Orlando scraps plan for large urban park under I-4 for more parking spaces

Orlando city leaders have released updated plans for the city’s “Under-I” project.

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Though it looks nothing like the original design, it is still expected to be a big draw for downtown Orlando.

Photos: Orlando scraps plan for large urban park under I-4 for more parking spaces

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Orlando scraps plan for large urban park under I-4 for more parking spaces

People may have seen the blue tarp fencing, driving next to Interstate 4 in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

In time, this will be replaced by what has been called Under-I Project.

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Channel 9 first reported on the Under-I Project in 2018.

The I‐4 Ultimate construction project rebuilt all the interstate bridges through downtown Orlando. Now they’re higher and wider.

The plan has always been to create new and unique spaces below the Interstate between Church Street and Washington Street.

Only now the vision has changed.

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What was destined to be full of parks, sports courts and entertainment in the beginning, is now planned to become mostly parking spaces.

Under the current design, there would be 507 parking spaces.

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Officials said the design change was necessary to accommodate businesses and the growing popularity of ride-sharing in downtown Orlando.

At this point, the city is still about a couple of years away from breaking ground, but the design phase should be done in the spring of next year.

See more in the video above.

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