ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando leaders are moving forward with a decade-long plan to transform the area under I-4 from West Church Street to West Washington Avenue into a vibrant community gathering place called “The Canopy.”
“The Canopy,” a planned urban gathering space, was formerly known as the “Under-I Project.”
In 2024, the city released new renderings of the project. Last year, it approved a contract with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company to bring the vision to life.
The city council on Monday approved a $30 million cap on construction costs, a key step to begin the project, which is expected to open in 2027.
For those who frequent Church St., the project promises a new place to gather and enjoy events.
Quentin Clark, who works downtown and passes through the soon-to-be revitalized area, is on board with the changes.
“Oh, yeah. Honestly, a bigger, more family-oriented type of thing [would be nice],” he said.
Local businesses expect “The Canopy” to boost foot traffic and profits.
“I believe it will be double and double what I’m doing now,” owner of Crepe Delicious, Yehya Rizeq, told News 6.
Rizeq has been waiting years for the project, which will include public art, gathering spots, and greenery to give people a new place to hang out downtown. He even extended his lease in anticipation of the project.
“The value of my restaurant would be higher if there were foot traffic,” he said.
However, he is growing impatient and said he will not stay if the project is not completed by 2027.
“So, I have now a five-year lease but with an option. An option because if ‘The Canopy’ is not finished in two years, then I’ll just cancel my lease,” Rizeq said. “It all depends on ‘The Canopy.’ So, if in two years, ‘The Canopy’ is not finished, I’ll cancel my lease. I cannot sustain my business here.”
Rizeq also expressed a desire for regular updates from the city and financial support for Church Street businesses if the project faces more delays.
Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed sometime in 2027.
For more information on the project, click here or read the media player below.