Balancing Development and Preservation in Orlando
A concrete jungle is a city full of buildings and roads. It is a place where there are many people and the streets are busy all the time. It is also a place where there are lots of different things to do.
Inspired by historic preservation movements in Savannah and Charleston, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ heroic efforts to save New York City’s Grand Central Station, Orlando created its first historic district. Its subsequent 20 years saw the creation of five additional districts.
Downtown
The term “Concrete Jungle” describes a modern city or urban area that is filled with large buildings. These cities are characterized by air pollution, lack of greenery and excessive vehicles. They also tend to have high crime rates and insensitivity towards nature.
The cities of the Concrete Jungle are often depicted in science fiction. Think of Blade Runner, with its dark streets and concrete skyline. This kind of city is home to global commerce, entertainment and research, but it also has many problems that we need to address.
The Downtown Orlando Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency (DDB/CRA) is dedicated to improving downtown for residents, office workers, and millions of visitors each year. Our work recently earned us two IDA awards – the Pinnacle Award, the industry’s highest honor, and an Award of Excellence for Lake Eola Master Plan. Both plans were built around fundamental big ideas that will make a difference for our community: improving pedestrian infrastructure and amenities, focusing on civic spaces and mobility options, connecting the different downtown neighborhoods. Orlando Concrete Contractors could play a crucial role in implementing these plans, ensuring the proper construction and maintenance of the urban landscape envisioned by the DDB/CRA.
Colonialtown North
In popular culture, the phrase “Concrete Jungle” describes a modern city filled with large buildings. These cities can also be referred to as “Concrete Deserts,” and they are often viewed as undesirable places to live. These places have a lot of things that can make living there difficult, including high levels of traffic and air pollution.
However, some cities are thriving in this environment, while others are crumbling under the pressure. Some of these cities are renowned for their unique architecture and unique neighborhoods. Others, like New York City, are known for their global impact on commerce, research, technology, education, politics, and tourism.
Many of these cities are developing rapidly and undergoing major transformations. However, the pace of this growth can be a problem for those who want to preserve the city’s historic charm. Fortunately, some cities are working to balance modern growth with preservation of its historic structures. This has been the case in Colonialtown North Orlando.
Colonialtown South
The quiet brick streets of Colonialtown South are home to some of the oldest houses in Orlando. Last summer, a group of residents began a project to discover their age. They scoured dusty files and mismatched records to learn when each house was built. Now, 78 homes sport colorful brass-trimmed plaques that proclaim their age. The residents hope to buy 117 more.
People living in Colonialtown South have plenty of shopping and dining options. They can get their morning coffee at Stardust Video & Coffee or Craft & Common. The neighborhood also has many burger and taco joints, including MX Taco and Fuego Taco. Other popular restaurants include Royaltea East End, Venezuelan Burger, and Eden Fresh Co.
The area has a lot of parks and green spaces that are ideal for spending time outdoors. It is also home to the Colonial Plaza, a historic building with many small-scale shops and restaurants. The neighborhood is served by several schools. Residents can choose between charter, public, private, religious, and homeschooling.
College Park
Unlike other neighborhoods that have seen their historic homes razed and replaced with high-rise condominiums, many residents of College Park Orlando want to preserve this quiet, close-knit 80-year-old residential and commercial mini-suburb as is. They fear more traffic and parking problems if side streets become cut-throughs and want to keep the neighborhood’s small 1940s homes, unique shops, quirky restaurants and community street parties.
About two years ago, Spectrum News 13 first reported on a plan to transform a longtime industrial area of College Park into a new urban neighborhood. Now crews are working to repurpose old warehouses, reshape roads and add a food hall, YMCA, and more living spaces to what’s being called The Packing District.
One thing that sets College Park apart is the plethora of things to do in this quaint downtown neighborhood. From a variety of restaurants to explore, bars to visit and parks to walk or bike to, this is an excellent place for families and professionals to live.