Many months ago the City of Orlando received a proposal from Eola Capital to construct a highrise on properties they own along Washington Street contiguous to Lake Eola Park.  Most of the sentiment expressed was in opposition to the project.  That posed a significant challenge, how to stop a privately held parcel from development in the worst budget year the City of Orlando has ever known.

I am proud to report that a proposal will come before the Orlando City Council on Monday that will be a first step in the City of Orlando purchasing the property.  The Trust for Public Land has offered to purchase the property and allow the City of Orlando to buy it back over four years.  The Trust for Public Land is a not-for-profit organization that helps governments purchase park and recreation space.  The Trust also assists local governments identify State and Federal funding to assist them in this effort.  While this funding is scarce as well, the Trust for Public Land has finalized a deal that gives Orlando an opportunity to add the five parcels to Lake Eola Park.  Eola Capital was also instrumental in making this happen.  Eola Capital is willing to sell the property at less than market value to the Trust.

While this has been a controversial project, I appreciate the way that all parties involved have come together to provide a positive outcome.  City staff also worked diligently to make this possible, especially Frank Billingsley and Laurie Botts.    I hope you find this news as exciting as I do, and I hope that this added land can be enjoyed by Orlando families and visitors for many years to come.

Click here to view the City's briefing sheet on this exciting development.