U.S. City Orlando Expands Downtown Incentives to Foster Culinary Growth

Orlando, recognized as one of the top food destinations in the U.S., is now setting its sights on further enhancing its downtown as a culinary hub. To support this vision, the city has approved an expansion of its downtown Orlando Retail and Restaurant Program.

Launched in 2023, the program was designed to incentivize businesses to open in downtown Orlando by covering expenses related to space buildouts, renovations, and rent. Its primary objective is to revitalize vacant areas and drive urban development.

The latest expansion, approved this week, extends the program’s reach, moving east from Magnolia Avenue to Rosalind Avenue. The new area now spans from Livingston Street in the north to Pine Street in the south. This expansion opens the door for a wider variety of eateries, retail stores, and food halls, particularly near the picturesque Lake Eola.

This initiative is part of a larger strategy to transform downtown Orlando, which includes a $60 million investment in Lake Eola Park. Planned improvements include a shaded amphitheater area, a new family-friendly zone, and an expanded playground, all designed to enhance the park’s appeal and attract more visitors.

As part of the broader downtown transformation, the city also aims to turn Magnolia Avenue into a two-way street, hoping to replicate the success of Chicago’s famed “Magnificent Mile.”

Businesses in the expanded zone may qualify for financial assistance, which varies depending on the scope of their project, such as space size and renovation needs. The funding amounts range from $25,000 to $400,000, making it a valuable opportunity for new and existing businesses looking to invest in the area.

With these developments in place, downtown Orlando is poised to become an even more dynamic and diverse destination for food enthusiasts and residents alike.

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