Elements of Urbanism: Downtown Orlando

[simms3]

I really like Lake Eola/Thornton Park area and I would like to see the same for Riverside, San Marco, and Springfield (and Avondale).  It's ok to have higher density and modern buildings (someone please tell RAP and SPAR that!).  I don't, however, like downtown Orlando, and I don't see much appeal there.  I won't hold my breath for anything spectacular to happen in DT.  I think that if *they* can't even find tourism money to fund improvements to the Orange Bowl and they are struggling with the Dr. Philips PAC, we might actually get more done here in Jax.

[I-10east]

I think that if *they* can't even find tourism money to fund improvements to the Orange Bowl

You meant Citrus Bowl. Those bowls are pretty confusing like they play the "TicketCity Bowl" in the actual "Cotton Bowl" stadium, and the "Cotton Bowl game" is played in Cowboys Stadium. LOL. The college bowl system sucks!! Ratings are way down, and nobody cares (besides the only one that matters Oregon vs. Auburn of course), as proof with the 1/2 empty stadiums all over the U.S. We need a playoff system! I'm sorry about my haphazard sports rant. LOL

[dougskiles]

I really like Lake Eola/Thornton Park area and I would like to see the same for Riverside, San Marco, and Springfield (and Avondale).  It's ok to have higher density and modern buildings (someone please tell RAP and SPAR that!).

I agree with you simms3.  I love historic buildings and believe in their preservation.  However, I don't see the need to make all of the new buildings look like the old buildings.  I believe it stifles innovation and creativity.

Thankfully, in San Marco, we don't have architectural restrictions and are working to promote higher density in appropriate areas.

[finehoe]

DT Orlando probably wouldn't even be worthy enough to be considered a whistle stop in the minds of millions of out of towners; The main big stops on their minds, are Sea World, Universal, WDW, Wet & Wild etc.  

And what, pray tell, would millions of out-of-towners consider a worthy stop in Duval County?

[simms3]

Whoops!  Yea Citrus Bowl...just watched the Orange Bowl to disappointment the other night

[I-10east]

And what, pray tell, would millions of out-of-towners consider a worthy stop in Duval County?

I didn't say that did I? I was talking about DT Orlando. Another classic example of MJ wanting to sugarcoat every city outside of Jax, just for the sake of doing it.

[Keith-N-Jax]

And what, pray tell, would millions of out-of-towners consider a worthy stop in Duval County?

I didn't say that did I? I was talking about DT Orlando. Another classic example of MJ wanting to sugarcoat every city outside of Jax, just for the sake of doing it.

Really, there were posters on here who bashed Orlando saying it was fake and fancy. So how is MJ sugarcoating Orlando. You seem to be very sensitive about any comparison that may show Jax in some what of a negative way. If you re tired of that write our DT leaders.

[I-10east]

The thread is about DT Orlando. That's what I was talking about. You're right, all of MJ don't sugarcoat every other city outside of Jax, just the majority of MJ. Hell, If you're gonna bash Jax, atleast be funny, and thought provoking with it; Why snidely say something that everybody knows anyway? No Jax don't have atleast a crappy aquarium, or millions of out of towners; So there that's clear.

[Keith-N-Jax]

Say no to drugs!

[I-10east]

I already do. I don't use any recreational drugs of any kind. I occasionally drink, and do not smoke.

[Keith-N-Jax]

Just having a bit a fun, you probably should have a drink though might loosen you up a bit.

[prahaboheme]

Interesting post.  Downtown Orlando has always been a great, vibrant enclave in Orlando.  It has only gotten better with recent development.  It's increasingly pedestrian oriented -- mainly locals, as has always been the case -- and of course there is nothing fancy or fake about it. 

[duvaldude08]

Orlando is a Tourist town.. Period. If all the theme shut down today, it would be empty. Nothing against Orlando. I visit there several times a year to get a way. But lets be real here. Tourist is the only thing that keeps this city alive. And with that being said, Orlando gets the golden ticket most times. With all those tourist plus the locals, Orlando is practically a market for just about any and everything.

[simms3]

I think Orlando's downtown and core neighborhoods around Lake Eola are void of the tourist frenzy and instead rely on local support.

That being said, without Disney Orlando would probably be even smaller than Jacksonville today.

[iMarvin]

Orlando is a Tourist town.. Period. If all the theme shut down today, it would be empty. Nothing against Orlando. I visit there several times a year to get a way. But lets be real here. Tourist is the only thing that keeps this city alive. And with that being said, Orlando gets the golden ticket most times. With all those tourist plus the locals, Orlando is practically a market for just about any and everything.

I think Orlando's downtown and core neighborhoods around Lake Eola are void of the tourist frenzy and instead rely on local support.

That being said, without Disney Orlando would probably be even smaller than Jacksonville today.

I agree. Orlando would probably still be a sleepy town if Disney didn't move in.