Orlando will begin imploding major portions of the Amway Arena on Sunday, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The implosion will entail a series of “bangs” similar to what you might hear during a July 4th firework display, city officials said.
The demolition contractor, Sonny Glasbrenner, Inc. will work with Dykon Explosive Demolition Corp. to implode the roof and the center of the building inward using a series of controlled explosives over a span of approximately 10 to 15 seconds.
The Amway Arena is being torn down to make way for the Creative Village, a 68-acre mixed-use, transit oriented, urban neighborhood, where high tech companies can locate, and employees of those businesses and other residents live, work, learn and play.
There are mixed reactions to the demolition of the Amway Arena.
“The Arena is not that old and it’s going to cost a lot to tear it down,” said Anthony. “It would have been nice to see it used as a part of the Creative Village.”
The Amway Arena demolition is anticipated to cost at least $2 million.
Others have said that the Creative Village is premature, as the educational base is not yet in place for Orlando residents to take full advantage of it.
Some people have also said there is major excess capacity of residential and commercial space already Downtown Orlando and the Creative Village could be greatly underutilized.
But, the Amway Arena will come.
And what can suurrounding businesses and residents expect with the implosion?
Depending on weather conditions, the explosions may be heard for several blocks.
After the implosion, it could take approximately 60 minutes for the dust to settle. Residential units and businesses within a few blocks of the arena are advised to close windows and doors, turn off air conditioning units and close air intakes during and for up to an hour after the implosion.
Roads will be closed around the project site beginning at 5:00 a.m. and ending by 9:30 a.m. on the morning of the implosion.
Expected road closures include:
- Parramore Avenue between Robinson Street and Colonial Drive
- Concord Street and Amelia Street between Parramore Avenue and Hughey Avenue
- Hughey Avenue between Colonial Drive and Livingston Street
- Livingston Street between Hughey Avenue and Parramore Avenue.
A viewing area for the media and members of the community who wish to see the implosion will be staged on Colonial Drive on the north side of Lake Dot.
