ORLANDO, Fla. — A major change is now in place on one of downtown Orlando’s busiest streets.

Magnolia Avenue, which has been one-way since 1956, is officially two-way again, changing how drivers move through the heart of downtown.

The conversion to two-way traffic is part of Phase 1 of the project, which runs from South Street north toward Livingston Street.

Officials report that the $2.8 million project includes more walkable sidewalks, the elimination of dedicated bus lanes and adds 92 on-street parking spaces to bring the total along Magnolia to 103.

For workers at CityArts Café, the changes make sense.

“It feels like there’s a concentrated, intentional effort to find parking for people so they can enjoy the establishments downtown,” said Danielle Ziss, a server at CityArts Café. “So 15-minute parking right outside a coffee shop makes a lot of sense.” 

At the Harp & Celt Irish Pub, parking has long been an issue. Bartender Chris Buro said the changes could make it easier for customers to come downtown.

“There’s so many different options out there. So I think the two-way parking has allowed for more people to come back downtown,” Buro said.

The Downtown Arts District has promoted local artists along Magnolia since 2000.

Executive Director Barbara Hartley said the two-way traffic has already created a more energetic atmosphere.

“So now cars are coming and going. There’s parking spaces,” Hartley said. “People are getting out of their cars or frequenting the businesses, and I just feel like it’s more vibrant and energetic.”

The city is also transforming a portion of nearby Church Street, from the railroad tracks to Garland Avenue, into a more pedestrian-friendly festival street.

Officials reports that Phase 1 of that project will cost $5.2 million and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

The city of Orlando has budgeted about $38.1 million over five years for its Downtown Orlando Action Plan, which includes several downtown improvement projects, including Magnolia Avenue and Church Street improvements.