ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Orlando leaders are moving forward with a decade-long plan to transform the area under I-4 from West Church Street to West Washington Avenue into a vibrant community gathering place called \u201cThe Canopy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Canopy,\u201d a planned urban gathering space, was formerly known as the \u201cUnder-I Project.\u201d <\/p>\n
In 2024, the city released new renderings of the project<\/a>. Last year, it approved a contract<\/a> with The Whiting-TurnerContracting Company to bring the vision to life. <\/p>\n On Monday, the city council is set to approve a $30 million cap on construction costs, a key step to begin the project, which is expected to open in 2027. <\/p>\n For those who frequent Church St., the project promises a new place to gather and enjoy events.<\/p>\n Quentin Clark, who works downtown and passes through the soon-to-be revitalized area, is on board with the changes.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, yeah. Honestly, a bigger, more family-oriented type of thing [would be nice],\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Local businesses expect \u201cThe Canopy\u201d to boost foot traffic and profits. <\/p>\n \u201cI believe it will be double and double what I\u2019m doing now,\u201d owner of Crepe Delicious, Yehya Rizeq, told News 6.<\/p>\n Rizeq has been waiting years for the project, which will include public art, gathering spots, and greenery to give people a new place to hang out downtown. He even extended his lease in anticipation of the project.<\/p>\n \u201cThe value of my restaurant would be higher if there were foot traffic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n However, he is growing impatient and said he will not stay if the project is not completed by 2027. <\/p>\n \u201cSo, I have now a five-year lease but with an option. An option because if \u2018The Canopy\u2019 is not finished in two years, then I\u2019ll just cancel my lease,\u201d Rizeq said. \u201cIt all depends on \u2018The Canopy.\u2019 So, if in two years, \u2018The Canopy\u2019 is not finished, I\u2019ll cancel my lease. I cannot sustain my business here.\u201d<\/p>\n Rizeq also expressed a desire for regular updates from the city and financial support for Church Street businesses if the project faces more delays.<\/p>\n Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed sometime in 2027.<\/p>\n