ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is preparing to see more construction cranes after the announcement of a new high-rise in downtown--the city's first, since the 2009 recession.
It will be some time before ground breaks on the lot, but a 28-story building will be the symbol of new growth in the Orlando area.
“It's how a city become more of a bigger city, more of a true city,” said Orlando resident John Rhoades.
The city is seeing a big jump in the number of developers pitching new ideas to the city.
So far this year, the city has heard 65 appearance review board cases.
That’s more than the total number of cases they had in 2011, when the board first started.
“You'll see older things being torn down and rebuilt and you'll see the city being reborn in a sense,” said resident Clayton Mays.
Channel 9 learned some of the city's most talked-about projects are behind schedule.
A new hotel and retail space was supposed to be built across from the county courthouse, but that plot has been sold with no plans to develop.
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is still fundraising for a new concert hall.
The proposed hotel has not been discussed yet.
And construction on the controversial high rise, Modera Central, was supposed to start July 1, but a spokesperson said it’s been delayed.
The University of Central Florida’s downtown campus now has a design firm, but hasn't broke ground yet.
A few blocks away, the Orlando City Soccer Stadium is still on track to open next March.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement that downtown Orlando is where everyone wants to be.
Full Statement: "Downtown Orlando is the place where people want to be. We continue to see more and more people choosing to live, work and visit our Downtown," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "Because of this we are also seeing expanded investment in our Downtown and new developments planned or underway, including new venues, housing, hotel and retail options that offer the services and amenities our residents, workers and visitors need."
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