Orlando’s $30 Million Canopy Project Gets Final Approval
What Is The Canopy?
The Canopy is a new 10-acre community space being built beneath Interstate 4 in downtown Orlando, spanning roughly 0.3 miles between W. Church and W. Washington streets. The project will transform what’s currently an underused stretch of land into a gathering space featuring art installations, immersive lighting, pedestrian and bike paths, and digital projection features. Nearly 300 parking spaces and ride share zones will be located at the north end of the site.
How Is The Canopy Being Funded?
The Canopy is funded through a $30 million Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) bond, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) contributing an additional $3.75 million toward construction expenses like infrastructure, hardscape, and safety improvements. The project is part of a larger $160 million bond package backing Orlando’s broader Downtown Orlando (DTO) Action Plan, which includes 14 total projects aimed at reshaping how people experience downtown.
What Do Nearby Business Owners Think?
Business owners near the site have generally welcomed the project, with some pointing to the potential for more evening foot traffic in an area that currently slows down after dark. The hope among nearby businesses is that a active, well-designed gathering space will draw people downtown who might not otherwise have a reason to stop by.
What Else Is Part of Orlando’s Downtown Action Plan?
The Canopy is one of 14 projects included in Orlando’s Downtown Action Plan, joining efforts like converting Orange Avenue and Rosalind Avenue into two-way streets and transforming Church Street into a festival street. Together, these projects represent a broader push to reshape downtown Orlando’s urban core and connect its neighborhoods.
Browse Other Communities
Your Local Expert
Contact Patrick Today
Ready to buy or sell in Central Florida? With 18+ years of experience and 400+ homes sold, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Let's talk about your real estate goals.
