ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city officials have ordered all work to stop on the project currently underway to replace the defunct Artegon mall off International Drive.
Crews have been working to convert the former mall into the Dezerland Action Park, which claims to have the world’s largest private collection of iconic cars.
City officials said code enforcement inspectors claim the owner, Michael Dezer, has been redeveloping the space without the proper permits.
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“They’ve obtained permits here and there for some things, but not enough to cover the scope of the work they’ve done so far,” said Mike Rhodes, the deputy director for economic development for the city of Orlando.
The city says all work had to stop on Dezerland Action Park last week after a code enforcement inspector noticed crews doing work without proper permits.
“They’ve altered the interior walls. They’ve done work on the electrical system,” said Rhodes.
The city said crews are also painting some of the cars inside the building, which is prohibited.
“That kind of painting requires paint booths and proper ventilation, proper storage of flammable materials,” said Rhodes.
The city said permits are important to ensure public safety when the park eventually opens.
Dezerland’s general manager sent a statement, which reads, in part, that they “hope to obtain the appropriate new permits and license from the city within a few weeks.”
In addition to the stop work order, city officials are imposing a $200 a day fine until Dezerland has all the necessary permits to continue.
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