Universal Orlando is planning a major addition to its recently opened Epic Universe theme park, according to a building permit filed with Orange County last Friday.
Bryce Ramsay, an architect with Baker Barrios’ hospitality and entertainment division, submitted the application for utility and foundation work for a 150,000-square-foot building. The address on the permit is 1001 Epic Blvd., the official address for Epic Universe. However, it’s not clear if the building would be located within the theme park or on the company’s Universal Boulevard property nearby.
A spokeswoman for Baker Barrios told GrowthSpotter the firm could not comment on the project due to its strict nondisclosure agreement with Universal.
This is the second hint of a major project in the pipeline at or near Epic Universe, which premiered May 22 as the area’s first all-new theme park in 25 years and has been a smash hit so far.
Back in August, Universal filed an application with the South Florida Water Management District requesting approval for mass grading of nearly 54 acres on Universal Boulevard directly northwest of Top Golf and Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando. That permit also indicated it was preceding a construction project, although Universal officials indicated the project was related to ongoing maintenance of the property.
Baker Barrios has an expansive portfolio of design work in downtown Orlando, including acting as lead architect for Westcourt and much of Creative Village. The company also helped design the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and was selected for the adaptive reuse of the historic Bob Carr Theater.
Baker Barrios is also designing a dual-branded Aloft and Element Hotels across from Universal’s main parks.
Comcast Corp., the parent of Universal Orlando, reported Oct. 30 that its theme park revenue climbed 18.7% in the third quarter propelled by the early months of operation of Epic Universe. The attractions segment, took in $2.7 billion in the quarter that ended Sept. 30.
The firm does not report individual park revenue separately, and has not detailed attendance figures for Epic Universe.
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