Downtown Orlando

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Please improve this article if you can. (February 2007)
Downtown as seen from Interstate 4.
Downtown as seen from Interstate 4.

Downtown Orlando, Florida is far removed from the famous attractions that draw tourists to the region.

There are several areas of downtown Orlando. Uptown is bounded by Colonial Drive on the South and Lake Ivanhoe on the North. Eola is one bounded by Rosalind on the West. Parramore is bounded by Hughey on the East, while the Central business District is bounded by The East-West Expressway on the South and Colonial Drive on the North.

Orlando Skyline
Orlando Skyline


Contents

[edit] Overview

Downtown Orlando contains a number of highrises that dot the downtown area. They include Bank of America Tower at 408 feet tall and 29 stories, Orange County Courthouse at 417 feet and 23 stories, and SunTrust Center Tower at 441 feet and 32 stories. The VUE at Lake Eola, which is 426 feet and 35 stories, was completed in 2007.

The main route through downtown is Orange Avenue, a one-way street on which traffic flows to the south. It is known by locals for its nightlife and for the tall office buildings that dot the roadway. Other main roads include Magnolia Avenue, Central Boulevard, Hughey Avenue, and Colonial Drive (SR 50). Two main highways that run through downtown are Interstate 4 and the East-West Expressway (Toll SR 408).

Downtown is home to many urban amenities such as an 18,000 seat arena now known as the Amway Arena which hosts the Orlando Magic NBA team and the Orlando Predators Arena Football League team. Downtown Orlando has many parks. Lake Eola, known for its colorful fountain, also has swan boats for rent.

On July 26th a bill was voted on and passed for a joint venture between Orange County and the city of Orlando to build a 1.2 billion dollar project in downtown, which will consist of the following:

  • Performing arts center with three halls
  • New arena for the Orlando Magic and other events
  • Renovations to the Florida Citrus Bowl to bring it up to date as a world class football stadium

This ambitious series of plans has been dubbed the "Triple Crown for Downtown" by Mayor Buddy Dyer.

[edit] Uptown

Uptown is very similar to the Central Business District but is still developing a character. It has much open space left for an area of downtown, yet has high aspirations too. With, among other things, the significant planned retail space, Uptown is expected to drastically change its skyline from the current three under 300' buildings. Lake Ivanhoe at the North has a significant gay community with several nightclubs and a number of antique shops which is increasing every year.

[edit] Parramore

The area is located just west of the Central Business district. The area was once a thriving neighborhood, but through years of neglect, crime, and a haven for the homeless it has suffered economically and historically. Yet through the efforts of the city, the residents and business community the area is going through a slow, but greatly needed transformation. The Parramore area was established in the 1800s as the hub of Orlando's African American community.

It is significantly residential, with a large number of high intensity entertainment and office institutions such as the Amway Arena, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, US Federal Courthouse, Florida A&M Univ School of Law, state buildings and Police Headquarters. Minor businesses in this low-rent area include small grocery stores, barber shops, a few ethnic restaurants, auto parts and industrial. Significant projects have yet to emerge, yet city-funded and citizen-encouraged redevelopment projects continue to pour into this region to improve this area. For example, the Guardian Angels recently requested involvement in the area, and various charities work in the area to provide remedial education and job opportunities.

[edit] Central Business District

The central business district is the most recognized and urban region of downtown. It consist mostly of high-rises with an occasional skyscraper and contains many nightclubs and bars including Lizzie McCormack's, Big Belly Brewery, Antigua, Mako's, The Lodge, Rhythm & Flow, Independent Bar, and The Social. There are a number of office towers, including offices for Bank of America, SouthTrust Bank, and Wachovia. SunTrust Center and City Commons are two large multi-building office complexes within the CBD. SunTrust Center includes SunTrust Tower and Lincoln Plaza, along with several parking garages and smaller office buildings. CityCommons includes CNL Centers I and II, City Hall, and a large parking garage.

This area is by far the busiest and is encountering intense development, some of which include the 400' 55 West on Church Street, The Vue a 426' condo development soon to be the second tallest in the city, Tradition Towers, twin 415 ft buildings just west of Lake Eola, and PremierTrade Plaza, a large mixed-use development consisting of two office towers and a residential tower, called Solaire. A 12-screen movie theater is planned as well.

[edit] Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is a popular city park located in the eastern area of Downtown Orlando. The park could be considered Orlando's "Central Park" due to its central location, historical significance, and a frequent venue for local events and festivals. The park's most iconic and historical landmark is the Lake Eola Fountain that resides in the center of Lake Eola and is permanently embedded to the lake bottom with concrete beams. The scenic fountain is illuminated nightly with green lighting within the fountain dome. In addition to the fountain, the park features swan boat rentals and an amphitheater that has been a host to many events, including the annual Orlando Shakespeare festival. One of the most popular events held at the park is the annual Independence Day firework show that takes place every 4th of July. A 0.85-mile recreational pathway circles the park, and leads to a children's playground.

[edit] Visiting Downtown Orlando

Downtown Orlando has a vibrant nightlife, with over 40 bars, restaurants and nightclubs within a three or four block radius of the intersection of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue.

[edit] Parking in Downtown Orlando

Many city streets have metered parking during the day, but parking meters are not enforced after 6pm and on weekends. The City of Orlando offers free on street parking during holidays and hours after 6 pm, Monday through Saturday restricted to 2 hour parking. Free all day on Sundays and on City holidays. [1] There are several city-run parking garages, including the Central Parking Garage, and the Library Garage. In addition, on nights and weekends there are many privately operated lots where you can park for the evening for a flat fee (typically $5.00). Downtown Orlando is home to some aggressive tow truck companies, so it is important to park in a legal space when parking in the downtown area.

Getting around on three dollars per person is customary, depending on the distance and number of passengers. Several taxi companies provide curbside service throughout the city.

In Automobile traffic in the late evening hours (after 12am) on weekend nights as a safety precaution. In addition, abundant construction projects cause periodic street closures.

The Lynx bus service operates a free bus service called the Lymmo that travels in a circular route around the downtown area.

[edit] Gallery

Lake Eola
OrangeAv.jpg

Orange Avenue (Orlando)
DtoWallst.jpg

Wall Street Plaza
Orange County Courthouse.jpg

Orange County Courthouse (Florida)

Old Orange County Courthouse (Florida)
Downtownorlandoskyline.jpg

Downtown Skyline

Amway Arena

[edit] References

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[edit] External links