9 Investigates: Future uncertain for Orlando Tennis Center

ORLANDO, Fla. — A new development in Parramore is sparking more controversy after many residents told 9 Investigates they're worried about the future of a historic tennis center that sits between a new school being built and the site of Creative Village.

Creative Village will be 68 acre development at the former Amway Center and Orlando Centroplex that will include the University of Central Florida Downtown campus, housing, office space and restaurants.

The Orlando Tennis Center is in the planned area of the Creative Village. The tennis center has been around since the 1930s and is used by the U.S. Tennis Association for practice. It is home to many pro tennis standouts.

“We know change is coming, but we don’t have no definite answer,” said an Orlando Tennis Center member.

Members of the tennis center showed investigative reporter Daralene Jones a letter sent to them by the city that discusses relocating and rebuilding the tennis center at a new location so the city can make room for Creative Village.

“We know it’s a matter of time. (We’re) just trying to figure out what the grand plan is,” said Lynn Alley, an Orlando Tennis Center member.

Read: Orlando City Soccer Club unveils new Parramore stadium

9 Investigates reviewed a 2011 purchase agreement, which was revised in recent weeks that requires any new buildings within the Creative Village site to include primarily residential space, which will likely accommodate students who are expected to enroll in courses at the adjacent UCF campus.

The price for parcels within the Creative Village site will range from about $4 per square foot to $82 per square foot. The price will increase 3 percent each year until construction starts.

Members told 9 Investigates they believe Creative Village is one more development project railroading the historic Parramore community.

The Orlando Tennis Center is open to children who live in Parramore. Many of them otherwise might not ever see a tennis court. Advocates fear the new location will not accommodate them.

Cox Media Group