Bye, Bye Amway Arena, So Long Old Friend

The Orlando City Commission voted on Monday to tear down the Amway Arena, the old home of the Orlando Magic. In a vote of 5 to 2, a majority of commission members approved pulling down the building, which is expected to begin before year end.

The Amway Arena, which was completed in 1989, has housed numerous sporting activities, concerts and trade shows in its 22 years of existence, was closed in last September, after the new Amway Center was opened.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and the City of Orlando have a vision to use the existing site of the old Amway Arena and surrounding land, to redevelop the area into a Creative Village–a place where high tech-companies can locate, and employees of those businesses and other residents live, work, learn and play.

But there have been 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.”

It is estimated that the Amway Arena demolition would cost at least $2 million.  These costs could increase if environmental studies have got to be undertaken.

“I understand the importance wanting to develop downtown Orlando, but I am not sure about pulling down such a beautiful piece of architecture,” Jasmine said. “I would have preferred to see it remain and used for something else.”

The Creative Village aims to build on the presence of the UCF School of Film and Digital Media and aims to move the City closer toward the goal of diversifying Orlando’s economy and furthering its high-tech role.   Of the 68-acre development, the City plans to have 35 percent dedicated toward office space, 45 percent for residental space and 20 percent for other land uses, including education, hotel, retail and entertainment.