It took only a few seconds to implode the Amway Arena on Sunday morning. And so, with over 600 pounds of explosives and a series of “bangs,” major portions of the old arena came down, sending dust into the air which took about one hour to settle. When it was all over, the four corners of the arena and the columns that supported the roof remained. Those areas will be conventionally demolished.
The 23-year-old 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 only 20 years old and it must cost at least $1 million to demolish it,” said Michael, who didn’t know what was coming in its place. “What a waste of money.” At least the palm trees are still standing, he added.
Orlando Mayor Buddy said recently that the city has put up $2 million for the demolition and any increase in cost will be picked up by the developer.
“I understand the importance of 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 Amway Arena, which was completed in 1989, has housed numerous sporting activities, concerts and trade shows. It was closed in September 2010, after the state-of-the art Amway Center was opened.
The Creative Village aims to build on the presence of the UCF School of Film and Digital Media and is expected 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.
