Learning from Orlando

[Metro Jacksonville]

Learning from Orlando



Orlando is best known for it’s tourist attractions, particularly Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Combined, these along with several smaller attractions pull in an estimated 52 million tourists a year and in the process make Orlando the second largest city in the country for number of hotel rooms. This market has also contributed to several faux downtown / urban environments including Downtown Disney, Universal City Walk, a host of town center developments, Celebration and International Drive. Despite the competition and being far from the attractions, Downtown Orlando has recently grown to be an epicenter for redevelopment, with many projects currently under construction or planned. Despite the fierce competition from its suburbs and a physical location that is inferior to Downtown Jacksonville,  The City Beautiful  continues to thrive and is an interesting comparison to ours.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/285

[JJ]

Good job. I can honestly say I never thought I would see the day that we would be envious of downtown Orlando. I remember going down their 10 years ago and other than Church Street Station, there was nothing. But that at least gives us some hope. I am glad Kuhn is not involved with our downtown.

[Jason]

Great article.

IMO, Jacksonville could easily jump back into the lead once the rest of announced residential towers start to rise and then fill up.  The downtown population will be the big driving force behind the future vibrancy of our core.

[Jeff from Tampa]

I have written multiple comments on skyscrapercity and in the local paper about how Orlando has been doing things right downtown and elsewhere. They seem to pay attention to detail more specifically creating public spaces for enjoyment partly with great landscaping/streetscaping. I've seen pics of Jax riverwalks, which are also great public spaces. Hopefully, Tampa can catch up soon.

[EP]

Jax has better potential in terms of natural features.  The St. John's River is such an asset but if the developers keep walling it off with private condos, the entertainment district along the river will never get off the ground.  First Baptist must own half of the northbank and they arent too fond of nightlife.  I see Bay Street as the first place that will redevelop like Orlando's Church Street.