Downtown Orlando Project Discussion

[steve_o]

Orlando is not in the position to develop onerous standards. They have to be driven by the tenants of these buildings. High demand areas can be more restrictive, but not markets like Downtown Orlando.

Precisely. Companies come or stay here because its cheap. Take a look around. The fortune 500 companies with the capital are not located in Downtown Orlando. Though we want the per sf build to be amazing, the local demographic doesn't. Unlike established cities, this is a town in training and hopefully someday it will get there. Until then, we will have to fight (through forceful education) to get the foundation planted. The Performing Arts Ctr and Sun Rail commuter trains are to some degree the first/next step.

[prahaboheme]

I don't think anyone is suggesting the city force all developers to clad new buildings in limestone or marble. In fact, this has nothing to do with the quality of the development, it's merely ensuring that all new developments include ground floor retail/restaurant space, and at very least, urban street interaction (case in point -- no grassy separation from sidewalk to building as is the GAI example). This is not going to scare away a developer or a company.

Companies who chose suburbs over downtowns do so for reasons already mentioned. I don't see how infusing suburban elements into an urban environment strengthens the downtown core, nor runs off future potential development.

[Jernigan]

Progressive Launches Pay-As-You-Go Insurance in Florida

[bulldogger]

It looks like the Dolive Building is getting a very minor upgrade on the first floor level in the form of new metal awnings. Does anyone have any conceptual drawings, because I don't know if it is going to look right on that building??

[smileguy]

It looks like the Dolive Building is getting a very minor upgrade on the first floor level in the form of new metal awnings. Does anyone have any conceptual drawings, because I don't know if it is going to look right on that building??

Does anyone know who owns the Dolive building right now?

[bulldogger]

Is it still Kuhn or did he sell it back during his Church Street debacle?

[FLheat]

I see Fields is remodeling the old downtown mini dealership into Fields Fiat.

[bulldogger]

That's interesting. Thanks for the heads up.

[Ocityst]

Guess they scrapped plans for the Fisker Karma. Either would be fine w/ me as long it fills the space on Orange.

[smileguy]

It looks like the awning around the corner on the Dolive building mirrors the curve of the awning on the building diagonally across the intersection... could be an interesting look.

[John Hargrove]

It looks like the awning around the corner on the Dolive building mirrors the curve of the awning on the building diagonally across the intersection... could be an interesting look.

I still haven't noticed this, despite driving past it like 10 times.

[bulldogger]

Lymmo E/W Corridor Public Meetings

LINKAGE

Meetings are Monday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 23 - click above for details

Edited March 17, 2011 by bulldogger

[John Hargrove]

Looks like that lot on Pine & Orange is getting a building. If the sign is accurate, we should see them breaking ground very soon.

This is a good infill project, in my opinion:

[prahaboheme]

I like the infill. I'd like it even more if the Mediterranean Revival elements were eliminated (the stucco walls in white and yellow) and the brick facade was carried up to the cornice. Another option would to go with an earth tone, like dark red.

[alex]

I like it, too. I think it's a good time right now to concentrate on smaller projects like this. It works well with the surrounding buildings on the corner, but I agree: brick all the way up would echo the existing style better (20th century commercial style?). I'm eager to see what retail/restaurant/bar would go here. Any guesses?

[JFW657]

Of course the design shown in that rendering could change two or three times before it's built.

IF it's built.....

[UPSDAN]

You will see a proposal for a 9 story hotel (Cambria Suites) at 170 E. Washington on Lake Eola Announced soon.

[spenser1058]

You will see a proposal for a 9 story hotel (Cambria Suites) at 170 E. Washington on Lake Eola Announced soon.

Good site for that. It will be interesting to see how it works around St. George's.

[nite owℓ]

You will see a proposal for a 9 story hotel (Cambria Suites) at 170 E. Washington on Lake Eola Announced soon.

Information from their website:

[klstorey]

Information from their website:

http://www.concordea...oject.php?id=40

The Orlando Business Journal article today about Cambria Suites lists "113-space parking lot" but on the Cambria website it mentions "113 structed parking spaces." So are we getting a parking garage or surface parking? I'm hoping for a garage, I don't see how they would fit 113 spaces of surface parking on that size lot besides a garage would look much nicer in that downtown setting.

[prahaboheme]

Definitely a parking garage -- no space for a parking lot at this location. Nice project for downtown when there isn't anything else going up. The design though (especially for the Lake Eola location) is cookie cutter.

[alex]

I guess the lot is too small to put anything skyline-changing, so I like the size. Nice "human-scale" addition to downtown. But I agree, the design is very unimaginative. Hopefully there are more details that aren't visible in the drawing...

I wonder what the 2,600 sf of retail space will be -- hotel lobby or actual street-level shops?

[Jernigan]

Maybe a starbucks or cafe type place or hotel restaurant.

Too bad our DT Embassy Suites doesn't have an Omaha Steakhouse like the one in Cranes Roost - great food!

[spenser1058]

the outline of the building (not the decorative aspects) reminds me a little of the old Downtowner Motor Inn where Lincoln is on Orange Ave.

[bic]

Developers Plan 155-Room Cambria Suits Near Lake Eola