Renderings show plans for new I-Drive mall, hotel

ORLANDO, Fla. — Plans for a new mall and hotel near the attractions on International Drive just cleared an initial phase to be built.

Channel 9 first reported about the I-Square Mall and Hotel two months ago and have since obtained renderings of the project.

The development is much smaller than the original plans, but the height of the hotel and mall would tower over most of the area's buildings, including the Four Points Sheraton, making it the tallest building in the Orlando area.

The new documents show city planners are now recommending leaders approve revised plans to build the 26-story, 749-room hotel and mall.

Some who talked with Channel 9 think the new attraction would be better than the rundown shopping center it would replace.

The plans also include a rotating restaurant at the top of the building, a skating rink and theater.

Originally, developers wanted the building to be 450 feet tall, but city leaders are limiting the I-Square to 320 feet so that it will blend more seamlessly in with the tourist corridor.

WFTV