Amway Arena to Be Imploded to Make Way for Creative Village

WHAT:
On Sunday, March 25 at approximately 7:30 a.m. significant portions of the Amway Arena will be imploded paving the way for the development at the Creative Village site.

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 implosion will entail a series of “bangs” similar to what you might hear during a July 4th firework display.

When the implosion is over, the four corners of the arena and the columns that supported the roof system will still be standing. Those areas will then be conventionally demolished.

WHAT SURROUNDING BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS SHOULD EXPECT:
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, and Livingston Street between Hughey Avenue and Parramore Avenue. Accommodations will be made for guests of the Sheraton Hotel. *Map with road closures is attached

WHEN:
Sunday, March 25, 2012
5:00 a.m. -- Residents should expect road closures around the project site for several hours beginning at 5:00 a.m. on the date of the implosion. *Map Attached

6:00 – 7:00 a.m. – Media availability with demolition team

6:30 a.m. -- Media and local residents who wish to view the planned implosion of the Amway Arena should plan to arrive at the designated viewing location no later than 6:00 a.m.

7:30 a.m. – Initiate the planned implosion is set for 7:30 a.m.
*Weather conditions or other security concerns could delay the start time

The airspace within a half-mile radius of the Amway Arena will be closed during the demolition. No media helicopters will be permitted within the no-fly zone during the implosion.

WHERE:
Amway Arena
600 West Amelia Street
Orlando, Florida

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.

Media only parking will be available on Lake Dot Circle near Colonial Drive.

BACKGROUND:
What is the Creative Village?
The Creative Village builds upon the success of Orlando’s digital media industry by transforming the former site of the Amway Arena in Downtown Orlando into a 68-acre mixed-use, transit oriented, urban infill neighborhood that will be home to leading higher education providers; high-tech, digital media and creative companies; and a diverse mix of students, employees and residents. Creative Village fosters a “live, work, learn and play” lifestyle while bringing exciting opportunities to the Parramore area.

Project Overview
The City of Orlando entered into a public/private partnership with Creative Village Development, LLC (CVD) to redevelop the project site. When complete, this high quality, sustainable neighborhood development will support a diverse and dynamic mix of uses including 900,000 – 1,000,000 square feet of office/creative space, 300,000 – 500,000 square feet of higher education space, 25,000 square feet of k-12 education space, 1,200 – 1,500 residential units, 125,000 – 150,000 square feet of retail/commercial space and 150 – 200 hotel rooms..
 

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