The Orlando City Council on Monday gave its final approval before the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency can break ground on The Canopy, a 10-acre community space under Interstate 4.
CRA Executive Director David Barilla said construction could begin within 60 days and finish by the end of next year.
The City Council voted to approve agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation. FDOT, which still has to sign the agreements, is adding $3.75 million to $30 million in bonded CRA funds.
“It’s the culmination, one, of a lot of work,” Barilla said, “but it’s also kind of the final, you know, formal agreement that’s needed for us to go ahead and start construction and bring The Canopy to fruition.”
The project extends from south of West Church Street to north of West Washington Avenue under I-4.
It will have nearly 300 parking spaces, plus ride-share locations, on the north end. Then, in the area south of Pine Street, the design includes a hub for e-bikes and e-scooters, offices, public restrooms, and an event space with metal trees and digital elements.