City of Orlando staff presented updates on upcoming projects listed in the DTO Action Plan. They say that funding comes from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
David Barilla, who is part of Orlando’s Downtown Redevelopment Board and CRA, says the plan is to make downtown a walkable city.
“We wanted to make sure that we were delivering not only on what the community wanted but also integrating it into the right research-based approaches to really redefine our downtown,” said Barilla.
Five projects were discussed. Improvements to Magnolia Avenue will begin in phases, from South Street to Livingston Street. This will begin at the end of the month or early February, reconfiguring the road from one-way to two-way travel, integrating the bus lane into normal traffic, and add more parking.
The second project is a 4,400 square foot pocket park at 30 S. Orange Avenue. Designs will begin next month and will include shade, a food service, and water element.
In February, the design phase for a gateway at Lake Eola will create a grand entrance to the park. It will be located at the northeast corner of the intersection at Central Boulevard and Rosalind Avenue.
The Canopy, a park located under I-4, will include public art. Staff hope to create a space where visitors can relax and connect with the city. Construction will start this summer.
The final project is the first reconstruction phase on Church Street, starting this spring. Plans include modifying into two 11-foot lanes and adding more landscaping.