We told you about the Under-I Project almost 4 years ago. On Monday afternoon, the City released a new video fly-thru rendering of the project and a new page on the their website.
The Under-i is envisioned to be a 9.75-acre urban community park beneath the I-4 bridge decks in downtown Orlando. This area is generally bound on the north by West Washington Street, West Church Street on the south, Hughey Avenue on the west and Garland Avenue on the east. This area is also known as The Bridge District.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to start after the completion of the I-4 Ultimate construction project.
The community park will likely be developed into five conceptually programmed blocks.
Heritage Block
North of West Washington Street
Trail connection to the future Westmoreland to Lake Eola Park Urban Trail, Gertrude's Walk and the Orlando Urban Trail.Parramore heritage pavement displays.Three interchangeable mural walls.
Sports Block
Bounded by West Washington Street and West Central Boulevard
One indoor-size soccer field, two futbal pitches, four basketball/multi-purpose courts, shuffleboard and a cross-fit facility.One-fourth mile running track.Table sports, such as checkers, dominos, ping pong.Picnic tables.Staging area for food trucks and tournament activities.Restrooms and a two-story park administration pavilion.
Play Block
Between West Central Boulevard and West Pine Street
An accessible playground.A splash pad.Bocce ball court/open play area.Concession stand.Interactive sculpture garden.Super swings (multiple types of swings).Restrooms.LYNX LYMMO stops for two downtown bus lines.
Unity Block
Between West Pine Street and West Church Street
Life-size chess challenge or digital gaming area.Community rooms.Skate park.Pop-up event spaces for musicians, performers and artists.Outdoor classroom spaces for education and exercise classes, such as yoga or zumba.Table sports.Unity Square - a community gathering space.A stage space for concerts and special events.
Market Block
South side of West Church Street
Two non-cooking food kiosks.Several small vendor lockers.Space for vendor tents, a farmer's market or small art show.A small stage area with outdoor seating for entertaining strolling visitors.Restrooms.
Timeline
April 2014 - Conceptual design with FDOT
May 2016 - Memorandum of Agreement executed between FDOT and city
2016 - 2017 - Preliminary Engineering Design
estimated Summer 2020 - 100% Design RFP
estimated Summer 2020 - Completion of Joint Project Agreement [JPA] with FDOT
estimated Summer 2021 - Estimated construction start
estimated 2024 - Completion of Under-i construction