City Place, w/o the fireworks of course.

jzquince69

August 15th, 2006, 07:07 PM

Personally, I have mixed feelings about this project:

The Lexington is pretty much Med. Revival, but the rest of the towers are of some progressive form of architecture... not a good mix.

the towers to me look like the OC Cthse. on steroids- in form and in layout. I don't like the location... but...

I'll reserve judgement for a while until Lexington opens and the developers are further along with the other towers' planning and what not. If they price these cheap, I think they'll get built, and I'll leave it at that.

FloridaFuture

August 15th, 2006, 11:07 PM

I like the density of Orlando City Place. The towers look pretty nice too. :)

jzquince69

August 15th, 2006, 11:08 PM

these are some older construction pix and renderings of projects at the Metrowest PUD which is within the city limits (c/o accat 2204 at up):

Veranda Park at Metrowest

sorry, no photo as of yet, but here are some facts regarding the development (c/o sunshine at up):

Veranda Park Lifestyle Center

• 15- 18 signature restaurants
• 20-screen cinema
• Nearly 60 specialty retail stores
• 500 private condominium residences
• 300,000 sq.ft. professional office space
• Outdoor amphitheater
• Town center parks and fountains
• Integrated structured parking for over 3000 vehicles
• Italian village styling with beautifully detailed streetscape

Promenade At Metrowest

http://www.promenadecondominium.com/images/Promenade_aerialOCT02.jpg

The Condominiums of Plaza del Lago at MetroWest

http://www.parkdevelopment.net/properties/condo_plaza_del_lago/condo2_lg.jpg

Esplanade Center at Metrowest

http://www.parkdevelopment.net/properties/esplanade/esplanade1_lg.jpg

http://www.parkdevelopment.net/properties/esplanade/esplanade4_lg.jpg

jzquince69

August 16th, 2006, 10:11 PM

here's some renderings and updated construction photos of 55W:

updated rendering c/o prahaboheme at up:
http://www.pcl.com/media/files/Projects/61_Orlando/6101049_rendering_1_300.jpg

and construction photos c/o tim3167 at up:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2027/dsc3600edited1jh9.jpg
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/1207/dsc3602edited1da4.jpg
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1696/dsc3605edited1cx7.jpg

Tim3167

August 16th, 2006, 11:09 PM

I will add that I post my construction photos in the Construction Updates forum here at SSC. I like the threads there because I think it helps with awareness for the larger community. Please take a moment to check out those threads.

Use links below:
55 West (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=295821)
Dynetech Center (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=333593)
Vue (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248098)
Premiere Trade Plaza (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248077)

Jasonhouse

August 17th, 2006, 02:38 AM

chain-blue-lightning

August 17th, 2006, 08:02 AM

c/o Tim at UP:

THe Landmark-- to take over old Hyatt & 192 property:

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7696/bilderc1.jpg

I wanna know more about this project???/looks like something from Dubai..God I miss Orlando!

jzquince69

August 18th, 2006, 01:56 AM

Sweet updates folks... Especially jquince... damn bro!

If I ever finish with the Tampa thread, perhaps I will pop in here and take a stab at assembling it all in the first post or two of the thread. (so that there is a proper list)
thanx, but I can't take much credit, though. the orig. photographers of those pix and orig. posters are the real heroes.

Sunstorm

August 21st, 2006, 07:16 PM

Great projects mentioned above. What Orlando's skyline lacks in height, it will more than make up for in attractiveness, and hopefully density, when these projects are all completed. :)

jzquince69

September 1st, 2006, 04:24 PM

c/o Violindude at UP: Article:

Orlando ranked number #2 in nation for relocation.

http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/sto...tml?jst=b_ln_hl (http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2006/08/28/daily36.html?jst=b_ln_hl)

jzquince69

September 14th, 2006, 11:32 PM

c/o sunshine at UP, here is the rendering of the proposed new Arena that was printed in the Sentinel.:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2006-09/25359063.jpg

FloridaFuture

September 14th, 2006, 11:57 PM

That is a pretty nice looking arena, will it replace the TD Waterhouse Center?

Dale

September 15th, 2006, 12:56 AM

That is a pretty nice looking arena, will it replace the TD Waterhouse Center?

Yes, although the location is uncertain and TD Waterhouse may or may not be demolished.

But the new arena is gargantuan, twice the size of TD Waterhouse.

Tim3167

September 23rd, 2006, 02:59 AM

Orlando construction update 9/16/2006
Premiere Trade Plaza
http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/1678/dsc4463edited1ic4.jpg
http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/4814/dsc4546edited1pj9.jpg

Vue
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6126/dsc4511edited1ft1.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1466/dsc4524edited1ww2.jpg

55 West
http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/7474/dsc4467edited1py9.jpg
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/7418/dsc4479edited1nl6.jpg

Dynetech Center
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/9461/dsc4535edited1qf7.jpg
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6638/dsc4542edited1ch8.jpg

orlandonative

September 23rd, 2006, 05:00 AM

Nice photos Tim

Can you say blowin up? Say what you want about height and all that creap, but outside of Miami no other Florida city converts proposed buildings in its CBD like Orlando.

SkyDiveJunkee

September 23rd, 2006, 06:54 PM

Great update Tim. The vibrancy of downtown Orlando keeps getting better and better. Just wait until the next round of projects start digging up dirt (notably Tradition Towers).

Sunstorm

September 25th, 2006, 07:35 PM

Nice photos Tim

Can you say blowin up? Say what you want about height and all that creap, but outside of Miami no other Florida city converts proposed buildings in its CBD like Orlando.

^^That's what I've been saying, too. I've always been a big fan of Orlando's downtown and I'm super excited to see all of these beautiful new towers rising. Still, though, it would be nice to see something really tall get built in Orlando. I imagine some high flying developer buying up some land in a semisuburban, high trafficed intersection of town, where there is no FAA restrictions, and plopping down a supertall. If he (or she) were to bill it as the tallest skyscraper in the South, it would get leased up in no time. Maybe other scrapers could shoot up around it, kinda like Atlanta's Midtown area. If there are no height limits around the convention center, someone could build a supertall hotel there, even. Just some of my wishfull thinking. Just for fun, do any of you Orlando people have any ideas where Orlando could have a "skyscraper" district?

Dale

September 25th, 2006, 07:45 PM

You may get your wish. A developer who has demolished a hotel off of I-Drive and who plans multiple highrises made a point recently of mentioning that the height limit in that area is 497'. Almost sounds as if he aims to build up to that.

And don't ask me why there's a height limit in the I-Drive area.

Tim3167

October 15th, 2006, 08:18 PM

Construction Update 10/14/2006

Premiere Trade Plaza
http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/1420/dsc4614edited1ue7.jpg
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3637/dsc4665edited1vk1.jpg

Vue
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/8229/dsc4562edited1ln6.jpg
http://img282.imageshack.us/img282/1633/dsc4639edited1kv7.jpg

55 West
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6443/dsc4584edited1jj8.jpg
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3135/dsc4592edited1on8.jpg

Dynetech
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/9692/dsc4651edited1ep9.jpg
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/8271/dsc4656edited1bt6.jpg

SkyDiveJunkee

October 16th, 2006, 02:12 AM

Great update. The Vue is looking good, finally topped off.

smiley

October 16th, 2006, 02:14 AM

I am growing more fond of the Premiere Trade Plaza as it gets close to finishing

FloridaFuture

October 16th, 2006, 02:15 AM

The Vue looks very nice and commanding of the surrounding area. Also the Premiere Trade Plaza looks like renderings for Orlando City Place. Is there a recent skyline shot of Orlando anywhere? I've been wanting to see how it has been filling in.:)

FloridaFuture

October 16th, 2006, 02:19 AM

I am growing more fond of the Premiere Trade Plaza as it gets close to finishing

It is a large and attractive project. The only thing I don't like about it is the look of the top portion of the buildings evident in Tim's 2nd picture. It reminds me of a a parking garage, on top instead of on bottom.:dunno:

Tim3167

October 16th, 2006, 02:21 AM

This one is from a bit more of a distance.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3307/dsc4634edited1xe5.jpg

SkyDiveJunkee

October 16th, 2006, 02:21 AM

I am growing more fond of the Premiere Trade Plaza as it gets close to finishing

For me its a love-hate thing. I love the project and what it is doing for downtown though its rather bland. That being said, at the pedestrian level it seems to be improving with the little details (awnings, landscaping). It will serve its purpose just fine.

smiley

October 16th, 2006, 02:24 AM

Yea, but look - it really fills in the area - it is not overawing - but it fills it in - which is how cities are really built.

I mean, it is not art (but what art gets built anywhere, really) but it is nice and it has an impact that was not exposed until it was out of the ground.

SkyDiveJunkee

October 16th, 2006, 02:28 AM

^ I agree. Not to mention it was this project that started the downtown boom essentially and its location - which in retrospect seems hard to believe - was considered a risky site to develop just two years ago.

FloridaFuture

October 16th, 2006, 02:32 AM

This one is from a bit more of a distance.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3307/dsc4634edited1xe5.jpg

Thanks for that picture Tim. This project really does give Orlando some of the density it has always lacked compared to some other Florida cities. And better yet I see cranes in the background. Good job Orlando.:)

SkyDiveJunkee

October 16th, 2006, 02:38 AM

That crane in the background is for the 55 West project on Church Street. One about the 3rd floor now:

http://www.pcl.com/media/files/Projects/61_Orlando/6101049_rendering_1_300.jpg

Tim's:
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3135/dsc4592edited1on8.jpg

Geborgenheit

October 18th, 2006, 11:07 AM

Looks good! :okay: I like the projects and glad, Orlando is not stagnating. :)

Jasonhouse

October 18th, 2006, 05:37 PM

I am growing more fond of the Premiere Trade Plaza as it gets close to finishing

Agreed... I like how dense it is...

Love the pics Tim!

jzquince69

October 18th, 2006, 10:13 PM

Here's something that will add to the Universal neighborhood, which, with its eventual neighbor to the south, Blue Rose, could springboard the "big box" developments in the I-Drive area past where the OCCC hotels currently are situated.

THis was the original vision posted a while back for Citymark (c/o Sunshine at UP):
http://www.ebdevelopers.com/images/citymarkpic3.jpg

THis is the actual plan which is going before (or already has) the MPB this month (c/o bic at up):

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2149/citymark7kd2.jpg

Quegiebo

October 19th, 2006, 02:10 PM

Wow! That is a incredible development that looks like it could run in the billions of $$.

Please keep us posted and good luck, Orlando.

jzquince69

October 20th, 2006, 04:47 PM

here's the site where this is going and rendering of the first phase (c/o bic at up):

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8296/citymark1je9.jpg

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/6760/citymark2ns8.jpg

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2379/citymark3zm0.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/4205/citymark4tb5.jpg

Tim3167

October 21st, 2006, 02:21 PM

There is a Grand Opening Celebration Gala for The Plaza tonight. Nothings really opening.....but the lights are on the office part of the project....
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3959/dsc4684edited1fd3.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1066/dsc4686edited1sa9.jpg
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7894/dsc4688edited1tk3.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5595/dsc4693edited1cf9.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/418/dsc4697edited1zn0.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4497/dsc4698edited1bk2.jpg

Hisma

October 21st, 2006, 03:24 PM

lookin very sweet!

Jasonhouse

October 21st, 2006, 08:08 PM

jzquince69

October 22nd, 2006, 01:24 AM

The one thing I noticed about the project is how it isn't nearly so impressive/attractive as it is from the west (I-4) side of the site...

But hell, it's great density/infill right smack in the middle of O-town's core... Looks are a secondary concern at most.

being a former chicago resident, I compare this thing to the Water Tower Place, 900 N. Michigan, and Chicago Place; similar-sized footprint; similar purpose. No secret Kuhn is a Chicagoan, and his inspiration most likely emanates from those 3 bldgs.

All those bldgs are geared towards one goal-- and that's improving Michigan Avenue's streetscape. all other supporting roads are secondary. (in ORL, Orange is primary). 900 N. Michigan even has a huge garage a block and a half off of the main drag behind the tower (ala Magnolia's facade). Chicago Place's is set off as well. WTP's is hidden b/c of the mall enclosed within the pedestal.

I will say that there are some things I would have done differently(the good outnumber the bad), but this bldg. won't even be the premier property in downtown for long. 55W is geared to give it stiff competition, and Tradition Towers, once they open, will make this project an afterthought, making Rosalind/Central corridor an even more important part of downtown. Paramount will also add to the Central corridor with the enclosed Publix and retail venues within.

TT will be an afterthough as well once Kodsi builds what he bills as a project which will give NYC's AOL/Time-Warner Center a run for its money at Orange & Colonial. Project to be revealed next month or so (in more detail from the MPB proposal last month). TT is slated to break ground in January after the U-Club's lease is up. 55W is currently on the 3rd-4th level of construction. Paramount is on the second level from the base.

Even further, Orl. City Place is always improving the designs of its retail portion (the Lexington redo people on Hughey & 50). Except, not sure about the viability of that project at this stage.

Jasonhouse

October 22nd, 2006, 06:04 PM

jzquince69

October 23rd, 2006, 12:18 AM

^Any developer trying to assert that any project in DT Orlando is going to "one up" true landmarks, like those mentioned in CHI and NYC, should be written off for the crackpot that he is... Unfortunately, due to the hieght and density restrictions in DT Orlando, it will be a LONG time coming before anything built there is even considered to be in the same league as similar properties in places like NYC and CHI... (mind you, the same goes for basically all of Florida, except for Miami, and maybe Jax in 50 years)

I agree with you-- with the exception that AOL TWC is brand new and was built by Forbes Co., the same crew that did Mall at Millenia and International Plaza. His comparison to that complex I think moreso revolves around the uses included within the complex and the quality of materials used, versus the height (ORL can't touch that) and overall number of residential units.

As far as things down here being in the same league as up there, I dnk, I could make a list of several first class properties in the tri-county area-- but I do see your point, b/c I was saying the same thing.

The thing about Kodsi is that he has always followed thru with every project he has announced; from Santuary to Star Tower in downtown as his latest two examples. I am curious about this new project, though. If I find any renderings and stats, I'll post 'em.

Dale

October 23rd, 2006, 02:15 AM

I don't know that Kodsi has actually said his project will 'one-up' Time-Warner. I do recall something to the effect of hearkening to or reminding of.

In any case, given Kodsi, I certainly do expect something fairly spectacular for Orlando.

smiley

October 23rd, 2006, 03:28 AM

Ok, I like it but this worries me:
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5595/dsc4693edited1cf9.jpg

It is early yet, but I see no obvious store fronts, no real plaza where people will sit and mingle - no real street feature. Tell me I am wrong and this project is not completely inward looking with the sundries shop next to the door to the garage like so many 80 and 90's buildings. . . Please . . .

orlandonative

October 23rd, 2006, 04:59 AM

^There isint a c.o. Filed yet. Nothing is open.

smiley

October 23rd, 2006, 01:39 PM

Indeed, but what is hte plan - it looks completely anti-pedestrian

Jasonhouse

October 23rd, 2006, 04:51 PM

Well, not totally anti-ped, but I see what you mean... It ain't exactly cozy either... At least all of those planters provide plenty of places to take a seat...

I have no idea, but suspect that both curving areas will be occupied by something like a store, resturant or bank branch...

jzquince69

October 23rd, 2006, 06:18 PM

Ok, the curved facade one restaurant- for each tower. THe squared-off facade closer to the overhang on each tower will also house one restaurant each. THere are doors fronting Orange at the corners, with entrances along Pine and Church, with a lobby which cuts N-S through each bldg., somewhere near where the canopy's edge is. The escalators and stairs are in the center area under the canopy as are more doors for the interior restaurants.

The theatres are on the level above where the "X's" are.

THere is a fairly wide walkway where the columns are along the curved facade which could easily handle outdoor seating if that's what the plans call for (between the planters and the glass wall).

I just got back from a tour of the Solaire-- went up to the 30th floor lofts, and Kuhn's penthouse balcony. It wasn't planned so I didn't think to bring a camera. THe PTP lobbies are almost done and look nice; typical granite, metal trim with dark wood panels as well.

Dale

October 23rd, 2006, 06:43 PM

I'm afraid that '105,000 sq.ft. of retail' translate to 12 restaurants, a travel agency and a Kinko's. Hope I'm wrong. But restaurants are all I've heard mentioned to date. DT doesn't need more restaurants. How about a newstand, for crying out loud ?

Jasonhouse

October 23rd, 2006, 07:17 PM

^hey, that ain't all bad... trust me, 12 restaurants will not all survive, meaning that inevitably some other retail uses will wind up occupying some of the spaces...

It sounds pretty decent ot me... This is Florida afterall, where sound urban planning is a very new endeavor.

jzquince69

October 23rd, 2006, 10:02 PM

now, there is also the retail along Magnolia... but I don't know what the floorplans look like to say how many parlors there will be.

as for Solaire, I was told that it's crest will also illuminate like the other two towers.

smiley

October 24th, 2006, 12:06 AM

jzquince69

October 24th, 2006, 01:08 AM

My concern is not numbers - but my guess is that the restaurants all have their entrances inside the building, not on the street - where they belong. IT is the 90's hybrid attempt to fix the 80's failure but not really solve the problem. I hope they open onto the street [or both ways] (I mean front door - not smoking/cafe section) - but that photo makes me think not.

Don'tget me wrong, more retail is good, but it needs to stop being inward facing. That is a unique Florida problem (St. PEte is actually addressingthat quite well)

the two largest restaurant spaces for each tower that I mentioned earlier all have doors facing the central plaza and Orange Ave.

point taken... that '80's failure actually spanned many decades-- from the '60's to the '80's. that was the huge knock on Chicago's mega bldgs. from the Daley Plaza to the Sears Tower in '74, and even the famed Water Tower Place in '76; very little streetside interaction.

we'll see with this one...

jzquince69

November 14th, 2006, 09:07 PM

the only news as of late is an announcement that the Blue Man Group will occupy a renovated Nickelodeon Studios bldg. at Universal, with a new entrance at Citywalk, and will be a permanent show, sometime in 2007.

jzquince69

November 17th, 2006, 11:46 PM

The Sanctuary now has 2 of its 3 restaurant spaces open for business along Eola Drive.

And the new cafe at the Church St./Orange Ave. intersection inside Suntrust finally took down the construction wall, giving new life to an other wise dead corner, a rarity in that part of downtown.

smiley

November 18th, 2006, 02:42 AM

Cool - do they face out of the building?

Am I correct in thinking this is in that little courtyard area next (to the south of, I think) SunTrust or is it on the other side?

jzquince69

November 18th, 2006, 05:43 AM

Cool - do they face out of the building?

Am I correct in thinking this is in that little courtyard area next (to the south of, I think) SunTrust or is it on the other side?

the Sanctuary restaurants face outside, with tables outdoors as well. The Suntrust eatery is part of the bldg, literally right at the corner of Orange and Church (northeast corner; the courtyard is to the south); they tore down some of the granite and put in windows-- on both facades. a big change to a lot of wall area.

Tim3167

November 20th, 2006, 06:24 PM

Some Orlando construction updates on projects over 300':

Plaza
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/7194/dsc4761edited1ag2.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7726/dsc4795edited1bh9.jpg

Vue
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/5104/dsc4781edited1yv3.jpg
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6400/dsc4787edited1zx9.jpg

55West
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/6957/dsc4763edited1pm7.jpg
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5018/dsc4767edited1kl8.jpg

Dynetech
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4231/dsc4786edited1ju6.jpg
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9238/dsc4809edited1ic4.jpg

Sunstorm

November 20th, 2006, 09:04 PM

Nice pics. Orlando's developing a very pretty skyline.

jzquince69

November 20th, 2006, 09:35 PM

here's an article today in the CFB section of the Sentinel today about Orlando's office market. I'm paraphrasing, but here's what it said:

Of the largest metros in FLA, Orlando metro has the state's lowest office vacancy rate at 7.6%. It also ranks #1 in the state with new office space U/C at 1.54M square feet. Palm Beach Co. is #2 at 1M square feet. The tenants mainly comprise tourist sector, financial, and computer software industries.

--however, what I'm wondering, is why they list PB Co. as its own metro. Is it not included in the MIA-FT.L metro for these numbers? According to this, Orl has more office space U/C than Miami metro as well.

jzquince69

December 22nd, 2006, 05:43 PM

I just checked this site a few minutes ago:

www.cfrail.com

I had no idea they had progressed this much with the proposal, incorporating also LRT from Altamonte to 528 and LRT from I-4 to OIA as well.

smiley

December 23rd, 2006, 05:17 AM

I am so happy that Orlando is doing that, you have no idea. . .

It has done wonders for our rail movement (as I alsways said it would)

multifamilyinvestor

December 23rd, 2006, 03:53 PM

Tim3167 - Beautiful Pics. I have to admit Orlando has more Highrise projects u/c in the CBD then Tampa....

and Lake Eola looks great!

:)

jzquince69

January 5th, 2007, 01:29 AM

Demo work began 2 weeks ago for Eola Place. Image c/o Maxxlife at UP.

The 9-story Jackson is to the left. THis view is facing west. Star Tower would be just beyond the tower to the west. THe vantage point is somewhere above where 101 Eola is U/C, just east of Sanctuary, in Thornton Park area.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/692/starr9szmr8.jpg

FloridaFuture

January 5th, 2007, 01:32 AM

Looks like a nice building.
:)

Maxim98

January 5th, 2007, 01:40 AM

I like the design, but I'm concerned about the proximity some of the lower levels have to the existing project. Yikes.

smiley

January 5th, 2007, 03:04 AM

That is very big (mass wise) - I am not sure that model really explains how the balconies are going to look - which is somewhat of a concern - the pic makes them look a bit messy - probably won't be that messy, but a concern.

I really like the streetscaping though - that is prime urban residential with the spaces, grass and tree border and then goodsidewalk - nice place to chat as the dog craps.

jzquince69

January 5th, 2007, 05:50 PM

I like the design, but I'm concerned about the proximity some of the lower levels have to the existing project. Yikes.

apparently, The Jackson's north face only has hallway corridors; i.e., no units' windows face north. They all face east, west, and south. not sure if it's the same developer.

randommichael

January 5th, 2007, 06:08 PM

It reminds me of something they'd build in channelside here in Tampa.

SkyDiveJunkee

January 6th, 2007, 02:02 AM

I love the massing, but like smiley said so gracefully, the streetscape is questionable. The Jackson, next door, suffers a similar fate.

FloridaFuture

January 6th, 2007, 02:37 AM

SkyDiveJunkee

January 6th, 2007, 06:24 AM

^Well, (a) there is a park across the street and (b) this is the tallest allowed for this part of downtown.

Again, the massing I find right contextually, it is the streetscape that leaves a bit to be desired.

jzquince69

January 6th, 2007, 04:06 PM

It would be nice to make the tower skinnier but taller and turn the extra created space into a park. If retail is at the bottom of the tower, now that would be a nice urban block, and the density more Florida cities need.

15,000 ft2 retail. mostly along Church St. not sure how big the parlors will be or if any one will be large enough to house a large restaurant.

Jasonhouse

January 7th, 2007, 08:44 PM

The three stacks of condos that comprise the whole tower should terminate at different levels. Either staggered like a staircase, or with the middle stack taller than the ends. Anything but that oppressive slab.

Robert.Maddrey

January 9th, 2007, 07:26 AM

Looks like a design straight out of Channelside.

SkyDiveJunkee

January 9th, 2007, 04:06 PM

Go figure, Tampa and Orlando have something in common!!!!

Tim3167

January 15th, 2007, 12:16 AM

Construction Update 1/13/2007 - Just projects 300' and above

Vue
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1627/dsc6021db1.jpg
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/128/dsc6023edited1yb9.jpg

55 West
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/5897/dsc6033edited1jj8.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2871/dsc6037edited1zn3.jpg

Dynetech
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6206/dsc6038edited1um7.jpg
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9411/dsc6042edited1ep2.jpg

FloridaFuture

January 15th, 2007, 12:48 AM

Nice pictures. I'll be going to Downtown Orlando for a Magic game later this week. I'll try to get some pictures too.

Maxim98

January 15th, 2007, 02:42 AM

Vue looks great.

SkyDiveJunkee

January 15th, 2007, 03:01 AM

Nice!!!!! As Dynetech rises I get much more excited for this project. It will help to extend Heritage Square down Magnolia. Otherwise, Vue is HOT!!!!!!

TampaMike

January 15th, 2007, 10:43 PM

Nice!!!!! As Dynetech rises I get much more excited for this project. It will help to extend Heritage Square down Magnolia. Otherwise, Vue is HOT!!!!!!
Just like me! :D

Vue is a stunning project. Another Florida best. I can't wait to see it completed. Who are the developers again?

jzquince69

January 18th, 2007, 10:35 PM

Just like me! :D

Vue is a stunning project. Another Florida best. I can't wait to see it completed. Who are the developers again?

Baker Barrios- architects;
Turner Construction;

chadhinkle

January 20th, 2007, 07:24 PM

How far is Tampa from Orlando?

Maxim98

January 20th, 2007, 08:04 PM

From DT Tampa to DT Tampa is about 75 miles, to Disney maybe 60.

FloridaFuture

January 20th, 2007, 09:45 PM

How far is Tampa from Orlando?

Today, with little to no traffic leaving at around 11:00 A.M. on a Saturday it took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Orlando to Tampa.

TampaMike

January 22nd, 2007, 03:57 AM

Today, with little to no traffic leaving at around 11:00 A.M. on a Saturday it took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Orlando to Tampa.
Now, with a HSR System, you would expect that time to be cut in half........

jzquince69

January 28th, 2007, 04:34 PM

Latest updates:

Orlando Downtown:

1. 801 N. Orange (office & retail)-- completed
2. Sanctuary (resid. & retail)-- completed
3. CNL #2 (office)-- completed
4. 101 Eola (resid. & retail)-- U/C
5. Star Tower (resid. & retail)-- buildout
6. Vue (resid. & retail)-- buildout
7. Plaza South Tower (office & retail)-- buildout
8. Plaza North Tower (office & retail)-- buildout
9. Solaire (resid & retail)-- completed
10. 55W (405 units)-- U/C
11. Dynetech (resid., office, & retail)-- U/C
12. Fed. Cthse-- buildout
13. FAMU Law School-- completed
14. The Lexington at Orlando CityPlace-- (redev. of Holiday Inn; Orl. City Place Phase I)-- completed
15. UCF- Digital Media School-- (renov. of Expo Ctr.)-- completed
16. Paramount (resid., office, & retail)-- U/C
17. Camden Orange Court (resid., office, & retail)-- U/C
18. FH South Tower-- U/C
19. Winnie Palmer-- completed
20. Sheraton-- (redo of Radisson Hotel)-- completed
21. Jefferson Street Garage (parking & retail)-- completed
22. Cityarts Factory (Pine & Orange)-- completed
23. Cafe Ritazza (Suntrust Center; Church & Orange)-- opened
24. Hughes Bath- 2-story store (N. Orange & Fern Creek)-- opened
25. 765-780 N. Orange-- Office; 3-story (Magnolia & Park Lake by One Orlando Ctr.)-- buildout
26. Cornerstone (office & retail redev.)-- completed
27. Office/3 story- (E. Colonial (between Summerlin & Magnolia)-- U/C
28. Fifi's (Sanctuary)-- opened
29. Graze (Sanctuary)-- opened
30. Citrus (801. N. Orange)-- opened
31. Urban Flats (Plaza South Tower)-- opened
32. Bola Italian Eatery (Plaza North Tower)-- buildout
33. Beacon Lounge (Sanctuary)-- opened
34. 12-Screen Cinema (Plaza)-- buildout
35. Brix (The Metropolitan)-- opened
36. District Five (The Lexington at Orlando CityPlace)-- opened
37. The Jackson (resid.)-- completed
38. Eola South (resid.)-- completed
39. Corona Cigar (Plaza North Tower)-- buildout
40. Volcano's Coffee (Plaza North Tower)-- buildout
41. Ra Sushi (801. N. Orange)-- opened
42. Cold Stone Creamery (Plaza North Tower)-- buildout
43. Bento Cafe (Plaza North Tower)-- buildout
44. Salon Elyse (Plaza North Tower)-- opened
45. NYPD Pizza (Plaza North Tower)-- buildout

Orlando new retail:

1. Pointe Orlando ($40M, 450K Sq.Ft. redev; 21 Screen IMAX Theatre redev. (Regal Cinemas))-- U/C
2. Prime Outlets ($200M, 1M Sq.Ft. redev of Belz & 80 store expansion; Phase I & II)-- U/C
3. SoDo (400,000 Sq.Ft. retail/rest. plus resid. condos)-- demo/sitework
4. Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves (1.2M Sq.Ft)-- U/C
5. Waterford Lakes T.C. (west expansion adds to existing 1M Sq.Ft. center)-- buildout
6. The Loop West (400,000 Sq. ft. expansion of The Loop)-- planning/sitework
7. WalMart SC Turkey Lake-- U/C (unfortunately-- but, it will look nice)
8. PTP retail-- buildout
9. Uptown Altamonte retail-- U/C; Phased buildout.
10. Millennia: IKEA (300,000 Sq.Ft.)-- U/C
11. Millennia: West Elm-- sitework
12. Fashion Square K-Mart Plaza--redo
13. Mills/Nebraska (500 resid.; 80K Sq.Ft. Commercial; 300K Sq.Ft. Office)-- sitework
14. WP-- Park Place (Park Ave. & Canton)-- completed
15. Marketplace at Seminole Town Center ($100M; 500,000 Sq. ft.)-- completed
16. The Loop (440,000 Sq. Ft; Regal 16)-- completed
17. Colonial Town Park (200,000 Sq. ft.; Amstar 12)-- completed
18.

Mixed-Use Residential/Non-Residential towers, non-Downtown, at least 12 stories (U/C)

1. Midtown-- Wyndham #1; 30 fl. (sitework)
2. 535-- Blue Heron#2; 23+ fl. (topped off)
3. I-Drive-- Hilton OCCC (1,500 room; 18 fl.; 125k Sq.Ft. CC) (sitework)
4. 535-- Blue Heron#1; 17+ fl. (completed)
5. WDW-- Contemporary Tower 2; 16 fl.+ (demo/sitework)
6. Bonnet Creek-- Hilton; 16 fl. (1,000 room; 125k Sq. Ft. CC) (U/C)
7. Bonnet Creek-- Waldorf Collection 16 fl. (500 room) (U/C)
8. 535-- LBV Res. & Spa Bldg. 3; 15 fl. (topped off)
9. 535-- LBV Res. & Spa Bldg. 4; 15 fl. (level 9)
10. Bonnet Creek-- Fairfield Bonnet Creek Bldg. 4; 15 fl. (topped off)
11. Bonnet Creek-- Fairfield Bonnet Creek Bldg. 5; 15 fl. (topped off)
12. Midtown-- Hilton Grand Vacation Club #1; 14 fl. (sitework)
13. Midtown-- Hilton Grand Vacation Club #2; 14 fl. (sitework)
14. Univ. Blvd.-- Shingle Creek Hotel & CC (1,500 room; 250K Sq. Ft. CC); 12-14 fl. (completed)
15. Univ. Blvd.-- Westin Imagine; 12-14 fl. (topped off)
16. Reunion-- Reunion Grande (89 units) 12 fl. (completed)
17. Univ. Blvd.-- The Point Orlando#1; 12 fl. (topped off)
18. Univ. Blvd.-- The Point Orlando#2; 12 fl. (level 8)
19. Alta-- Emerson Plaza #1 (54 units) 12 fl. (completed)
20. Alta-- Emerson Plaza #2 (54 units) 12 fl. (topped off)
21. I-Drive-- Regency Suites; 12 fl. (level 3)

Mixed-Use Residential/Non-Residential bldgs. non-Downtown, under 12 stories:

1. Celebration-- Mona Lisa (240 room; 5 fl.)-- U/C
2. Uptown Altamonte-- Uptown Lofts-- buildout
3. Metrowest-- Veranda Residences/ Bldg. 4000 (142 units.; 70,000 Sq. ft. retail; 6 fl.)-- U/C
4. I-Drive-- Hilton Grand Vac. Club #5 (6 fl.)-- completed
5. 535-- LBV Res. & Spa/ Bldg. 1 (8 fl.)-- completed
6. 535-- LBV Res. & Spa/ Bldg. 2 (8 fl.)-- completed
7. I-Drive-- Hilton Grand Vac. Club #6 (6 fl.)-- completed
8. I-Drive-- Floridays Resort/ Bldg. A (6 fl.)-- completed
9. I-Drive-- Floridays Resort/ Bldg. B (6 fl.)-- completed
10. I-Drive-- Floridays Resort/ Bldg. C (6 fl.)-- completed
11. I-Drive-- Floridays Resort/ Bldg. D (6 fl.)-- completed
12. I-Drive-- Floridays Resort/ Bldg. E (6 fl.)-- completed
13. I-Drive-- Floridays Resort/ Bldg. F (6 fl.)-- buildout
14. I-Drive-- Sheraton Vistana Villages/ new bldg. (5 fl.)-- U/C
15. College Park--Wellesley-- (7 story) Phase 1--completed/ Phase 2--buildout
16. WP--North Point Place (Orange by FH South) (4 fl.)-- U/C
17. WP--Douglass Grande (New York & Morse)-- U/C
18. WP--The Landmark (off Park Ave) (4 fl.)-- U/C
19. WP--Las Casas (Clay & Indiana) (2 bldgs.)-- U/C
20. I-Drive-- The Fountains/Blue Green/ new bldg #1 (6 fl.)-- U/C
21. I-Drive-- The Fountains/Blue Green/ new bldg #2 (6 fl.)-- U/C
22. I-Drive-- Sheraton Vistana Villages/ new bldg. (5 fl.)-- completed
23. I-Drive-- Sheraton Vistana Villages/ new bldg. (5 fl.)-- completed
24. I-Drive-- Hilton Grand Vac. Club #7 (6 fl.)-- U/C
25. Baldwin Park-- downtown retail bldgs; CVS-- buildout/opened
26. WP-- Indiana Place-- (Indiana) townhouses-- U/C
27. WP-- Harper Place (Miller/Shultz/Indiana)-- completed
28. WP-- Penn. & Minnesota Trovillion Townhomes-- completed/buildout
29. WP-- The Landford (Interlachen) (4 fl.)-- U/C
30. WP-- Regent Residences (Interlachen) (7 fl.)-- completed
31. WP-- Mixed use (New England & Penn.)-- U/C
32. WP-- Villas at Casa Jardin (Trovillion Constr.)-- sitework
33. Metrowest-- Promenade#1 (8 fl.)-- completed
34. Metrowest-- Promenade#2 (8 fl.)-- buildout
35. Maitland-- Oasis (Maitland Summitt & Keller)-- U/C
36. Maitland-- Village at Lake Lilly-- sitework
37. Reunion/ The Villas at Reunion Square (19 Bldgs.; 3-4 fl. each)-- U/C
38. Reunion/ Masters Landing (sitework)
39. Reunion/ Legends Corner (sitework)
40. Reunion/ Heritage Crossing (23 bldgs.)-- completed
41. Reunion/ Center Court Ridge (11 bldgs.) -- completed
42. Reunion/ Seven Eagles-- U/C
43. Reunion/ Homestead-- U/C
44. Reunion/ Carriage Point (16 bldgs.)-- completed
45. Reunion/ Grand Lawn (10 bldgs.; 3-4 fl. each)-- completed
46. Reunion/ The Villas at Reunion Square South (8 bldgs.; 3-4 fl. each)-- completed
47. Reunion/ Liberty Bluff (14 bldgs.)-- U/C
48. Reunion/ Patriots Landing-- U/C
49. Reunion/ Fairway Ridge-- sitework
50. Reunion/ The Estates-- sitework
51. Reunion/ Heritage Preserve-- sitework
52. Avalon Park-- Avalon Lake Dr. (4-5 story multi-family)-- completed
53. Vizcaya/ The Condominiums of Vizcaya Bldg. 12 (8 fl.)-- buildout
54. Vizcaya/ The Condominiums of Vizcaya Bldg. 16 (8 fl.)-- buildout
55. Vizcaya/ The Condominiums of Vizcaya Bldg. 11 (8 fl.)-- completed
56. Univ. Blvd.-- Vista Cay at Harbor Square/ The Bayshores (Phase 1: 20 bldgs.; 3-4 fl.)-- completed
57. Univ. Blvd.-- Vista Cay at Harbor Square/ Ventura (Phase 1: 2 bldgs.; 4-5 fl.)-- buildout
58. Univ. Blvd.-- Vista Cay at Harbor Square/ Monterey (Phase 1: 7 bldgs.; 4-5 fl.)-- buildout
59. Univ. Blvd.-- Vista Cay at Harbor Square/ The Bayshores (Phase 2: 8 bldgs.; 3-4 fl.)-- U/C
60. Univ. Blvd.-- Vista Cay at Harbor Square/ Ventura (Phase 2: 2 bldgs.; 4-5 fl.)-- U/C
61. Univ. Blvd.-- Vista Cay at Harbor Square/ Monterey (Phase 2: 3 bldgs.; 4-5 fl.)-- U/C
62. WP-- Casa Cielo (Minnesota & Balch)-- completed
63. I-Drive-- Hilton Grand Vac. Club #7 (7 fl.)-- buildout
64. I-Drive-- Hilton Grand Vac. Club #8 (7 fl.)-- buildout
65. I-Drive-- Hilton Grand Vac. Club #9 (7 fl.)-- U/C
66.

Offices/Other construction non-Downtown metro:

1. Martin Lockheed #2 (Sand Lake & Kirkman)-- buildout
2. Millennia-- Belle Terre Office Condo-- buildout
3. Primera Office Park-- Primera #7 (Rhinehart & Primera)-- U/C
4. The Quadrangle (new bldg. by SF)-- buildout
5. Heathrow (new bldg. past AAA)-- buildout
6. Millennia-- Duke Realty Bldg. #1-- completed
7. Southpark-- new bldg. abutting TNPK-- buildout
8. FH East-- new 5 story tower-- U/C
9. FH Altamonte-- new 6 story tower-- U/C
10. HD Supply Bldg-- (OWG & 408)-- completed
11. UCF: Towers at Golden Knights Plaza#1-- completed
12. UCF: Towers at Golden Knights Plaza#2-- completed
13. UCF: Brighthouse Stadium-- completed
14. UCF: Nicholson Fieldhouse (indoor football facility)-- completed
15. UCF: Convocation Center-- U/C
16. Office#1-- Metrowest Blvd.-- buildout
17. Office#2-- Metrowest Blvd.-- buildout
18. Windermere-- Windermere Financial Center-- (Apopka Vineland & Conroy)-- U/C
19. WP-- Office 2-story; Schultz & Minnesota-- completed
20. WP-- Office 2 story; Par & I-4-- completed
21. WP-- Office 2 story; Denning (north of Orange)-- completed
22. Maitland-- Office 3 story; 17/92 south of Swoope-- completed
23. Altamonte-- Office 3 story; Douglas between 434 & Central Pkwy;- U/C
24. Millennia- Duke Realty Bldg. #2-- buildout
25. UCF: Towers at Golden Knights Plaza#4-- buildout
26. UCF: Towers at Golden Knights Plaza#3-- U/C
27. UCF: Wayne Densch Sports Center-- completed
28. UCF: Golden Knights Plaza 1-- completed
29. UCF: West Plaza Parking Garage-- completed
30. UCF: East Housing Parking Garage-- completed
31. UCF: Fairwinds Alumni Center-- completed
32. WP-- Park Place (Park Ave. & Canton)-- completed
33. Metrowest-- 3+ story office#1 (Metrowest Blvd.)-- completed
34. Metrowest-- 3+ story office#2 (Metrowest Blvd.)-- completed
35. Metrowest-- 4+ story office (Metrowest Blvd.)-- buildout
36. Sanford/I-4-- 1-2 story office/industrial (next to AIG)
37. Reunion-- Tennis Center-- completed
38. Metrowest-- Veranda Park/ Bldg. 7000-- completed
39. Metrowest-- Veranda Park/ Bldg. 8000-- U/C
40. Metrowest-- Veranda Park/ Bldg. 1500-- U/C
41. Metrowest-- Veranda Park/ Bldg. 1000-- completed
42. 536-- Marriott World Center-- 251,700 Sq.ft. exhibit hall; 160,000 Sq.ft. 3-story parking deck-- U/C
43.

Jasonhouse

January 28th, 2007, 07:51 PM

Jquince... Remember, you have the first post of the thread (save for jmanc's placeholder).... You can add anything you want ot that first post of yours via editing... thus, this thread could have a list now if you so chose.

Also folks, remember that I cleared Tampa out of here, so now you guys can post pretty much whatever you want in here (within the rules), without it getting buried or trolled by Tampa stuff.

Lastly, if the activity from other cities picks up in here, then I will add a mod from one of the cities doing the contributing.

ChuckScraperMiami#1

January 28th, 2007, 10:20 PM

Thanks Jason, my friend,
A great move , and I believe Orlando would be next,
Time will tell, and as long as interest rates stay level between 6 and 7 percent, more construction of cities will continue for another 10 years !!!

FloridaFuture

March 3rd, 2007, 04:28 PM

DISNEY'S LAND IS GROWING

By TED JACKOVICS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Mar 2, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Florida resort known for Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh is resurrecting another of its characters: the construction crane.

Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday announced two expansion projects slated for completion within a decade. One will be directed toward value-conscious overnight visitors. The other will be focused on high-end guests, including those who'd like to own a vacation home on Disney property.

The projects include a 450-acre "value-priced" retail, dining and lodging area at the resort's western gateway. The 900-acre luxury resort site will be anchored by a Four Seasons hotel on the northeastern edge, Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton said.

"These projects are first-of-a-kind for Walt Disney World," Crofton said. "This will enhance Orlando as a luxury resort destination."

Disney cited road access as one reason the projects will be attractive to Florida residents, including those from the Tampa Bay area via Interstate 4.

Company officials also noted access for people coming from the south on Florida's Turnpike via the recently completed Western Beltway, a toll road for which Disney donated property.

Groundbreaking is expected this year on the western gateway project, which will be built in phases in the next eight to 10 years.

"We'd like all our visitors to stay on the Disney resort, but for those who prefer to stay nearby, this will be very convenient," said Matt Kelly, vice president of Disney's real estate strategy and development program.

The western gateway area will offer restaurants and non-Disney brand hotels as Downtown Disney does. However, it will differ from Downtown Disney in not offering major entertainment locales, Kelly said.

In addition to serving attraction visitors, the area is expected to draw on Disney employees and local residents for business, officials said.

Groundbreaking also is expected this year for the Four Seasons hotel on the northeastern site. It is expected to be completed by 2010, Disney officials said.

The upscale resort area will include a renovated golf course under the Fours Seasons brand. There also will be an undisclosed number of single-family vacation and time-share homes.

Disney officials said it would be premature to reveal prices for the hotel rooms or single-family housing, adding that market conditions as the projects mature will help determine prices.

Disney did not know how many jobs would be involved in the projects at Walt Disney World, which employs 60,000 people.

Reporter Dave Simanoff contributed to this report. Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817 or tjackovics@tampatrib.com.

http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBL51X1SYE.html

Jasonhouse

March 4th, 2007, 07:25 AM

I read about that the other day... Pretty big project... Interesting how Disney continues the steady pace of development of its land.

jzquince69

April 6th, 2007, 02:37 AM

Here's some shots of construction progress of 55W c/o Tim, et al at up.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/jimmys69/486938288405_0_ALB.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/jimmys69/dsc7123edited1ib8.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/jimmys69/dsc7120edited1bl1.jpg

FLAWDA-FELLA

April 10th, 2007, 01:08 AM

As I was headed back to Jax yesterday, I noticed that the Majesty Bldg. or Superchannel Tower on I-4 heading east, north of Altamonte, is still u/c. Does anyone know what the latest is on this bldg??? This d**n thing has been u/c for as long as I can remember!!:ohno:. Btw, downtown is really starting shape up nicely, especially with the Vue being topped out and 55 West going up.

Maxim98

April 10th, 2007, 02:39 AM

^Is that the really cool building next to I-4 in the middle of suburbia? Last time I saw it - years ago - it looked nearly complete.... blech.

It's a really neat building, too...

jzquince69

April 10th, 2007, 07:25 PM

the Burj Bubai or whatever will top off before that thing is done.

Tim3167

April 16th, 2007, 04:19 PM

Construction Update 4/14/2007

Vue
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/6950/dsc7244edited1gs7.jpg
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/5913/dsc7231edited1au9.jpg

55 West
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3128/dsc7217edited1im6.jpg
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/7948/dsc7218edited1tb1.jpg

Dynetech
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/9783/dsc7234edited1pq5.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7518/dsc7209edited1gb1.jpg

SkyDiveJunkee

April 17th, 2007, 12:00 AM

Great updates, loving the glass on Dynetech!

Dale

April 17th, 2007, 06:42 AM

What's the deal with Lake Eola ? It almost looks like they're draining it.

jzquince69

April 17th, 2007, 04:13 PM

What's the deal with Lake Eola ? It almost looks like they're draining it.

wow. didn't even notice. probably the drought conditions (save for a couple of days ago) that lowered the water level. if I'm not mistaken, the City can drain it artificially as well-- I think they did so before the last hurricane season anticipating heavy rain.

FloridaFuture

April 17th, 2007, 10:29 PM

Great updates, loving the glass on Dynetech!

Dynetech is going to be a very classy building.

Great pictures, Tim. :)

Tallaman

May 24th, 2007, 06:26 PM

I can't believe this is not posted yet. I like the idea - I hope developers in other FL cities consider this, especially if it works out.

Affordable towers planned in downtown Orlando
Towers planned in downtown Orlando will set aside some subsidized units.

Jack Snyder | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted May 24, 2007

Using state, county and city financial incentives, developer GDC Properties plans to launch a long-planned apartment project in downtown Orlando with 60 percent of the 484 units targeting low-income and certain essential service workers.

No construction date has been set for the twin-tower project known as Verde, at the intersection of North Orange Avenue and East Marks Street, but the company indicated it could be under way by late summer or early fall. Preliminary site work, such as soil testing, has begun.

The company has owned the property since early 2004 and has considered several development plans, including a condo tower.

GDC, based in Hawthorne, N.Y., said it has been awarded a $5 million grant from the Florida Housing Finance Corp. to target a percentage of the apartments for the city's essential service workers, such as police officers, nurses, teachers and firefighters.

The company also said $115 million for the project will be generated by tax-exempt bonds issued by the Orange County Housing Finance Authority.

Additionally, the city is expected to provide a tax-increment rebate -- where property taxes are rebated to the company over a set time period -- for the project. The City Council is to vote on that aspect of the project June 4.

In return for the incentives, GDC would reserve 20 percent of the one- and two-bedroom apartments for renters earning less than 50 percent of the area's median household income. The Orange County Workforce Housing Task Force recently said the area's median household income is about $52,000.

Another 40 percent of the apartments would be set aside for those earning no more than 150 percent of the area's median household income.

The balance of the apartments would be rented at market rates.

The subsidized apartments would be located on the first 29 floors of each of the 36-story towers.

"The city is working hard to provide housing solutions and grow the downtown area, and Verde supports these goals while bringing diverse living to downtown," said Thomas Chatmon, executive director of the Downtown Development Board.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called the project "a big step forward as we address the needs of our growing community and create a variety of housing options in our city's urban core."

The city has been involved in previous programs to promote affordable downtown housing, such as the CityView at Hughes Square project. In that development, 49 percent of the 266 rental units are reserved for lower-income tenants.

Verde will feature the two towers with 13,500 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant space. An attached garage will provide parking.

Jack Snyder can be reached at jsnyder@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5094

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-verde2407may24,0,6481141.story?coll=orl-business-headlines

Jahi98

May 25th, 2007, 04:10 PM

jzquince69

May 25th, 2007, 05:57 PM

^^This is good, not only from a skyline perspective, but it will certainly add to the appeal of dowtown Orlando. Wish some developers of projects in St. Pete would build their towers as mixed-income rental projects rather than condos.

it looks like this project's tax incentives package will get approved; it seems to be the direction that local leaders want to go in w/re to housing programs downtown.

that being said, when and if it gets approved and built, it could have a positive affect on another project's viability, that Orlando City Place project or whatever (three 400' towers w/ retail) where the Lexington currently is at Colonial & Hughey. The developers marketed that project as having affordable housing when they initially pitched that proposal last year. the renderings for that project are a few pages back on this thread I believe.

Sunstorm

May 29th, 2007, 05:43 PM

^^This is good, not only from a skyline perspective, but it will certainly add to the appeal of dowtown Orlando. Wish some developers of projects in St. Pete would build their towers as mixed-income rental projects rather than condos.

I agree. Over the last few years there was this condo craze. However, condo/home ownership isn't for everyone, and it's nice too see something alternative being built that'll fit more people's needs.

ChicagoAaron

May 29th, 2007, 10:48 PM

This might actually consider a move back into Orange County. Since I have been in Florida I did the "luxury" condo thing (rent, I will buy in Illinois). But this does seem like a feasible alternative to my big county house.

My 0.02

Aaron

Tim3167

June 18th, 2007, 12:27 AM

Construction Update 6/16/2007

Vue
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/236/dsc7624edited1wq6.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7557/dsc7640edited1cc8.jpg

55 West
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5337/dsc7586edited1mh0.jpg
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6542/dsc7616edited1xg4.jpg

Dynetech
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/1007/dsc7660edited1jc4.jpg
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/74/dsc7689edited1jz1.jpg

Paramount
http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/1362/dsc7634edited1xs3.jpg
http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/8780/dsc7656edited1am3.jpg

jzquince69

June 20th, 2007, 12:26 AM

Great shots, Tim.

FlaNatv

June 20th, 2007, 04:40 AM

The mix of elements in downtown Orlando is Great. Trees, Water, Brick, Mirror Glass, Color, etc, etc...It's rich.

Dale

June 20th, 2007, 05:52 AM

55West is just plain massive.

jzquince69

June 22nd, 2007, 03:57 PM

Urban Flats should be opening up in the Plaza in a week.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/jimmys69/DSCN1541.jpg

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/jimmys69/HPIM1394.jpg

smiley

June 22nd, 2007, 07:25 PM

Ah, A door to the outside. c'est magnifique

jzquince69

July 12th, 2007, 06:50 PM

Dynetech is going to have a rooftop pool on the 31st level... whoever reads this, tell me if you know of another Florida bldg. that will have or has a pool that high up-- at least 340' up.

Miami-- I went thru a laundry list of 20 scrapers and none of them have one to my knowledge-- if anyone knows differently, post it b/c I'm curious.

Tbpm

July 15th, 2007, 02:57 PM

I believe it's still in the cards to extend the commuter rail all the way out to Hillsborough County giving a more convenient Tampa-Orlando connect.

lamsalfl

August 2nd, 2007, 07:25 AM

I was in Orlando last week, and I am completely enamored by the plans for the new arena, PAC, Citrus Bowl renovations, and commuter rail. Downtown is looking GREAT with the new towers going up. I can't wait to hopefully move there next year, and work as a transportation planner in the metro area.

jzquince69

August 2nd, 2007, 01:19 PM

DrT

August 23rd, 2007, 02:44 PM

Icon Celebration still on track. From today's Sentinel.

Condo-hotel is still a 'go' despite downturn in market
A South Florida developer says he will open a sales office this fall for the project in Celebration.

Jerry W. Jackson | Sentinel Staff Writer
August 23, 2007

A prominent South Florida developer with more than a dozen big condo projects under way in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas is pressing ahead with plans for a condo-hotel in Celebration near Walt Disney World, despite a slowdown in condo sales and projects statewide.

The Related Group will open a sales office this fall for the Icon Celebration, a 441-unit condo-hotel with hotel services and management by Graves World Hospitality, company founder and Chairman Jorge Perez said this week.

"Celebration is a very unique place," Perez said in a telephone interview. "When I first saw it, I thought it was the perfect place for this."

In the year since Perez first visited the stylish, mixed-use project, originally developed by Walt Disney Co., residential sales have stalled statewide and condo sales in particular have plummeted.

"We have slowed down, but we are continuing to move forward," Perez said of his company's development plans.

The Related Group has more than 11,000 condo units under construction or in the final stages of preparation for development in South Florida, mainly from West Palm Beach south to Miami. Perez said about 90 percent of the units have been pre-sold with 20 percent deposits.

He said he will begin construction on the first of two buildings for Icon Celebration as soon as he has firm commitments for about 130 units -- about 50 percent of the first phase.

He said he could not predict how long it would take to sell that many units in today's market, plagued by slumping demand and falling prices.

"That's the million-dollar question," Perez said, noting that he expects to spend $200 million to $250 million on the Celebration project by the time it is completed.

Amenities to be constructed during the first-phase would include a fine-dining restaurant and lounge, full-service spa, conference facilities, courtyard and resort-style pool, children's room and special access privileges to the Robert Trent Jones-designed Celebration golf club.

Condo-hotels sell units to individuals and then rent them out as hotel rooms when the owners are not using them, with the owners getting a cut of the revenue. Condo-hotels in tourist areas have done better in the Orlando market in recent months than those in the urban core. One downtown project, the Lexington at CityPlace, recently filed for bankruptcy protection, while others have been put on hold as they compete for investors and buyers of conventional condos.

"There's just a lot of them out there," Anne Rogers, broker-owner of Anne Rogers Realty Group Inc. in Orlando, said of the condos now for sale. A downtown Orlando specialist, Rogers said she was not familiar enough with Celebration to predict how The Related Group's project might fare.

The Celebration condo-hotel would be the first major project of its kind for Perez in Central Florida. His privately held company, one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation, has been operating since 1979 and has built and managed more than 55,000 residential units throughout Florida, including some apartments in the Orlando area.

"It's been so long, I can't remember exactly when," Perez said of his Central Florida apartment projects.

Perez said the nationwide credit crunch that has frightened investors and many in the financial community in recent weeks has not dried up his access to capital.

"We haven't had any trouble so far," Perez said. "We're a very strong company, with strong cash reserves and no corporate debt." Because the company is privately held, the financial health of the company cannot be independently verified, except by lenders during their due-diligence research.

Perez said he uses no private equity or exotic financing for his developments, relying on his longstanding relationship with major banks including Wachovia, Bank of America and Regions Bank.

"We're more conservative than the lenders," Perez said. "We don't move forward unless we are confident and ready."

redstar25

October 1st, 2007, 04:03 AM

Tradition Towers is looking like they are a-go!

SkyDiveJunkee

October 1st, 2007, 03:16 PM

It is reassuring to think that after the condo market crashed state-wide, downtown Orlando is reinventing some of these projects. Two luxury hotels in the works is quite impressive! This is certainly a testament to the strength of the downtown market in general, and the confidence that developers and business owners have shown in it.

jzquince69

October 12th, 2007, 07:33 PM

Some notable projects U/C in and around town:

1. Dynetech (DT)
2. Vue (DT)
3. OUC (DT)
4. Camden Orange Court (DT)
5. 55W (DT)
6. 101 Eola (DT)
7. FH South (ORL)
8. Waldorf Collection (Bonnett Creek)
9. Hilton-Waldorf (Bonnett Creek)
10. Hilton OCCC (I-Drive)
11. Westin Imagine (Universal)
12. Aquatica (I-Drive)
13. IKEA (Millennia)
14. Winter Garden Village (WG)
15. The Square (I-Drive)
16. Dellagio (Dr. Phillips)
17. Rialto (Dr. Phillips)
18. Contemporary II (WDW)
19. Mona Lisa (Celebration)
20. Hilton Grande Vac.--Midtown
21. Veranda Residences 4000 Bldg. (Metrowest)
22. Douglas Grand (WP)
23. The Landmark (WP)
24. The Langford (WP)
25. I-4/408 Interchange
26. Darden HQ (JYP & 528)
27. Whole Foods Plaza (Dr. Phillips)
28. Star Tower (DT)
29. Windermere Financial Center (Conroy & Apopka Vineland)
30. 528/436 OIA Interchange
31. I-4/SR 44 Interchange
32. 414 Extension OOCEA Phase I, 441 to 429
33. I-4 widening (472 to SR 44)
34. Fla. TNPK widening (441 to I-4 (8 lanes))
35. Prime Outlets- Phase 2
36. Colonial Town Park-- Bldg. #4
37. Duke Realty #2 (Millennia)
38. Point Orlando Condos (Universal & Carrier)
39. Mixed Use (WP-- New England & Pennsylvania)
40. Methodist res. tower (DT)

...off the top of my head... and a few more...

41. Paramount (DT)
42. FH Center for Pathology (ORL)
43. Loop West (Kiss)
44. SODO (ORL)

jzquince69

October 23rd, 2007, 09:00 PM

No development news. Rather, events news.

From Friday to Sunday, NBC aired the Mountain Dew challenge deal (BMX, etc.) from the O-Rena (course & stands built on south side of bldg. up to Livingston).

Also, that Republican debate that was on Sunday night on Fox (I think) was hosted at Rosen's Shingle Creek Resort; 3,000 in attendance.

smiley

October 24th, 2007, 04:30 AM

Yea, this whole housing downturn is quite annoying . . . while I have gone through many cycles over the years, I never like them - gotta have things moving - fortunately there is a lot already in motion to enjoy

DrT

November 9th, 2007, 03:56 PM

Movies DT, from today's Sentinel:

Downtown multiplex coming soon
AMC confirms its plans for a 12-screen movie theater to open in early 2008 in the Plaza on Orange Avenue.
Jerry W. Jackson | Sentinel Staff Writer
November 9, 2007
Downtown Orlando's multibillion-dollar makeover, slowed by the nationwide slump in real estate, got a big boost Thursday when AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. confirmed it will open a long-awaited, 12-screen movie theater on Orange Avenue sometime next year.

The 1,800-seat multiplex will be in developer Cameron Kuhn's Plaza complex, a three-tower project that recently opened near Orlando City Hall in the city center. It is also near Church Street Station, the once-vibrant entertainment complex that Kuhn recently bought in bankruptcy court and pledged to return to its glory days.

Business and civic leaders are hoping a movie theater downtown will help generate more night life there, particularly for the restaurants and lounges nearby and others to come on Church Street.
Kuhn had originally planned to open the theater last December, but he was unable to find a buyer or tenant for the space -- even though the city of Orlando was offering $3.5 million in incentives to anyone willing to operate a cinema in The Plaza.

AMC, the nation's No. 2 movie-theater chain, has been rumored for months to be nearing an agreement with Kuhn, though the Kansas City, Mo., company wouldn't confirm the deal until it was completed. A spokeswoman said Thursday the multiplex should open in early 2008.

Kuhn said that, with AMC, he had landed "one of the best operators in the country."

"We worked, we waited and believe we have gotten an outstanding operator for the Plaza and downtown Orlando," Kuhn said in a written statement.

Chuck Stilley, president of AMC Realty Inc., an AMC subsidiary, said his company is "thrilled to be the entertainment anchor of the Plaza," the largest redevelopment project in downtown Orlando's history. Terms and financial details of AMC's agreement with Kuhn were not released Thursday. The chain has 360 theaters and 5,140 screens worldwide and grossed $2.4 billion in fiscal 2007.

Kuhn said final work on the theater space has resumed. Work had been stalled for financial and other reasons, but the rest of the multi-use complex is open and filling fast with tenants.

Plaza tenants range from Stirling Sotheby's International Realty, a longtime area brokerage, to Digital Risk LLC, a 2-year-old startup that expects to hire 200 mortgage underwriters by the end of the year. A recent public records review showed that Kuhn still owns nearly half of the condo-office space available in the complex, as sales slipped in recent months. A number of downtown towers have added space back into the market as SunTrust Banks Inc., for example, and others have trimmed space and staff.

The Plaza's residential-condominium tower is expected to lag because of the housing slowdown, though the addition of a multiplex next door should give sales in that partially occupied project a boost. Condo sales have plummeted statewide, though more are coming onto the market every day.

On Wednesday, a 100-unit, built-from-scratch condo project, Star Tower, was dedicated downtown, just south of Lake Eola and a few blocks east of the Plaza. Another major tower, 55 West, is under construction less than a block from the Plaza, on West Church Street.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who was at the Star's opening on Wednesday, said Thursday that AMC's announcement adds to downtown's momentum.

With plans for a new performing-arts center, events arena and renovated Citrus Bowl moving forward, Dyer said, the city has "taken the steps necessary to make Orlando one of the best downtowns in America."

AMC's decision to open a multiplex in the city's core is a potentially risky one, some business specialists said, until the number of downtown residents has reached a level that is able to support a steady stream of moviegoers. But AMC spokesman Andy DiOrio said the company sees Orlando as "a good theater market" with considerable, untapped potential.

"We like the synergy that The Plaza in downtown will create for our guests, with a great mix of tenants creating an entertainment destination," DiOrio said.
Jerry W. Jackson can be reached at jwjackson@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5721.

SkyDiveJunkee

November 9th, 2007, 05:55 PM

So excited they've landed an AMC and not a smaller, independent theater. This will fill a huge void in the downtown experience.

jzquince69

November 9th, 2007, 06:18 PM

AMC will be perfect there. signage will be key. perhaps a vertical sign with N/S visibility close to Orange so you could see it blocks away.

That will definitely be one of the most uniquely placed cinemas in Florida, if not the most unique. DB has a cinema right on the beach at Oceanwalk. Universal Citywalk has a unique multilevel theatre placement as well. Chicago of course has WTP's cinema located within it.

Paul D

November 12th, 2007, 06:06 PM

Excuse my ignorance but what's replacing the Mercado on I-Drive,the last time I was there they looked like they were closing it down? Any links etc? :)

jzquince69

November 13th, 2007, 04:28 AM

Excuse my ignorance but what's replacing the Mercado on I-Drive,the last time I was there they looked like they were closing it down? Any links etc? :)

The Square.

central fountain and roundabout with 4 L shaped multilevel buildings framing the center, with mixed use retail etc. parking garages within each bldg. surface parking eliminated. sorry, no photos.

Paul D

November 15th, 2007, 07:15 AM

Thanks for the reply I'll look it up.:cheers:

redstar25

December 2nd, 2007, 02:17 AM

Performing arts center to pay $28M for church land
Agreement calls for city to re-align South Street.
Orlando Business Journal - by Dan Ping Staff Writer

http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2007/12/03/story3.html?b=1196658000^1556800

TampaMike

December 15th, 2007, 11:24 PM

Was just on the website for Kimpton Hotels and they have Orlando as a potential investment in the future. Just bringing this up, because there has been rumors for one in Tampa and St.Pete, so this could be true. I'll see if I can get any info when I get a email back.

DrT

January 24th, 2008, 03:13 PM

More carnage from the real estate bust.
From the Orlando Sentinel.

Cameron Kuhn, key downtown Orlando high-rise towers face foreclosure
Suits are filed against his home, The Plaza and a historic building.
Jerry W. Jackson | Sentinel Staff Writer
January 24, 2008

Lenders have foreclosed on several properties owned by Orlando developer Cameron Kuhn, including his centerpiece tower project The Plaza, the largest redevelopment in downtown's history.

The mortgage-foreclosure lawsuit against The Plaza, a three-tower mixed-use complex on Orange Avenue between Pine and Church streets, is the latest setback for Kuhn and the second such action against a major downtown tower project in recent weeks.

Barclays Capital Real Estate, the investment-banking company that bankrolled the $140 million Plaza development, filed the suit last week in state Circuit Court.
The two other foreclosure suits against Kuhn were filed in late December by Illinois companies. One involves the mortgage on Kuhn's Lake Butler home in Windermere; the other involves property in downtown Orlando on which Kuhn once planned to build a mixed-use tower.

The trio of foreclosures raises questions about Kuhn's plans for Church Street Station, a once-popular but bankrupt entertainment complex he bought with great fanfare last year for $34 million. The first significant opening in the downtown complex, of the Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House, is scheduled for next month.

A representative in Kuhn's downtown Orlando office said Wednesday that the developer was out of the office and unavailable. His chief spokeswoman was also out and did not return a telephone call or e-mail seeking comment about the suits.

Joseph Foster, an Orlando lawyer representing Barclays, said he could not talk about the Plaza filing and said he would advise his lender client to say nothing about the suit as well.

That case, assigned to Judge R.A. Roche, was filed Jan. 16 against Kuhn and more than a dozen companies, including Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractor, and TLC Engineering for Architecture, the local company that handled mechanical and electrical design work.

"Because this is a legal matter in court, we can't comment," said John Douglas Benz, chairman of TLC, a prominent Orlando architectural-engineering company. He said the case has "no effect" on his company's operations.

While The Plaza is substantially complete and has several commercial and residential owners and tenants living or working in the complex, the project still has a large amount of empty space, including a long-anticipated movie theater that has yet to open.

The two other foreclosure actions against Kuhn were filed Dec. 26: JDI Adams Street LLC holds a mortgage on Kuhn's lakefront residence in Windermere; the property had been used as collateral for at least one loan. JDI Cam LLC seeks to foreclose on property at Orange Avenue and Washington Street that contains a historic but dilapidated building and the former home of Scruffy Murphy's Pub.

The Plaza is less than a block east of another major Orlando condo tower, 55 West on the Esplanade, that was reclaimed by its lender in early January.

In that case, described as a "friendly foreclosure" because it was uncontested, Grosse Pointe Development Co. of Fort Myers was tapped by 55 West's European lender to complete the 34-story residential building on West Church Street, between The Plaza and Church Street Station.

Kuhn has been planning to revitalize Church Street Station, once a popular nighttime-entertainment destination. He brought back Bob Snow, the former attraction's original developer, to reopen the Cheyenne Saloon, and he has talked about bringing in new businesses and building a hotel.

Some of Kuhn's other development partners already had taken him to court for unpaid debt, early last fall, as the worldwide credit crunch began to hit real-estate developers and other highly leveraged borrowers.

More recent turmoil in U.S. and global stock markets and the rising prospects for an economic recession have stoked additional fears that consumers will pull back and add to the downward spiral in the nation's real-estate sectors.

Long-term prospects for the economy, especially in Florida and Orlando, remain strong, however, and the Federal Reserve's aggressive action this week to cut the cost of capital will help, said John F. "Jay" Ballard, a senior director based in Orlando with the commercial real-estate brokerage Cushman & Wakefield of Florida.

"We have been through some downturns and always come back," said Ballard, who specializes in brokering apartment and multifamily projects. "I see no reason not to be confident about Orlando's future."