Downtown Orlando

This morning, we unveiled the DTO Action Plan—an evolved version of Project DTO 2.0. The plan is built around three big ideas: downtown is easy to get around; downtown is an iconic park; downtown is a neighborhood for everyone Key highlights include: Converting Magnolia Avenue from a one-way to two-way street with wide sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly amenities that will attract more retail and restaurant options. Transforming Orange Avenue to a two-way street, slowing down pass through traffic, adding more curbside uses such as parking, pick-up and drop-off zones, outdoor dining areas and gathering spaces. Making Lake Lucerne, downtown's southern gateway, a signature park with jogging paths, a boardwalk and playgrounds. Reestablishing Church Street as a gathering space and festival street for all kinds of events. These projects will reshape our urban core, making DTO a more vibrant, dynamic, welcoming place for all. Learn more at projectdto.com.

Over the next few years, creating people-oriented streets and park spaces that better serve residents, visitors and businesses will help every person find themselves in our downtown. During yesterday's Downtown Orlando Partnership State of Downtown, City of Orlando Mayor Dyer shared parts of the DTO Action Plan that will transform areas to ensure they are walkable for people and welcoming for restaurants and retail. Anchored by the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Magnolia Avenue will go from a one-way street into a two-way road with wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly amenities. By adding jogging paths, a boardwalk and playgrounds, Lake Lucerne will become a leisure destination. Church Street will again serve as a gathering place and festival street for all kinds of events. These are big, long-term projects that will help reshape our urban core, and make it more vibrant and interesting while creating a downtown for everyone.

Congratulations to our Executive Director, David Barilla, for being recognized by Orlando Magazine as one of Central Florida’s "One to Watch" in the 50 Most Powerful People of 2024! This well-deserved honor highlights David's unwavering dedication to downtown Orlando and the visionary leadership that continues to drive innovation, growth, and community impact. We are incredibly proud to have David at the helm, guiding our mission to create a thriving downtown for all!

You are invited to DOP Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's 2024 State of Downtown Address, presented by OUC - The Reliable One, on Tuesday, October 15, at the Kia Center! During the address, Mayor Dyer will share the latest on the dynamics of downtown Orlando as Project DTO 2.0 marks a pivotal stage in its evolution, transforming urban living into an energetic neighborhood where everyone can find themselves downtown. With premier amenities, distinctive small businesses, enhanced walkability, vast cultural offerings and spaces suited for the modern workspace, it's the ideal location for vibrant art, unique dining experiences, residential living and world-class venues for an exceptional quality of life. Visit https://lnkd.in/eT_C7jDp to learn more and secure your tickets!

Capital Analytics Associates recently featured our Executive Director, David Barilla. David discussed Project DTO 2.0, recent key achievements, the vision for Creative Village, and downtown Orlando's attractive incentive programs. Under David's leadership, downtown Orlando is undergoing a complete revitalization. Efforts continue to rebuild and re-envision downtown as a place where residents can live and where people can enjoy the arts and culture through programs like DTOLive, which offers 850 free live performances and art installations. Additionally, the CRA's various incentive programs support business owners in retail, restaurants, minority/women entrepreneurs, and more, aiming to attract and retain businesses. This ongoing progress strives to establish DTO as a central hub for arts and culture and as the premier urban neighborhood and city center in Central Florida, renowned for its appearance, atmosphere, and activities. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3MAfzwd 

Join us in welcoming BluWave Sushi & Handroll Bar to DTO!   BluWave Sushi & Handroll Bar is where modern meets fun in an unforgettable dining experience. At BluWave, they're dedicated to bringing you the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in every bite. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or new to the scene, their diverse menu offers something for everyone. This new option for our foodies positively contributes to downtown Orlando's vibrant and diverse food scene, offering something for everyone, and adds to our recent accolade of being ranked the No. 1 foodie city in America!   Recently, City Council approved funding for BluWave Sushi & Handroll Bar through the DTO Restaurant Program. The DTO Restaurant Program encourages the expansion and recruitment of new retailers and restaurants that further establish downtown Orlando as a food and retail destination.   📍54 West Church Street, Suite 170

Round up your colleagues and join us as we celebrate Downtown Employee Appreciation Week with the Downtown Orlando Partnership! Enjoy a variety of treats, exciting giveaways, exclusive discounts, and plenty more. This is an event you won't want to miss!   Check out the schedule at https://bit.ly/3XfOUK5 and spread the word to your team!

Earlier this week, staff attended the ICSC Florida event held in Orlando, which brought together over 4,000 industry professionals. With approximately 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest in retail, real estate, and development, the event was a hub of opportunity. Our team had the chance to meet with over 35 prospects, including key players from Ruby Sunshine, Emma’s Squared Pizza, Macy’s, Sola Salon, and 7 Eleven. These meetings were invaluable for fostering relationships with retailers, developers, investors, and more, paving the way for potential collaborations that could shape the future of our downtown. The insights and connections gained from this event are sure to contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts to revitalize and grow the community.

We're hiring a Marketing and Communications Coordinator! Are you passionate about marketing & communications and want to make a real impact on downtown Orlando? We're looking for a dynamic and creative professional to assist with projects, manage website updates, and drive our email campaigns. In this role, you'll play a key part in shaping our presence and engaging our community. Deadline to apply is August 25 ➡️ https://bit.ly/3YSEm64

This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the UCF Downtown and Valencia College Downtown campus. Since opening its doors in August 2019, this transformative partnership has brought more than 8,000 students, faculty, and staff to DTO. As a cornerstone of Orlando’s Creative Village, the campus has provided unparalleled access to education, fostering collaboration, and driving our community forward. This campus has opened pathways into high-demand careers and enhanced lives through education. We're proud to support this campus, which plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and attracting businesses. Join us in celebrating this achievement and looking forward to many more years of success and growth. Happy 5th anniversary, UCF Downtown and Valencia College Downtown!