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‘I-4 Eyesore' making progress toward completion, owner says

By Len Kiese
By Len Kiese
The end is in sight for nearly two decades of construction on the building known as the "I-4 Eyesore."
Its real name is the Majesty Building, and it will eventually house inspirational television station SuperChannel 55, along with retail and office space.
Hurricanes are being blamed for slowing down construction even more, but the founder is holding firm on a completion date of Jan. 23 for the exterior of the building.
Read: Owner of 'I-4 Eyesore' says 16-year project to be completed
That's when Claud Bowers said the majesty building will go from "still under construction" to finally finished, at least on the outside.
It’s been nearly 6,000 days since construction began on the Altamonte Springs building, and those who drive or live by it have had questions for just as long.
"When is it going to be finished, basically,” said resident Keesha Mitchell.   
WATCH: Time-lapse of 'I-4 Eyesore' property 
But Bowers said work has ramped up and crews are making progress on a parking garage on the property.
It’s the latest step in what Bowers calls a pay-as-you-go process.
“At this point, we’re just focused on finishing this building as fast as we can,” said Bowers.
The previous pace led to nearly 20 years of construction, in part because of a commitment to finish the project debt-free.
Photos: Best ‘I-4 Eyesore’ memes
"As of the 20th of last month, we didn't have one unpaid invoice, or one invoice at all," Bowers said.
But Bowers said the $37 million price tag will grow much more, and they'll need to rely on even more donations soon.
He said he firmly believes people will keep investigating in the project and that some partners have revived their giving now that a completion date is in sight.
“And we will work up to 12 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, if we get the permits to do that,” said Bowers.
Once the exterior of the building is complete, Bowers said crews will focus on the building's interior, which will take at least an additional six months to complete.

Cox Media Group

Len Kiese

Len Kiese

I am extremely excited to call Central Florida home.

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