Downtown Venues Plan Passes

The long awaited vote for a $1.1 billion plan for a new area, performing-arts center and major upgrades to the Florida Citrus Bowl is finally over as Orange County commissioners approved the largest public builing project in Central Florida History with vote of 5-2 late Thursday night.

It has been reported that around half of the projects' funding will come from tourist taxes paid mostly by outside visitors who pay a bed tax on hotel stays. The remaining venue funds will come from downtown property and state taxes, plus private and corporate contributions and donations.

The $480 million arena is the most expensive project. It is projected to be completed in 2010 and will be more than twice the size of the current arena. The new arena should be able to land bigger concerts and other premier events that are currently going to other areas like Tampa and Jacksonville.

The projected $425 million arts center would be built across the street from City Hall. It will play host to Orlando's philharmonic, ballet and opera groups, as well as attract a larger array of touring Broadway shows and musicals. The complex will include three halls, the largest one with 2,800 seats.

The $175 million Citrus Bowl projext would further update and expand the stadium built in 1936 by replacing the lower bowl, adding 10 new suites, adding banquet space and increasing the number of bathrooms and concessions.