Orlando Outlook

ThatFloridaDude · April 24th, 2012, 02:37 AM

I think this thread will give readers an opportunity to know "Whats Happening" from an economic "Recovery" standpoint around the Orlando area. I listed just a few major ones I could remember off the top of my head. Feel free to share your opinion and add!

$8Billion Worth of projects for the area!

Wekiva Parkway - $2 Billion
$1.66B Wekiva Parkway on way toward ground breaking in fall - Orlando Sentinel

I-4 Toll Roads and Bridge Improvements - $2 Billion
Toll lanes coming to Interstate 4
Mica Wavers On I-4 Toll Opposition - Orlando News Story - WESH Orlando

SunRail - $1.5 Billion, although not entirely in Orlando, still significant impact.

Orlando International Airport Renovations - $475 Million
Orlando Airport Expansion: If You Build It, They Will Come - Will New Florida High Speed Rail Connect with OIA? : Florida Commercial News : Florida Real Estate Attorney & Lawyer for Land & Retail Development, & Leasing : Eckstein Schechter Law

Magic Kingdom Expansion - $450 Million
Giant expansion of Disney's Magic Kingdom features multiattractions galore - Tampa Bay Times

New Performing Arts Center - $400 Million
City of Orlando Community Venues

Orlando Health - $300 Million
Orlando Health announces $297M expansion - Orlando Business Journal

ORMC expansion: Orlando Regional Medical Center announced $300 million expansion plans for 2012 - Orlando Sentinel

The Rida Downtown SunRail LCS Development - $200 Million
Downtown development: Central Station would bring $200 million in downtown development - Orlando Sentinel

The Renovation For Festival Bay Mall - $100 Million
Festival Bay will get major makeover, could return as open-air shopping complex - Orlando Sentinel

Festival Bay owner prepares $100M revamp - Orlando Business Journal

The Expansion of Orlando Prime Outlet -$1300 Per sq ft, 80,000 sq. ft.= Approx $100 Million
Orlando-area outlet malls continue to grow - Orlando Sentinel

The I-Drive Live Project - $100 Million
I-Drive Live: Developers embrace new name for International Drive wheel attraction - Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Theme Park News: Preview of the New "I-Drive LIVE" Project

The Orlando Magic - $100 Million Development
Orlando Magic: The Orlando Magic are given an exclusive purchase option on a city-owned garage. - Orlando Sentinel

I Shops - $50 Million
I-Shops International Drive: Unicorp reveals plans of I-Shops development on I-Drive - Orlando Sentinel

Florida Hospital Mixed Use - $30 Million
Florida Hospital details new $29M mixed-use building - Orlando Business Journal

Florida Hospital Expansion - $25 Million
Florida Hospital Plans $25-Million Expansion for Orlando | News from other sources | ENR Southeast | McGraw-Hill Construction

The Expansion of Fun Spot - $20 Million
Fun Spot Expansion Plans - ParkRumors.com

Winnie Palmer Expansion - $13 Million
News

Lymmo BRT Expansion - $13 Million
Lynx, city finalize plans for $12.5M Lymmo expansion - Orlando Business Journal

Sea World Expansion - Undisclosed cost
SeaWorld new rides: SeaWorld Orlando is expected to announce today three new attractions to be built over the next two years - Orlando Sentinel

The Creative Village - No specific cost, but will stimulate the economic drive in Orlando specifically downtown.

jzquince69 · April 25th, 2012, 01:31 PM

great summary. the expansion article for "orlando area outlet malls" already occurred.

But, regarding the rest, I think it is going in the right direction.

Fun Spot and Festival Bay: together both of those expansions/renovations will bring good redevelopment to north-Idrive.

Also, the I-Drive Live project/Mercado... that really needs to get started; that vacant land is a huge black eye down there.

There's another project out there flying under the radar though:

They began construction on what appears to be a new bridge over I-4 that they talked about back in 2006ish that will connect I-Drive to Palm Parkway right where Floridays Resort is on I-Drive and right where the Hilton Vacation Club two tower project is on Palm Parkway.

They were supposed to do the same thing to connect Oakridge Rd. to Major Blvd. near Universal.

ThatFloridaDude · April 25th, 2012, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzquince69

great summary. the expansion article for "orlando area outlet malls" already occurred.

But, regarding the rest, I think it is going in the right direction.

Fun Spot and Festival Bay: together both of those expansions/renovations will bring good redevelopment to north-Idrive.

Also, the I-Drive Live project/Mercado... that really needs to get started; that vacant land is a huge black eye down there.

There's another project out there flying under the radar though:

They began construction on what appears to be a new bridge over I-4 that they talked about back in 2006ish that will connect I-Drive to Palm Parkway right where Floridays Resort is on I-Drive and right where the Hilton Vacation Club two tower project is on Palm Parkway.

They were supposed to do the same thing to connect Oakridge Rd. to Major Blvd. near Universal.

Thanks. And I have been confused about the outlet malls expansion cause I was thinking the same thing. Anyway I'll make sure my sources are clearer.

Interesting. That area 'palm parkway" needs something out there, it's ugly. Also if they could connect Oak Ridge and Major, it would be such a relief for locals!!

SkyDiveJunkee · April 26th, 2012, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzquince69

There's another project out there flying under the radar though:

They began construction on what appears to be a new bridge over I-4 that they talked about back in 2006ish that will connect I-Drive to Palm Parkway right where Floridays Resort is on I-Drive and right where the Hilton Vacation Club two tower project is on Palm Parkway.

The plan is also to extend the road from Palm Parkway to Apopka Vineland (right past Hilton Vacation Club) so in theory someone coming down Apopka Vineland from Dr. Phillips could easy access International Drive with the ability to bypass Disney altogether.

Another exciting connection will be International Drive to JYP via Destination Parkway (u/c) with an intersection at Universal Blvd. This will make access to International Drive so much quicker for JYP / Hunter's Creek area travelers. If you googlemap this, the small bridge over Shinge Creek is already built. This will also give Southpark (largest offfice park space in South Orlando) direct access to the convention center district. Expect more business hotels to sprout up at Destination Parkway / JYP.

jzquince69 · April 26th, 2012, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyDiveJunkee

The plan is also to extend the road from Palm Parkway to Apopka Vineland (right past Hilton Vacation Club) so in theory someone coming down Apopka Vineland from Dr. Phillips could easy access International Drive with the ability to bypass Disney altogether.

Another exciting connection will be International Drive to JYP via Destination Parkway (u/c) with an intersection at Universal Blvd. This will make access to International Drive so much quicker for JYP / Hunter's Creek area travelers. If you googlemap this, the small bridge over Shinge Creek is already built. This will also give Southpark (largest offfice park space in South Orlando) direct access to the convention center district. Expect more business hotels to sprout up at Destination Parkway / JYP.

Wow. I did not realize that the bridge over I-4 would go all the way to Apopka-Vineland Rd. that's awesome.

same with Destination Parkway...

BTW, Obama Pkwy is done from Conroy north to LB McLeod and from there north to Metrowest Blvd (it curves to the west to connect). Phase II I think will take it to OWG eventually.

TampaMike · April 26th, 2012, 10:08 PM

I read an article the past couple days that Wet N Wild will be expanding as well with a new child and family-friendly attraction that should be completed by June.

ThatFloridaDude · April 27th, 2012, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TampaMike

I read an article the past couple days that Wet N Wild will be expanding as well with a new child and family-friendly attraction that should be completed by June.

I think that was more of a demolition and remodel than an expansion cause Wet N wild does not have the room to do an expansion!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyDiveJunkee

The plan is also to extend the road from Palm Parkway to Apopka Vineland (right past Hilton Vacation Club) so in theory someone coming down Apopka Vineland from Dr. Phillips could easy access International Drive with the ability to bypass Disney altogether.

Another exciting connection will be International Drive to JYP via Destination Parkway (u/c) with an intersection at Universal Blvd. This will make access to International Drive so much quicker for JYP / Hunter's Creek area travelers. If you googlemap this, the small bridge over Shinge Creek is already built. This will also give Southpark (largest offfice park space in South Orlando) direct access to the convention center district. Expect more business hotels to sprout up at Destination Parkway / JYP.

So I'd be able to get to International without getting on the 528? Sweeet!!!!

jzquince69 · April 27th, 2012, 01:17 PM

One of the major bummers driving around Orlando for so many years has been the feeling of isolation from one part of town to the other because of all the lakes in between and the lack of connectivity via roads. The Palm Parkway extension was huge a few years ago. Now, this new road to Apopka Vineland will have a similar effect.

Wet n Wild. They really need to convert the parking lot at the SE corner of Universal & I-Drive to a parking deck with a skywalk across Universal Blvd. IMO.

ThatFloridaDude · April 28th, 2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzquince69

One of the major bummers driving around Orlando for so many years has been the feeling of isolation from one part of town to the other because of all the lakes in between and the lack of connectivity via roads. The Palm Parkway extension was huge a few years ago. Now, this new road to Apopka Vineland will have a similar effect.

Wet n Wild. They really need to convert the parking lot at the SE corner of Universal & I-Drive to a parking deck with a skywalk across Universal Blvd. IMO.

Yes, Wet N Wild needs to build a parking Garage along with a new Headquarters Facility on that lot with a skywalk, Revamping the entrance to be on Universal BlVD to take away some of that traffic off international and giving them room to add something on that side.

jzquince69 · April 29th, 2012, 05:11 PM

I'm pretty excited about the Fun Spot expansion. I think its a direct result of the plans to expand Oakridge over I-4 to major. That, plus the new ownership to Festival Bay and their plans mean big changes to the north end of I-Drive. When I say big changes, Prime/Premium doesn't need more business than they already have; that place has cars parked on the grass most of the time from overflow traffic. Its the rest of that area...

BTW, Prime/Premium needs to build a parking deck of its own.

Dale · April 29th, 2012, 06:04 PM

Any movement on the redevelopment of the shopping center on the NW corner of University and Alafaya ?

Any hope for the SW corner of University and Alafaya ?

SkyDiveJunkee · April 30th, 2012, 06:15 PM

^Orlando's most pitiful intersection.

ThatFloridaDude · May 1st, 2012, 06:57 AM

Not sure, I dont deal with the east side at all.

I was excited about the fun spot expansion but its so small.

jzquince69 · May 1st, 2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatFloridaDude

Not sure, I dont deal with the east side at all.

I was excited about the fun spot expansion but its so small.

I agree. But to me the Fun Spot expansion represents a change for the better for that part of the I-Drive area; a confidence if you will by the owner that the area will be attracting more tourists soon (when they build that overpass to Major).

I just can't believe that tract of land is still vacant across the street from Prime/Premium right up the street from there.

Maybe they should start integrating housing in that quadrant, like those multistory apartment buildings with parking decks that you see near Millennia and UCF. The only housing near there is across the bridge of the turnpike.

SkyDiveJunkee · May 1st, 2012, 08:47 PM

Very true -- the I-Drive district lacks any residential, whether it is apartment or condo units. There is not even substantial timeshares in that area.

The northern section of I-Drive, around Fun Spot and the outlets, has always lacked the cohesion of the I-Drive convention center district. This is also the area within in the city limits. I think the city should designate this area a Main Street district which would allow the business owners in the area to come together in a more holistic approach -- including better sidewalk use, street lamps, and pedestrian friendly development. So many people walk this area as a necessity, and yet it continues to act as if it is somewhere out in the suburbs.

High density development should really be the only thing built along I-Drive at this point -- no parking lots (garages behind larger buildings).

jzquince69 · May 2nd, 2012, 05:19 AM

Yeah, the Dave & Busters was a step in the right direction being built above a parking level... the Peabody's new garage; Hilton and its garage as well. Now, when they redo the, what is it now, the Hilton property at SLR and I-Drive and build a tower with streetside retail and demolish some of the 2 story structures... that will be awesome.

ThatFloridaDude · May 2nd, 2012, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzquince69

I agree. But to me the Fun Spot expansion represents a change for the better for that part of the I-Drive area; a confidence if you will by the owner that the area will be attracting more tourists soon (when they build that overpass to Major).

I just can't believe that tract of land is still vacant across the street from Prime/Premium right up the street from there.

Maybe they should start integrating housing in that quadrant, like those multistory apartment buildings with parking decks that you see near Millennia and UCF. The only housing near there is across the bridge of the turnpike.

Hmmm Not a bad idea. You think that could truly work though?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyDiveJunkee

Very true -- the I-Drive district lacks any residential, whether it is apartment or condo units. There is not even substantial timeshares in that area.

The northern section of I-Drive, around Fun Spot and the outlets, has always lacked the cohesion of the I-Drive convention center district. This is also the area within in the city limits. I think the city should designate this area a Main Street district which would allow the business owners in the area to come together in a more holistic approach -- including better sidewalk use, street lamps, and pedestrian friendly development. So many people walk this area as a necessity, and yet it continues to act as if it is somewhere out in the suburbs.

High density development should really be the only thing built along I-Drive at this point -- no parking lots (garages behind larger buildings).

What do you mean High Density?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzquince69

Yeah, the Dave & Busters was a step in the right direction being built above a parking level... the Peabody's new garage; Hilton and its garage as well. Now, when they redo the, what is it now, the Hilton property at SLR and I-Drive and build a tower with streetside retail and demolish some of the 2 story structures... that will be awesome.

Talking about Ishops?

jzquince69 · May 3rd, 2012, 01:31 PM

Yeah, i think that's it... I-shops. The only problem I see with that is the fact that SLR is sloped between I-Drive and Universal and that portion is like a pseudo expressway b/c of the Kirkman interchange just past Universal. I don't know why anyone would want to walk between I-Drive and Universal along SLR. There's nothing other than the hotel property and drainage ditch anywhere near the corner of Universal and SLR; its like a no man's land.

as for housing near Prime/Premium... there's already hotels/vacation club units near the Fun Spot already. they just need to build more of that type of non-residential/hotel and residential further up the road which will help get the foot traffic up.

Millennia has two high density housing projects literally next door and other traditionally designed ones a little farther out. Millennia has the office park as well and dealerships etc.

At Prime/Premium (what do we call this mall now?) notice there is only Texas de Brazil and McDonald's as a stand alone chain restaurant nearby. How does that happen? There should be 5 or 6 restaurants near there. There's nothing else all the way up to Kirkman Road from there. That's what Festival Bay needs to do... instead of having all that vacant parking area, develop it and put restaurant tenants on that land while renovating the main building.

ThatFloridaDude · May 4th, 2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzquince69

Yeah, i think that's it... I-shops. The only problem I see with that is the fact that SLR is sloped between I-Drive and Universal and that portion is like a pseudo expressway b/c of the Kirkman interchange just past Universal. I don't know why anyone would want to walk between I-Drive and Universal along SLR. There's nothing other than the hotel property and drainage ditch anywhere near the corner of Universal and SLR; its like a no man's land.

as for housing near Prime/Premium... there's already hotels/vacation club units near the Fun Spot already. they just need to build more of that type of non-residential/hotel and residential further up the road which will help get the foot traffic up.

Millennia has two high density housing projects literally next door and other traditionally designed ones a little farther out. Millennia has the office park as well and dealerships etc.

At Prime/Premium (what do we call this mall now?) notice there is only Texas de Brazil and McDonald's as a stand alone chain restaurant nearby. How does that happen? There should be 5 or 6 restaurants near there. There's nothing else all the way up to Kirkman Road from there. That's what Festival Bay needs to do... instead of having all that vacant parking area, develop it and put restaurant tenants on that land while renovating the main building.

Ok I see what you mean. Well you know from Kirkman and IDrive North, NEEDS A COMPLETE MAKEOVER? Prime/Permium or whatever (Still Prime to me, one by Disney is Premium) did a great job, now those same people who did Prime, will do festival bay so it will be successful but from the plans I seen they can do A LOT MORE.

jzquince69 · May 4th, 2012, 02:03 PM

yeah, I agree.

I didn't realize until yesterday that the mercado property- that tract of land, is smaller than that tract of vacant land just north of Pointe Orlando. not good. The Pointe property was supposed to have a big Westin on it about 10 years ago I think. Its vacant along Universal; you can't tell from I-drive. Too many gaps in development.

On Kirkman, the property north of Carrier and west of Minuciple Drive (i think) finally got the first phase of development with that office building and there is a master plan to develop the rest of that tract... will probably take a few years though with the economy and all.

View Poll Results: Orlando heading in right direction?
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April 24th, 2012, 02:37 AM	#1
ThatFloridaDude Mr. Justice Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 247 Likes (Received): 0	Orlando Outlook I think this thread will give readers an opportunity to know "Whats Happening" from an economic "Recovery" standpoint around the Orlando area. I listed just a few major ones I could remember off the top of my head. Feel free to share your opinion and add! $8Billion Worth of projects for the area! Wekiva Parkway - $2 Billion $1.66B Wekiva Parkway on way toward ground breaking in fall - Orlando Sentinel I-4 Toll Roads and Bridge Improvements - $2 Billion Toll lanes coming to Interstate 4 Mica Wavers On I-4 Toll Opposition - Orlando News Story - WESH Orlando SunRail - $1.5 Billion, although not entirely in Orlando, still significant impact. Orlando International Airport Renovations - $475 Million Orlando Airport Expansion: If You Build It, They Will Come - Will New Florida High Speed Rail Connect with OIA? : Florida Commercial News : Florida Real Estate Attorney & Lawyer for Land & Retail Development, & Leasing : Eckstein Schechter Law Magic Kingdom Expansion - $450 Million Giant expansion of Disney's Magic Kingdom features multiattractions galore - Tampa Bay Times New Performing Arts Center - $400 Million City of Orlando Community Venues Orlando Health - $300 Million Orlando Health announces $297M expansion - Orlando Business Journal ORMC expansion: Orlando Regional Medical Center announced $300 million expansion plans for 2012 - Orlando Sentinel The Rida Downtown SunRail LCS Development - $200 Million Downtown development: Central Station would bring $200 million in downtown development - Orlando Sentinel The Renovation For Festival Bay Mall - $100 Million Festival Bay will get major makeover, could return as open-air shopping complex - Orlando Sentinel Festival Bay owner prepares $100M revamp - Orlando Business Journal The Expansion of Orlando Prime Outlet -$1300 Per sq ft, 80,000 sq. ft.= Approx $100 Million Orlando-area outlet malls continue to grow - Orlando Sentinel The I-Drive Live Project - $100 Million I-Drive Live: Developers embrace new name for International Drive wheel attraction - Orlando Sentinel Orlando Theme Park News: Preview of the New "I-Drive LIVE" Project The Orlando Magic - $100 Million Development Orlando Magic: The Orlando Magic are given an exclusive purchase option on a city-owned garage. - Orlando Sentinel I Shops - $50 Million I-Shops International Drive: Unicorp reveals plans of I-Shops development on I-Drive - Orlando Sentinel Florida Hospital Mixed Use - $30 Million Florida Hospital details new $29M mixed-use building - Orlando Business Journal Florida Hospital Expansion - $25 Million Florida Hospital Plans $25-Million Expansion for Orlando \| News from other sources \| ENR Southeast \| McGraw-Hill Construction The Expansion of Fun Spot - $20 Million Fun Spot Expansion Plans - ParkRumors.com Winnie Palmer Expansion - $13 Million News Lymmo BRT Expansion - $13 Million Lynx, city finalize plans for $12.5M Lymmo expansion - Orlando Business Journal Sea World Expansion - Undisclosed cost SeaWorld new rides: SeaWorld Orlando is expected to announce today three new attractions to be built over the next two years - Orlando Sentinel The Creative Village - No specific cost, but will stimulate the economic drive in Orlando specifically downtown. __________________ :) IAmFloridaBorn :)

April 26th, 2012, 10:08 PM	#6
TampaMike Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 6,153 Likes (Received): 7	I read an article the past couple days that Wet N Wild will be expanding as well with a new child and family-friendly attraction that should be completed by June. __________________ Corporations Are People Too - Mitt Romney For the People that dress up like Corporations.

May 1st, 2012, 06:57 AM	#13
ThatFloridaDude Mr. Justice Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 247 Likes (Received): 0	Not sure, I dont deal with the east side at all. I was excited about the fun spot expansion but its so small. __________________ :) IAmFloridaBorn :)

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April 25th, 2012, 01:31 PM	#2
jzquince69 jimmy Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: orlando Posts: 2,495 Likes (Received): 9	great summary. the expansion article for "orlando area outlet malls" already occurred. But, regarding the rest, I think it is going in the right direction. Fun Spot and Festival Bay: together both of those expansions/renovations will bring good redevelopment to north-Idrive. Also, the I-Drive Live project/Mercado... that really needs to get started; that vacant land is a huge black eye down there. There's another project out there flying under the radar though: They began construction on what appears to be a new bridge over I-4 that they talked about back in 2006ish that will connect I-Drive to Palm Parkway right where Floridays Resort is on I-Drive and right where the Hilton Vacation Club two tower project is on Palm Parkway. They were supposed to do the same thing to connect Oakridge Rd. to Major Blvd. near Universal.

April 27th, 2012, 01:17 PM	#8
jzquince69 jimmy Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: orlando Posts: 2,495 Likes (Received): 9	One of the major bummers driving around Orlando for so many years has been the feeling of isolation from one part of town to the other because of all the lakes in between and the lack of connectivity via roads. The Palm Parkway extension was huge a few years ago. Now, this new road to Apopka Vineland will have a similar effect. Wet n Wild. They really need to convert the parking lot at the SE corner of Universal & I-Drive to a parking deck with a skywalk across Universal Blvd. IMO.

April 29th, 2012, 05:11 PM	#10
jzquince69 jimmy Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: orlando Posts: 2,495 Likes (Received): 9	I'm pretty excited about the Fun Spot expansion. I think its a direct result of the plans to expand Oakridge over I-4 to major. That, plus the new ownership to Festival Bay and their plans mean big changes to the north end of I-Drive. When I say big changes, Prime/Premium doesn't need more business than they already have; that place has cars parked on the grass most of the time from overflow traffic. Its the rest of that area... BTW, Prime/Premium needs to build a parking deck of its own.

April 29th, 2012, 06:04 PM	#11
Dale Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Charlotte,NC Posts: 7,735 Likes (Received): 29	Any movement on the redevelopment of the shopping center on the NW corner of University and Alafaya ? Any hope for the SW corner of University and Alafaya ?

April 30th, 2012, 06:15 PM	#12
SkyDiveJunkee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,501 Likes (Received): 10	^Orlando's most pitiful intersection.

May 1st, 2012, 08:47 PM	#15
SkyDiveJunkee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,501 Likes (Received): 10	Very true -- the I-Drive district lacks any residential, whether it is apartment or condo units. There is not even substantial timeshares in that area. The northern section of I-Drive, around Fun Spot and the outlets, has always lacked the cohesion of the I-Drive convention center district. This is also the area within in the city limits. I think the city should designate this area a Main Street district which would allow the business owners in the area to come together in a more holistic approach -- including better sidewalk use, street lamps, and pedestrian friendly development. So many people walk this area as a necessity, and yet it continues to act as if it is somewhere out in the suburbs. High density development should really be the only thing built along I-Drive at this point -- no parking lots (garages behind larger buildings).

May 2nd, 2012, 05:19 AM	#16
jzquince69 jimmy Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: orlando Posts: 2,495 Likes (Received): 9	Yeah, the Dave & Busters was a step in the right direction being built above a parking level... the Peabody's new garage; Hilton and its garage as well. Now, when they redo the, what is it now, the Hilton property at SLR and I-Drive and build a tower with streetside retail and demolish some of the 2 story structures... that will be awesome.

May 3rd, 2012, 01:31 PM	#18
jzquince69 jimmy Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: orlando Posts: 2,495 Likes (Received): 9	Yeah, i think that's it... I-shops. The only problem I see with that is the fact that SLR is sloped between I-Drive and Universal and that portion is like a pseudo expressway b/c of the Kirkman interchange just past Universal. I don't know why anyone would want to walk between I-Drive and Universal along SLR. There's nothing other than the hotel property and drainage ditch anywhere near the corner of Universal and SLR; its like a no man's land. as for housing near Prime/Premium... there's already hotels/vacation club units near the Fun Spot already. they just need to build more of that type of non-residential/hotel and residential further up the road which will help get the foot traffic up. Millennia has two high density housing projects literally next door and other traditionally designed ones a little farther out. Millennia has the office park as well and dealerships etc. At Prime/Premium (what do we call this mall now?) notice there is only Texas de Brazil and McDonald's as a stand alone chain restaurant nearby. How does that happen? There should be 5 or 6 restaurants near there. There's nothing else all the way up to Kirkman Road from there. That's what Festival Bay needs to do... instead of having all that vacant parking area, develop it and put restaurant tenants on that land while renovating the main building.

May 4th, 2012, 02:03 PM	#20
jzquince69 jimmy Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: orlando Posts: 2,495 Likes (Received): 9	yeah, I agree. I didn't realize until yesterday that the mercado property- that tract of land, is smaller than that tract of vacant land just north of Pointe Orlando. not good. The Pointe property was supposed to have a big Westin on it about 10 years ago I think. Its vacant along Universal; you can't tell from I-drive. Too many gaps in development. On Kirkman, the property north of Carrier and west of Minuciple Drive (i think) finally got the first phase of development with that office building and there is a master plan to develop the rest of that tract... will probably take a few years though with the economy and all.