Downtown Orlando is the historic core and central business district of Orlando, Florida, United States. It is somewhat removed from the tourist areas that are located in the southern half of the city, but does draw a significant number of visitors seeking to experience the "Real Orlando". Tourists driving into Orlando from northern Florida via I-4 will likely drive through downtown on their way to the tourist district.

Downtown Orlando is a thriving urban center that underwent significant development in the past decade. Before 1996, downtown was relatively small for a city of Orlando's size and if it were not for Church Street Station, many tourists would never see it. Today, downtown consists of four primary areas; Uptown to the north around Lake Ivanhoe, Eola to the east around Lake Eola, Parramore to the west near the Amway Arena, and the Central Business District between Colonial Dr and Lake Lucerne.

Contents 1 History 2 Overview 3 Uptown 4 Parramore 5 Central Business District 6 Lake Eola Park 7 Government and infrastructure 8 Popular Culture 9 References 10 External links

[edit] History

Prior to the arrival of European settlers in 1837, the Orlando area was occupied by the Native-American Creek and Seminole tribes. However very few archaeological sites remain today. Settlers knew the area as "Jernigan" until 1875 when the "Town of Orlando" was incorporated. Orlando became a city in 1885. Today, the historic core is located at Church St between Orange Ave and Magnolia Ave. See the article Orlando, Florida for more detailed information regarding the history of area.

[edit] Overview

Downtown Orlando contains a number of skyscrapers. They include Bank of America Tower at 408 feet tall and 29 stories, Orange County Courthouse at 417 feet and 23 stories, The VUE at Lake Eola, which is 426 feet and 35 stories, and SunTrust Center Tower at 441 feet and 32 stories, making it the tallest building in Central Florida.

The main route through downtown is Orange Avenue, a one-way street with southbound traffic flow. It is known for its nightlife and many festivals and parades held year-round. Other main roads include Magnolia Avenue, Central Boulevard, Hughey Avenue, and Colonial Drive (SR 50). Two main downtown freeways are Interstate 4 and the East-West Expressway (Toll SR 408).

Downtown is home to the Amway Arena which hosts the Orlando Magic NBA team and the Orlando Predators Arena Football League team.^[1] Downtown Orlando has many Parks which include Lake Eola; known for its colorful fountain and Thornton Park, which is a medium density residential district to the east of Lake Eola. ^[2] The CBD around Orange Avenue, in addition to Lake Eola and Thornton Park, form a dense urban core for Orlando.

[edit] Uptown

Uptown is a developing urban cluster around Lake Ivanhoe very similar to the Central Business District, but with less density. The area is dotted with open spaces planned for development in addition to existing construction of new residential and office towers. Lake Ivanhoe has a significant gay community along with retail and nightlife.

It is in this area where the 2009 Orlando Shooting occurred at Legions Place.

[edit] Parramore

Established in the 1880's, Parramore is the historical hub of Orlando's African-American community. The area is located just west of the Central Business district along Division Ave. The area was once a thriving neighborhood, but years of neglect, crime, and homelessness have resulted in economic blight. However, civic leaders, business owners, and local residents are working together to improve life in the area. The Guardian Angels is involved in the area and various charities work to provide remedial education, job opportunities, and temporary housing.

It is significantly residential, with a large number of high intensity entertainment and office institutions such as the Amway Arena, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, US Federal Courthouse, Florida A&M Univ School of Law, state buildings and Orlando Police Department Headquarters. Smaller businesses include grocery stores, barber shops, soul-food restaurants, auto parts stores and industrial businesses.

Major development in this area includes the new Orlando Events Center, which will be the future home of the Orlando Magic and will host major concerts and other events. The Florida Citrus Bowl, located on the western fringe of Parramore, is scheduled for a major renovation (part of the "Triple Crown for Downtown" initiative) to bring the stadium up to NFL standards.

[edit] Central Business District

The central business district is the urban core and most recognized feature of downtown. It consists of office and residential skyscrapers, nightlife, and the Arts District. Located here are corporate offices, Orlando City Hall, foreign consulates, hotels, and even tattoo parlors. SunTrust Center and City Commons are two large multi-building office complexes within the CBD.

This area is by far the busiest of downtown and encountered intense residential and commercial development during the building boom of the mid-2000's. By 2009, however, such frenzied development has slowed, mainly due to the subprime mortgage crisis. However, the next major project in this area will include construction of the new Dr. P Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It will replace the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center and will host larger Broadway shows, major theatrical productions, and educational facilities for the University of Central Florida. Construction will be in phases with the first phase beginning in mid-2010.

[edit] Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is located in the eastern area of Downtown Orlando. The park holds historical significance and is a frequent venue for local events and festivals. The park's most iconic landmark is the Lake Eola Fountain in the center of the lake and is permanently embedded to the bottom with concrete beams. The fountain is illuminated nightly in various colors. In addition to the fountain, the park features swan boat rentals and the Walt Disney Amphitheater which hosts many events, including the annual Orlando Shakespeare festival. Every Independence Day, the park is host to a large fireworks display which draws over 100,000 people to downtown. A 0.85-mile recreational pathway circles the park and leads to a playground.

Residential and commercial development is usually regulated to towers no greater than 200 feet tall. There are many historical "Florida style" bungalows and century-old oak lined streets. This area is unique in Orlando as it contains some of the oldest structures in the city and is considered to be Orlando's historic district. The streets are brick lined and the urban flavor that characterizes a true city can be found around Lake Eola.

[edit] Government and infrastructure

The US District Court Middle District of Florida's main courthouse is located in downtown Orlando at 401 West Central Boulevard.

The Orlando area has the highest number of Puerto Ricans in Florida and as a result, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration operates its Orlando office on the 9th floor of the Orlando City Hall at 400 South Orange Avenue.^[1][2]

The United States Postal Service operates the Downtown Orlando Post Office at 51 East Jefferson Street.^[3]

Orlando's reputation as a popular International tourist destination has resulted in a number of countries establishing a consulate in the city; all of which have offices in downtown Orlando. They include Mexico, Haiti, The United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and many others. As a result, Orlando now has the second highest number of foreign consulates in Florida next to Miami.

[edit] Popular Culture

Downtown Orlando's skyline and its neighborhoods are featured in the films Passenger 57, Parenthood, Ernest Saves Christmas, D.A.R.Y.L., Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector, Lethal Weapon 3 (where it doubled for Los Angeles), and Miami Connection (where is doubled for downtown Miami).

Seven Mary Three's fourth studio album is entitled Orange Avenue.

Chevy, Toyota, and Ford have all filmed commercials in downtown Orlando.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Downtown Orlando

• Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency
• Orange County Regional History Center
• City of Orlando Parking Website