FLClarkKent

Yep, according to the Sentinel. Last show was supposed to be the "Sex Addict" one. It's a shame...I always liked seeing the Oscar nominated shorts and documentaries. Unintentionally exclusive...just from my perspective. Again, sorry for straying off topic. Back to 55W! Great shots, btw.

Unlike DMAC, I'm sure people will actually be able to find the Plaza's theatre. I was really upset when I heard the DMAC was closing...I enjoyed their offerings. But I blame a lot of that on the management, who promoted the place as only snobby hipsters could. That is to say, they weren't all that in to promotion. Because that wouldn't be cool. It was nearly impossible to find, thanks to its almost non-existant signage. Assuming you did find the building, there were few signs inside as to what was showing and when, where you were supposed to go to buy tickets and where the theatre itself was actually located. A big pet peeve of mine is listening to members of the arts-y community complain that few take advantage of Orlando's cultural offerings while they themselves make doing so extremely difficult...as if DMAC, the Fringe, et al were some kind of exclusive club. I'm ranting - Sorry.

Thanks, D.C. So have they actually started work on the Midtown project? And did they finalize the list of tenants for the stores?

The Majesty Building looks 10,000 times better now than it did just a few years ago. Having most of it covered in its mirrored glass exterior really helps. For what seemed like the longest time, it was nothing but a steel frame. Now, at least, it has the appearance of a habitable building.

I don't think this is entirely NIMBY-ism...it's also a case of the Have's versus the Have Not's. Many of those who live in Winter Park and Maitland have their nice home, and even nicer zip code...and they like the locales just fine as they are. And who can blame them? Both are nice cities in the metro area. But now that they are there,....they really aren't inclined to share with others. I think very few opponents to some of the projects proposed in both cities are actually concerned with density, architectual details, traffic impact, urbanity, etc. I think the majority just don't want any more people moving to their tony 'burg. More people means it's not as exclusive.

Speaking of all this retail/restaurant/movie space...have there been any renderings/schematics of what the commercial area inside the Plaza will look? I am a little curious as to how the theatre/stores/restaurants will all be arranged.

I know it's all rather pedestrian, but many urban cores have all the low-brow trappings of every other part of town, including fast food restaurants, chain drug stores, etc. And as much as I hate to admit it, if I lived downtown, I'd want a Wendy's close by in case I get a craving for a triple and a frosty around midnight. Mmm...triple with a frosty.

I think that's the whole point of their line-up of stores and restaurants - they're bringing in stuff for downtown residents. Seems like a smart business plan to me. And I know that a lot of the more upscale posters on this board will loathe this concept, but I really think downtown would benefit from a few fast food restaurants, too. There are none right now. When you think about it, it's kind of weird.

Here's my theory - When people say downtown nightlife was cooler 3, 5, 8 years ago...it means they're getting old. I had good times downtown at night back in the day. But don't go there so much anymore b/c it's just not my thing now. Most places there cater to a younger crowd.

Thanks for those rendering, Tim! The older design did have a much stronger vertical appearance. That particular placement of the tower on the parking structure made the tower seem leaner and taller. The new, and I assume final, design doesn't have that look. Plus, the arrangement of the exterior cladding and glass gives the tower a "T" shape. To my eye, that makes it look stumpier. (BTW, 'stumpier' is an official architecture term). Anyway, I think this whole discussion might turn out to be a moot point. This project already loooks taller than I ever thought it would. The two office towers on Orange have surprised me with their height. They stick out much further in the skyline than what the renderings suggested. So I think when the main condo tower goes up, we'll all be pleasantly surprised with its height.

Don't call it "pastel green"...call it "pistachio." That just sounds classier!

I went to a "tea tasting" there last weekend. They were getting people to come in and try out some of their teas, give some feedback, etc. Good stuff. I hope they are able to make a go of it. I'm not a huge tea person, but I enjoy a cup now and then. Tatame in Winter Park makes some killer jasmine tea, and the food's not too shabby either.

Saw that the Federal Courthouse/Downtown Redevelopment plan made it into the spending bill. Sounds like it 's close to becoming a reality.

It's already changed a great deal. When you drive along I-4, the whole area looks pretty dense. It's nice to see this kind of development out in the 'burbs.

Hey Druid City - Any renderings of these two new downtown condos mentioned in today's T-News?

Is this a new rendernig? Those turrets/bay windows/sticky-out-things (all of these are official architecture terms, of course) at on the top floors look different from older renderings.

Is that the project that was mentioned in today's T-News? Sounds cool. I just wish there was more development like this going on in downtown proper. Oh if only I had a boatload of money. I'd be snapping up some of those older buildings.

Is that the building that's catty-corneed from the city hall annex (near the old T-News building)? That's pretty exciting about the MidTown development. I hope they move quickly on it. It's something of an eyesore right now.

"queenery"...heh. I can joke because they are my people. Nice shot of the OC Courthouse with the Lynx building in the foreground.

This is great news. I'm so excited that my grandchildren will be able to see the opening of 55 West!

I was at DMAC this weekend, and you can't help but be impressed by the size and scope of this project. It's really going to change the feel of downtown.

Volusia on track to support train By JAMES MILLER Staff Writer Last update: July 07, 2005 The Volusia County Council could jump to the other side of the tracks today. With some council members saying it's the way of the future, Volusia is poised to be the first county to pledge dollars -- 11.7 million of them -- to a long-discussed commuter rail system connecting DeBary, downtown Orlando and Osceola County. Orange County -- which would bear the greatest cost locally -- has struggled with the issue in recent weeks. But in Volusia, sentiment was clear leading up to the council's meeting today in DeLand. Full article - http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJour...EAD04070705.htm

Volusia County seems onboard with the idea, according to this article: Volusia needs commuter rail funds fast By BOB KOSLOW Staff Writer DEBARY -- Volusia County's share to build a $473.5 million commuter rail system between here and downtown Orlando is $11.7 million. Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno said paying up is the "right and responsible thing." However, should the County Council agree this summer, $1.5 million is due by December and $10.2 million is due in September 2006. "We are a bit shocked at the quick timing," County Manager Cindy Coto said last week. "We have the $1.5 million budgeted in next year's budget and have started evaluating short term loans and other ways to raise the balance and spread the costs over several years." http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJour...AST01061305.htm

Once construction on the Plaza gets just a few floors higher, it is going to make such a huge impact. Really exciting to watch. Thanks to everyone who keeps posting pictures.

I would imagine this theatre would go vertical to cram all the screens into a tight space. The Ocean Walk development in Daytona Beach has a 10 screen theatre (with stadium seats) situated on a fairly small piece of land. The theatre lobby is on the second floor of this development, while the screens are located on the third and fourth floors. Here's a link with a picture that sort of shows what I mean: http://www.oceanwalkshoppes.com