ORLANDO, Fla. — Downtown Orlando is about to look different in the next couple of years, with four massive developments moving forward simultaneously.
What You Need To Know
Four massive development projects are moving forward in downtown Orlando
Business owners say Church Street needs revitalization after COVID-19 slowed foot traffic
City leaders say the construction boom will create a more walkable and connected downtown but acknowledge there will be “growing pains”
Some construction is set to begin within 60 days, with additional projects starting in summer 2026
From a Church Street revamp to reimagining the old Orlando Sentinel site, the city is gearing up for one of its biggest transformations in decades.
Yehya Rizeq, who owns Crepe Delicious of Church Street, says the once-bustling corridor took a hit when COVID-19 struck in 2020.
“It’s quiet, not many people are down here, and the foot traffic is very slow,” he said.
He said that he and other business owners are ready for change. Plans show Church Street becoming an all-day destination, not just a nightlife spot.
“Each project is working on its own schedule, but the context of all that is really coordinating. So yes, there’ll be some time of growing pains,” said David Barilla, executive director of the Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency.
Barilla said coordinating multiple large-scale projects will take planning.
From a reimagined Camping World Stadium to the massive West court project, to transforming the old Orlando Sentinel site and revitalizing Church Street, four major developments are moving forward at the same time.
“Next year is going to be a big year. It’s going to be like shovel after shovel,” Barilla said.
He said these projects aim to create a more walkable, connected downtown, an effort costing millions, and in some cases, billions of dollars.
With construction happening soon in nearly every direction, one question remains: can the city handle it?
“Yes, we have the capacity because we’ve been preparing for this over the last decade for this moment,” said Orlando District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose.
Rose said communication with residents about construction affects, timelines and traffic changes will be essential.
“Just being able to be prepared. We can address traffic; we can address whatever those concerns may look like. So, everyone’s voices are heard through the process,” she said.
Business owners like Rizeq say they want transparency as the corridor transforms.
“Most people like to see new things. So, if they open this, it’s new things for them and they’ll start coming,” Rizeq said.
City leaders say construction on Camping World Stadium is set to begin in the next 60 days. As for the other major projects, people can expect work on some of them to begin in summer 2026.