Plans for even more development at Fashion Square Mall to go before planning board

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 learned there are even bigger changes planned as part of the major renovation at Orlando's Fashion Square Mall.

Demolition of the mall began three weeks ago and four days later plans for a new 450-unit apartment complex off Maguire emerged.

There are now development plans for the other side of the mall, which calls for even more new housing.

New renderings show manicured streets with offices and shopping areas. There are nearly 600 new apartment units and 87,000 square feet of commercial space.

"I don't know how it will do, but I think the theory of it is great," said resident Ashley Richardson.

The new proposals are on top of the major changes already underway, including a seven-story hotel on top of the mall.

The additional changes going before the city focus on the backside of the mall, and developers are hoping it'll reinvigorate areas of the property that have struggled through generations.

But some residents told Channel 9 they don't want any more busy streets and development adding to an already congested area.

Channel 9's Kenneth Craig took that concern to city planners, who said they've done the math and expect traffic to go up only 6.5 percent.

The revised plans will go before the city of Orlando's planning board on April 15.

WFTV