Overview

Central Florida is on the cusp of a cultural arts-and-entertainment transformation that is accelerating its ascendance as a New World City. Led by the vision of Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando is developing the largest public building project in Central Florida history: a unique $1.1 billion public/private investment in three state-of-the-art Community Venues that will be built using leading environmental standards.

Orlando has a world class airport, theme parks and attractions, but lacks modern Venues which will attract high-profile, economic generating events currently bypassing the City. Downtown Orlando serves as the economic hub of Central Florida and improving gathering spaces in the urban core not only benefits surrounding neighborhoods, but also contributes to the region’s quality of life. Offering a diverse array of cultural and community amenities is necessary to provide for an ever-growing population and to remain globally competitive.

In July 2007, the Orlando City Council and Orange County Board of Commissioners made history, giving the green light to one the region’s most significant public, multi-building project, paying the way for construction of these three Downtown assets. The strategic investment made by the City of Orlando and Orange County will bring Mayor Dyer’s vision for a revitalized Downtown and Parramore Heritage Neighborhood to fruition and deliver enhanced entertainment, sports and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Over time, the Community Venues are projected to generate $10 billion in economic output and support 7,500 jobs annually. Through the design and construction of the Venues, the City is committed to making a significant and long-term, positive economic impact in the minority communities in Orlando and Orange County, along with the local community at large.

The “Blueprint for a Sustainable Economic Impact” will serve as a national model for inclusiveness and community building throughout the various levels of contracting. The goal of Mayor Dyer and the Orlando City Council is to ensure maximum opportunities are afforded to local, small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as minorities and women, in the areas of job creation and training, business development and the procurement of goods, professional and construction services.

Through the design and construction process, the City is responsible to make sure these Downtown assets are built on schedule, on budget and with the highest quality possible. Efforts to ensure these guiding principles are met include: appointment of a City project director with more than 30 years of experience to assist in the overall management of these Venues; development of prudent agreements with the Venue partners to provide protective measures and guarantees; and, establishment of the Mayor’s Citizens Oversight Committee to provide public oversight and review of the projects.