Downtown
ORLANDO Ever yone’s Downtown
ORLANDO SPONSORED BY:
Downtown Development Board / Community Redevelopment Agency 400 S. Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32801 T: 407.246.2555 F: 407.246.3359 web: www.downtownorlando.com PUBLISHED BY:
PROMOTION MAGAZINE
a division of RENI Publishing’s
JournaI Florida Real Estate
Jim Phillips, Publisher jphillips@frej.net 150 Third Street, SW Winter Haven, FL 33880 800.274.2812 www.frej.net DESIGNED BY:
T H E
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Ron Palfrey Director of Creative Services rpalfrey@thenissengroup.com Mami Li Designer mli@thenissengroup.com
CONTENTS
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MESSAGE FROM MAYOR
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WHO’S WHO
As the urban center for one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, Downtown Orlando provides a culturally diverse mix of events.
Two public agencies responsible for Downtown Orlando’s growth.
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ORLANDO’S GREAT FUTURE
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THE ARTS & CULTURE
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ORLANDO’S NEW CREATIVE VILLAGE
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ORLANDO’S NEW MEDICAL CITY
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DOWNTOWN TRANSPORTATION
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Led by the vision of Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando is developing the largest public building project in Central Florida history.
The arts and culture scene in Downtown Orlando is on the move in an effort to cater to citizens and visitors in the region.
Orlando has become one of the largest simulation and training clusters in the world, which has fueled rapid-and-related growth in the local entertainment-technology industry.
The long-established success of Orlando Regional Healthcare and Florida Hospital of Orlando, have laid the groundwork for Orlando’s surging biotechnology industry.
To maintain a high level of development momentum, transportation accessibility to and within downtown has emerged as a critical issue.
With all these changes taking place, how does one keep up with the downtown happenings?
WELCOME FROM O R L A N D O ’ S M AY O R … BUDDY DYER
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elcome to Downtown Orlando – Central Florida’s Front Porch! We’re experiencing a remarkable renaissance in our city center and I’m happy you’ve chosen to experience all that downtown has to offer. This unprecedented amount of growth and development has made Downtown Orlando the urban center of one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Downtown Orlando is the heart of our City Beautiful and the entire Central Florida region. It is the hub for finance, culture, entertainment, government and commerce in the region. Unlike most other downtowns in the southeastern United States, Downtown Orlando remains the largest employment center of professionals and is home to the largest and most diverse office inventory in the metro Orlando Area. With three new community venues coming online here in the near future (Events Center, Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center & Renovated Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium), our downtown core will also be a destination for world-class sports, arts and entertainment. These venues will serve as the cultural cornerstone for our region for generations to come. As new residents and visitors flow into Downtown Orlando, we’re acting now to make sure it’s easy and convenient to get around. A more walkable, liveable city center is on the horizon. The hallmark of a downtown is multi-modal transit and we’re well on the way to having a commuter rail system to link our downtown with the rest of Central Florida. With our transportation partner LYNX, we’ll also see expanded service of Lymmo, our free downtown circulator. No matter if you’re looking to become a resident or are just visiting our dynamic Orlando Mayor city center for the first time, Downtown Orlando is the place to have fun. We’re rapidly Buddy Dyer becoming a cultural mecca, full of entertainment, visual arts, and lively nightspots. I encourage you to pay a visit to some of our amazing amenities such as the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, Menello Museum of American Folk Art, Orange County Regional History Center, CityArts Factory, Harry P. Leu Gardens and our Orlando Farmers Market held every Sunday. While you’re out, taste the true flavor of Orlando by having a delicious lunch or dinner at one of our exquisite Downtown eateries. Then, be sure to follow that up with a night on the town where you can experience our spirited atmosphere firsthand. Whatever your pleasure, Downtown Orlando has something for everyone. Best of all, there’s more on the way! Again, I’m pleased to welcome you to Downtown Orlando – Central Florida’s Front Porch, a place where people from across the region and beyond can come to be with each other, celebrate with one another, and be entertained together. As our city continues to grow, we hope you’ll continue to experience and enjoy all the great things Downtown Orlando has to offer!
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REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES Two public agencies responsible for Downtown Orlando’s growth
Mission Statements
Downtown Development Board:
Downtown Development Board (DDB)
Created in 1971 by a special act of the legislature and served by a five-member Board, appointed by the Mayor of Orlando. Board Members: Mr. Stuart R. Newmark I The Kessler Collection Ms. Vernice Atkins-Bradley I Turner Construction Company Ms. Jennifer Quigley I Chair, WBQ Design & Engineering Mr. Tim Baker I Baker Barrios Architects Funding source: Special tax district District size: 1,000 acres
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he mission of the DDB is to strengthen the role of Downtown Orlando as the economic, governmental and cultural center of Central Florida. The DDB is responsible for the planning, implementation and administration of the City’s core area redevelopment and development program.
Community Redevelopment Agency: Created in 1982 and served by a seven-member Orlando City Council. Board Members: Buddy Dyer I Orlando Mayor Phil Diamond I Commissioner, District 1 Betty T. Wyman I Commissioner, District 2 Robert R. Stuart I Commissioner, District 3 Patty Sheehan I Commissioner, District 4 Daisy W. Lynum I Commissioner, District 5 Samuel Ings I Commissioner, District 6 Funding source: Tax increment financing District size: 1,665 acres The Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board is comprised of DDB members and two Orange County appointed members.
Appointed Board Members: Mildred Fernandez I Orange County Commissioner, District 3 Terrance Delahunty, Jr. I Foley & Lardner, LLP
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Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
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he mission of the CRA is to aggressively pursue redevelopment and revitalization activities within the Redevelopment Area, with emphasis on providing more housing and cultural arts opportunities, improving long-term transportation needs and encouraging retail development.
Downtown Orlando at a Glance: Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area: 1,665 Acres
Downtown Orlando Population (2006): Total: 15,016 Male: 47.8% Female: 52.2% Median Age: 42.8 Downtown Orlando Population Projected by 2011: 16,477 Population within 3-miles of Downtown Orlando: 95,086
Metro Orlando Population (2006): Metro Orlando Population: 1.9 million + Metro Orlando Population Projected by 2011: 2.2 Million Male: 49.5% Female: 50.5% Region’s Median Age: 36.5
Downtown Orlando Workforce & Business (2006): # of Daily Workers: 55,000 + # of Establishments: 3,785
Downtown Orlando Office Inventory: Professional Offices: 10,055 Million Sq. Ft. Government Offices: 2,741,229 Sq. Ft. Medical Offices: 181,112 Sq. Ft. TOTAL: 12,977,831 Million Sq. Ft.
Hotels and Lodging Inventory: # of Properties: 12 # of Rooms: 1,730
Retail & Entertainment Inventory: # of Restaurants & Bars:129 Retail and Entertainment: 1.7 Million Sq. Ft.
Arts & Culture Inventory: Arts and Culture: 480,043 Sq. Ft.
Healthcare Systems Inventory: # of Healthcare Systems: 2 # of Employees: 16,744 # of Beds: 2,099
Education K thru 12: # # # #
of of of of
Public Schools: 3 Private Schools: 6 Charter Schools: 3 Enrollment:5,126
Faith-Based Institutions Inventory: # of Institutions: 31 *Downtown Orlando is flanked by two of the most prestigious hospital systems in the U.S. – Orlando Regional Medical Center and Florida Hospital
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ORLANDO’S G R E AT F U T U R E
Community Venues
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rlando is on the cusp of a historic cultural arts-and-entertainment transformation that is accelerating its ascendance as a New World City. Led by the vision of Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando is developing the largest public building project in Central Florida history: The unique $1.1 billion public/private investment in three state-of-the-art Downtown Community Venues that will be built using leading environmental standards. A Performing Arts Center, Events Center and renovated Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. These historic amenities will entertain residents and visitors for generations to come. Over time, the Community Venues are projected to generate $10 billion in economic output, and support 7,500 jobs annually.
Events Center
Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center The $425 million Performing Arts Center will be a unique, world-class destination that will showcase the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and touring shows. It will include: • A 2,800-seat Amplified Hall for large-scale productions. • An 1,800-seat Acoustical Hall for concerts, operas, dances, and drama. • A 300-seat Multi-Purpose Hall for small local groups to perform chamber music, modern dance, or theater. • Construction is expected to begin in the Summer of 2009 and be completed by 2012.
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The $480 million Events Center will be home to the Orlando Magic basketball team, Orlando Predators football team, and it will host concerts and other cultural events. The Orlando Events Center will: • Contain a minimum of 750,000 square feet, with approximately 18,500 seats and at least 40 suites. • Support ice hockey, basketball, arena football, indoor soccer, concerts and conventions. • Construction is expected to begin in the Summer of 2008 and be completed by 2010.
Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium The $175 million Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium renovation will include the demolition and replacement of the lower bowl structure and enhancements to the remainder of the stadium. The renovated Citrus Bowl will include: • Spectator seating totaling at least 70,000 seats. • 4,000 club seats and approximately 10 new suites. • A 40,000-square-foot Stadium Club. • Construction is expected to begin in early 2009 and be completed by 2011.
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO’S A R T S & C U LT U R E
Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida 320 E. South St., Ste. 180 (407) 872-2382 www.artsandculturalalliance.com
Orange County Regional History Center 65 E. Central Blvd. (407) 836-8595 www.thehistorycenter.org
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 812 E. Rollins St. (407) 896-6700 www.orlandophil.org
City Arts Factory 29 S. Orange Ave. (407) 648-7060
Orlando Ballet 1111 N. Orange Ave. (407) 426-1733 www.orlandoballet.org
Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd. (407) 835-7323 www.ocls.info
Orlando City Hall Terrace Gallery 400 S. Orange Ave. (407) 246-4279 www.cityoforlando.net/arts/ galleries.htm
Orlando Repertory Theatre 1001 E. Princeton St. (407) 896-7365 www.orlandorep.com
www.dadorlando.com/cityarts_ factory.html
Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra 812 E. Rollins St., Ste. 300 (407) 999-7800 www.fyso.org Gallery at Avalon Island 37 S. Magnolia Ave. (407) 803-6670 www.galleryatavalonisland.com Grand Bohemian Gallery 325 S. Orange Ave. (407) 581-4801 www.grandbohemianhotel.com/art _gallery/art_gallery.asp Mad Cow Theatre 105 S. Magnolia Ave. (407) 297-8788 www.madcowtheatre.com Mennello Museum of American Folk Art 900 E. Princeton St. (407) 246-4278 www.mennellomuseum.org
Orlando Film Festival PO Box 540238 www.orlandofilmfest.com Orlando Fire Museum 814 E. Rollins Ave. (407) 246-2390 Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave. (407) 896-4231 www.omart.org Orlando Opera 1111 N. Orange Ave. (407) 426-1700 www.orlandoopera.org
Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St. (407) 514-2000 www.osc.org Orlando Youth Theatre 398 W. Amelia St. (407) 254-4930 www.orlandoyouththeatre.com Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 812 E. Rollins St. (407) 447-1700 www.shakespearefest.org Prima Gallery 11 E. Pine St., 3rd floor (407) 857-4620
SAK Comedy Club 380 W. Amelia St. (407) 648-0001 www.sak.com Studio Theatre 398 W. Amelia St. (407) 872-2382 SunTrust Broadway Series 301 E. Pine St. (800) 448-6322 www.broadwayacrossamerica.com Theatre Downtown 2113 N. Orange Ave. (407) 841-0083 www.theatredowntown.net The Office: Gallery & Art Studios 47 E. Robinson St., Ste. 205 (407) 843-3172 www.theofficegallery.com Van Gelder Studios 742 W. Amelia St. (407) 246-1400 www.vangelderstudios.com Voci Dance PO Box 560755 (407) 616-8775 www.vocidance.org Wells’ Built Museum of African-American History 5111 W. South St. (407) 245-7535 www.pastinc.org
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O R L A N D O ’ S N E W. . . C R E AT I V E V I L L A G E
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rlando has become one of the largest simulation and training clusters in the world, which has fueled rapid-and-related growth in the local entertainment-technology industry. Orlando’s film-and-entertainment industry hosts more than 315 companies, 8,000 workers and collective annual sales of $1.4 billion. The emergence of Orlando’s digital media industry has grabbed the attention of national media outlets, such as BusinessWeek, which called Orlando a “global hot spot.” The average wage for Orlando’s high-tech worker is $70,000. Digital media includes companies that create animation, video games, and digital audio and video content that can be distributed globally through the Internet.
Downtown Orlando’s Creative Village will thoughtfully mix living and work spaces.
The Four Pillars of Orlando’s Digital Media Industry are: • Film/TV • Theme Park/ Ride & Show • Modeling, Simulation & Training • Interactive & Immersive Entertainment The vision of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is to build on this success by developing a Creative Village in Downtown Orlando. The Creative Village will result from the redevelopment of major portions of a roughly 60-acre site Downtown. The Village will be a magnet for knowledge and service workers who can live, work, learn and play downtown. This will enhance efforts to diversify Orlando’s robust economy. The Village will be a place where high-tech, digital media and creative industry companies integrate with residential, retail, and academia in a neighborhood that is connected to the surrounding community and globally plugged in. The Village will build on the presence of the University of Central Florida’s School of Film and Digital Media, and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), a division of the school that opened in August 2005. One of the world’s largest motion capture companies, House of Moves, is opening a 4,000-square-foot studio within FIEA, which will continue to diversify Orlando’s economy with high-paying jobs. Los Angeles-based House of Moves, which serves the film and video game industries, has worked on movies including Spider-Man 2 and The Polar Express. 12
It will be designed to: Attract large tech companies Create spin-off and startup companies Create a business-friendly environment in which digital media can thrive Attract knowledge and service workers Offer diverse cultures and lifestyle Enhance the lifestyle of creative people Offer vibrant street life and urban amenities
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O R L A N D O ’ S N E W. . . MEDICAL CITY
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he long-established success of Orlando Regional Healthcare and Florida Hospital of Orlando, have laid the groundwork for Orlando’s surging biotechnology industry. Orlando Regional Healthcare system includes the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, which ranks in the Top 5 nationally, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, which ranks in the Top 2 nationally. Meanwhile, Florida Hospital of Orlando has been ranked in the Top 10 by U.S. News and World Report, and it operates a top-rated cardiovascular center. These thriving and nationally recognized health systems, along with the expertise of The University of Central Florida’s Biomolecular Science Center and the Central Florida Research Park, are all helping to diversify Orlando’s economy with high-paying jobs. Together, these groups are attracting talented physicians, researchers and start-up companies to the region. As a result, the Orlando area has 155 biotechnology and life science companies with collective annual revenues of $2.6 billion, and roughly 9,250 workers. The future looks even brighter for Orlando’s biotech and life sciences industries: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other Central Florida leaders are committed to building a Medical City at Lake Nona, located in the City’s southeastern corner, that will elevate the international profile of Orlando’s life sciences tech cluster.
The Medical City’s prestigious tenants are slated to include: The Burnham Institute for Medical Research • University of Central Florida Medical School • University of Florida Research Facility • Proposed Veteran Affairs Hospital
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MEDICAL CITY HIGHLIGHTS
The UCF Health Sciences Center at Lake Nona
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he UCF Health Sciences Center will further accelerate Orlando’s drive to become an international hub for health and biotech services. The campus will attract top doctors, researchers, professors and medical students who will enhance the region’s skilled labor pool. This will foster greater entrepreneurial opportunities for research and business ventures that will further diversify Orlando’s economy for decades to come.
UCF’s Lake Nona campus will include: • College of Medicine • Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences • College of Nursing Construction of the 175,000-square-foot College of Medicine building is slated to be completed by June 2009, in time for the college to welcome its inaugural class that fall. Construction of the 198,000-square-foot Burnett College of Biomedical Sciences building is scheduled to be completed by April 2009.
Burnham Institute for Medical Research at Lake Nona
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t the California-based non-profit Burnham, scientists battle daily with disease in the laboratory, laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s therapies that will eventually defeat cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease and other diseases. A unique partnership with the State, the City of Orlando, Orange County, UCF, UF, the Tavistock Group and Florida’s philanthropic community has seeded Burnham’s expansion into Florida.
At Lake Nona, Burnham will hire 300 scientists and support staff who will: • Research the causes of diabetes and obesity • Extend the Institute’s capabilities in drug discovery • Construction on Burnham’s 175,000 square foot facilities at the Lake Nona campus is slated for completion in 2009. The Institute currently operates in temporary, 14,000-square-foot headquarters provided by Florida’s Blood Centers.
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DOWNTOWN T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
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owntown Orlando is located at the crossroads of Interstate-4 and the East-West (SR408) Expressway and is central to the entire Central Florida region. Both roadway systems are currently undergoing expansion/improvement, and future design concepts through the urban areas call for enhanced landscaping and lighting, decorative treatment at underpasses and sound barriers around Downtown neighborhoods. These improvements will not only improve mobility and accessibility, but they will further enhance the quality of life for urban residents. In addition to these major road improvements, Lynx, Central Florida’s regional transportation agency, remains to have an increase in ridership. Their $30 million, 18,000 square-foot multimodal transit terminal and Headquarters is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Lynx buses carry more than 70,000 riders each weekday, and travel more than 140 million-passenger miles annually. Lymmo, an efficient free bus system, is the Downtown Orlando bus circulator that carries an average of over 1 million passengers per year. Lymmo travels a three-mile loop through the heart of Downtown Orlando. It has a dedicated bus lane with 13 stations and 8 stops connecting Downtown’s major destinations. Visitors, residents and workers can ride the Lymmo buses seven days a week without paying, and the service frequency is about every 5 minutes during typical office hours. With electronic information kiosks at the Lymmo stations displaying the locations of all Lymmo buses and their estimated time of arrival, passengers know the system is both reliable and convenient. Lymmo was the first Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) System in the nation. Since its inception, Lymmo has moved more than 10 million riders. Orlando is also home to Florida’s busiest airport. Orlando International Airport (OIA) serves worldwide destinations and is the world’s 2nd best airport for customer service. Designated a large hub airport by the FAA, single-plane service is available to almost 100 cities world-wide. Orlando International Airport now has an average of 959 flight operations per day with a total of 350,189 reported for calendar year 2006. OIA is Florida’s busiest airport with about 35 million passengers a year. A $4.8 billion dollar capital improvement program is scheduled over the next 14 years as demand indicates including: terminal projects, airfield projects, an intermodal facility, roadway and parking projects. Preparatory work continues on Phase I of the South Terminal Complex, which is in design, and when fully completed, will double the capacity of the current facility.
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COMMUTER RAIL
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s Central Florida booms with population and economic growth, Orlando leaders have joined a historic effort to promote commuter rail that will reduce traffic congestion and advance environmentally friendly regional transportation for residents and workers. The commuter rail transit project will run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties. It will have 17 stations, including four stops in Downtown Orlando. The commuter rail system will be a boon for Orlando’s economy because it will help workers and residents travel throughout the metro area and it will spawn a host of retail, restaurant and office space development along the system’s route. Growth will cluster around rail stations that will bolster the economies of Central Florida neighborhoods and reduce regional sprawl. The 61-mile system will run from DeLand to Poinciana and be built in two phases — the first, from DeBary to Sand Lake Road in Orange County, is scheduled to open in 2010. The second phase, opening in 2013, will add a short stretch from DeLand to DeBary and a longer section from Sand Lake Road to Poinciana. The $615 million Commuter Rail project is a joint effort among local governments, the Florida Department of Transportation and the federal government.
Cummuter Rail Downtown Orlando Stops: Florida Hospital Station Lynx Central Station Church Street Station Orlando Amtrak / ORMC Station
Commuter Rail Car Amenities: Bicycle Storage Luggage Racks Passenger Capacity: 98 to 218 Seated Passengers per Rail Car Power to All Seats Reclining Seats Rest Rooms Wireless Internet Connection
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TA K I N G C A R E OF BUSINESS…
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ith all the changes taking place, how does one keep up with the downtown happenings? It’s easy. The Downtown Development Board invites the general public on the first Thursday of every month for a downtown update. Known as “What’s Up Downtown,” a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation is given by DDB and CRA staff. “What’s Up Downtown is a great opportunity for newcomers and locals to learn all the latest info. regarding upcoming events, future projects, and business development in Downtown Orlando” says DDB/CRA Executive Director, Thomas C. Chatmon, Jr. Citizens and visitors alike can also get a wealth of information at the City of Orlando’s new Downtown Orlando Information Center located at 201 South Orange Ave., Ste. 102, Orlando, FL 32801. For businesses thinking of relocating to Downtown Orlando, the one stop center for all the pertinent information is at the DDB/CRA offices located on the 6th floor of City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801). Naeem Coleman, Economic Development Coordinator, is available to
assist businesses with contacts for spaces available, financial assistance made available by various entities, and he can guide businesses through the permitting process. DDB/CRA’s website, www.downtownorlando.com is a must visit site for anyone interested in relocating or expanding businesses. The website is also the comprehensive source for all the exciting events and festivals taking place as well as listings of restaurants, shops and festivals taking place as other points of interests. For more information, contact DDB/CRA at (407) 246-2555. Working closely with the DDB/CRA, the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP), founded in 1962, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic development of Downtown Orlando. DOP offers a strong network of over 300 companies with more than 1,300 people, whose focus is to promote events, organization, people, leadership and excitement for downtown. For more information, visit www.downtownorlandopartnership.com.
What others are saying about…ORLANDO “Downtown Orlando continues to be one of our strongest office markets and one of the best office markets in the country,” — Ed Fritsch, president and CEO of Highwoods Properties Inc. Orlando Business Journal - May 22, 2007
“We have a lot of confidence in downtown Orlando over the next 10 years,” — Mike Mulhall, Lane Florida LLC , Lane’s regional development partner and head of the Orlando headquarters, OrlandoSentinel, July 12, 2007
“Orlando really is the center of gravity for modeling and simulation...” — Dave Rolston, CEO of Forterra
“Downtown is the heartbeat of the county” — Mayor Richard Crotty, Orange County Mayor
“Orlando used to be thought of as a tourist town, but it’s really evolved beyond that” — Justin Greider, Staubach Co. A report by Crossman and Co. and the Staubach Co.
On hot spots: The hot spot in Orlando is downtown. The hopeful approval of the proposed community venues will add more strength to what is already a strong real estate market. On the Central Business District: The Orlando central business district is already one of the best in Florida. The approval of the new community venues will add value to all real estate in and around the central business district. — Mark Stratman; Senior Vice President and Managing Pricipal, The Staubach Co., Orlando Business Journal, Space Issue; May 25-31, 2007
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