Spanning 10 acres beneath the revitalized I-4 bridges from Church Street to Washington Street, The City of Orlando unveil "The Canopy."
The City of Orlando has announced the latest iteration of the former "Under-I Project."
The official name of the project is now “The Canopy”, with the City of Orlando announcing that construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with a construction timeline of 24 months.
The development would see the area under the I-4 across the street from the Kia Center from Church Street to Washington Street and Hughey Avenue and Garland Avenue transformed.
The city say that the name has been chosen through recent design exercises incorporating feedback from the city’s online survey and public meetings in the fall of 2023, with the city calling the news "another step forward in the development of this unique hub."
The city say that the name, "The Canopy", was inspired by the newly updated design which blends nature and technology, drawing inspiration from Orlando’s beautiful canopy of trees, to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable urban oasis that reflects the spirit of downtown Orlando, connects its diverse neighborhoods and fosters a sense of belonging for all.
In response to input from the community, the new design focuses on the six core principles identified as most important to residents, including;
Connection: Seamlessly integrating with various modes of transportation to ensure accessibility for all.
Safety: Prioritizing the well-being and security of visitors through thoughtful design and strategic planning.
Community: Providing ample space for gatherings, festivals and cultural events that bring people together.
Greenery: Infusing the urban landscape with lush landscaping and green spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Mobility: Creating pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike paths to encourage active lifestyles and sustainable transportation.
Artistic Immersion: Enriching The Canopy with immersive art installations that captivate the imagination and inspire creativity.
As part of the new design, the city will also pilot a temporary rideshare zone and parking concept in the Pine Street and Central Boulevard area. The pilot will include the installation of approximately 150 temporary, public parking spaces that can be utilized for both short-term parking and ride share services.
The goal of the pilot is to integrate flexible transportation options to create an easier and more enjoyable experience for people when visiting downtown Orlando. The pilot will also help provide feedback to better understand the usage of the temporary zone ahead of the permanent project design, which can be modified to meet future multimodal needs.
Construction for the pilot is expected to begin in early April 2024 and is expected to be complete this summer. The pilot project is estimated to last approximately 12 months.
The Canopy is expected to begin construction in early 2025 and is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete.
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