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Revitalization Efforts Underway on West Colonial Drive in Orlando

The revitalization efforts on West Colonial Drive promise a bright future for Orlando's central corridor.

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News Summary

Orlando’s West Colonial Drive is on the verge of a major transformation as local leaders, including restaurateur Amit Kumar, aim to revive the area plagued by vacant lots and business closures. With city support and community engagement, new projects and developments are emerging, promising a brighter future for this vital corridor. Stakeholder meetings and renovation plans are set to reinvigorate the street, making room for new businesses and affordable housing options.

Reviving Orlando’s West Colonial Drive: Transformation on the Horizon!

In the vibrant city of Orlando, there’s a wave of change sweeping through one of its central corridors, West Colonial Drive. This busy stretch sees an astounding 35,000 commuters daily, making it a vital thoroughfare for those heading to and from downtown. Unfortunately, it has also faced significant challenges over the years, as businesses have gradually uprooted and left the area. The havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic has only made matters worse.

A Struggling Corridor

West Colonial Drive has seen national retailers like 7-Eleven, Family Dollar, and Burger King close their doors, contributing to a less-than-appealing atmosphere. Currently, the corridor is dotted with a staggering 32 vacant lots and buildings, leading many residents to steer clear of the area. It’s a predicament that local leaders and business owners are eager to change.

The Comeback Story Begins

Among those leading the charge is Amit Kumar, an enterprising local restaurateur who has a vision for transformation. In 2024, Kumar purchased a shuttered Burger King for $1.16 million, with plans to pour in an additional $1.5 million into renovations. The owner of three restaurants in Orlando, with the acclaimed Bombay Street Kitchen under his belt, he knows a thing or two about revitalizing an area. His game plan? To convert the former fast food joint into a commissary and test kitchen while debuting a cozy restaurant featuring a tantalizing five-course tasting menu. Kumar believes that West Colonial is brimming with potential and hopes to inspire other entrepreneurs to invest in the area as well.

A City’s Support

The city of Orlando is still very much engaged in the revitalization of West Colonial Drive. The planning department is conducting a thorough study on the 1.4-mile stretch from I-4 to Tampa Avenue to make it more attractive for visitors and businesses alike. Timothy McClendon, Orlando’s Assistant Division Manager, recognizes the area’s struggles and is fully supportive of development efforts that could breathe new life into West Colonial.

Community Engagement

A series of stakeholder meetings are set for February 18 and 19, where local business owners can share ideas and plans for the area. And there is buzz around some exciting new projects. A $10 million HCA Orlando Downtown ER is currently working through the permit process, while a Family Dollar store is being renovated to reopen as a Dollar Tree.

Another significant project that received the green light in 2023 is the Westmoreland Square mixed-use development. Although the project has faced some delays and is currently being utilized for public works staging, there is hope for its future impact on the community.

Positive Shifts in Crime and Housing

Interestingly, the recent closures of convenience stores such as 7-Eleven have reportedly led to a reduction in crime, improving neighborhood safety. Indeed, some significant housing projects are also popping up. One-Stop Housing is converting the former Ambassador Hotel into affordable housing, setting the stage for a positive turnaround in the area. Additionally, a plan to transform the Best Western hotel into 110 affordable studio apartments has been approved, catering to low-income residents.

These studio apartments will range from 300-350 square feet, providing much-needed options for those looking for affordable accommodations. It seems local businesses and residents alike are feeling optimistic about the proposed changes, rallying around a shared goal of revitalization.

Moving Forward

Moving forward, recommendations for nurturing this revitalization include reducing parking requirements for businesses and increasing the availability of workforce housing. With mixed-use developments and community outreach gaining momentum, it looks like West Colonial Drive is on the verge of a breakthrough. With a little love and a lot of collaboration, the future could be bright for this critical corridor in Orlando.