ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 A major change is now in place on one of downtown Orlando\u2019s busiest streets.<\/p>\n
Magnolia Avenue, which has been one-way since 1956, is officially two-way again, changing how drivers move through the heart of downtown.<\/p>\n
The conversion to two-way traffic is part of Phase 1 of the project, which runs from South Street north toward Livingston Street.<\/p>\n
Officials report that the $2.8 million project<\/a>\u00a0includes more walkable sidewalks, the elimination of dedicated bus lanes and adds 92 on-street parking spaces to bring the total along Magnolia to 103.<\/p>\n For workers at CityArts Caf\u00e9, the changes make sense.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels like there\u2019s a concentrated, intentional effort to find parking for people so they can enjoy the establishments downtown,\u201d said Danielle Ziss, a server at CityArts Caf\u00e9. \u201cSo 15-minute parking right outside a coffee shop makes a lot of sense.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s so many different options out there. So I think the two-way parking has allowed for more people to come back downtown,\u201d Buro said.<\/p>\n The Downtown Arts District<\/a> has promoted local artists along Magnolia since 2000.<\/p>\n Executive Director Barbara Hartley said the two-way traffic has already created a more energetic atmosphere.<\/p>\n \u201cSo now cars are coming and going. There\u2019s parking spaces,” Hartley said. “People are getting out of their cars or frequenting the businesses, and I just feel like it\u2019s more vibrant and energetic.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Officials reports that Phase 1 of that project will cost $5.2 million<\/a> and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.<\/p>\n