About 120 community members, business leaders and representatives of civic organizations gathered on Monday night to receive an update on the proposed Creative Village in the Parramore neighborhood of downtown Orlando.
Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum (District 5), who convened the meeting, informed that plans are well underway for the first stage of the Creative Village’s development–demolition of the old Amway Arena.
According to the timelines set out, it is anticipated that the ‘Notice to Proceed’, securing of the demolition site, and advertisements for qualified bidders, will all take place in October/November 2011.  A Contractors Information Forum is planned for October 25, later this month.
Lynum said that, in December, demolition contractors would be selected and demolition activities will commence shortly thereafter. It is anticipated that the demolition will be completed by June 2012.
The Creative Village, a comprehensive redevelopment of 68 acres on the site of the old Amway Arena and surrounding land, envisions a place where high tech-companies can locate, and employees of those businesses and other residents live, work, learn and play. Â The concept builds 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, furthering its high-tech role.
The City plans to have 35 percent of the Creative Village dedicated toward office space, 45 percent for residential space and 20 percent for other land uses, including education, hotel, retail and entertainment.
The Creative Village is expected to be completed in its entirety by 2026.
