A project designed to revitalize Church Street in downtown Orlando is moving forward, with construction underway on the first phase of a planned festival-style street.

The Church Street Festival Street project is part of the city’s Downtown Orlando Action Plan, which aims to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and reinvigorate the area.

“Church Street is the spine of downtown, so how do we reimagine that?” said City of Orlando Commissioner Shan Rose.

Church Street has historically served as a gathering place for activities and entertainment, the official said. The project is intended to improve the public space while encouraging additional private investment along the corridor.

Phase 1 covers Church Street from Garland Avenue east to Magnolia Avenue. Plans call for two 11-foot travel lanes, a curbless roadway that connects with pedestrian areas, a semi-pervious street surface, designated loading and unloading areas, and additional landscaping.

“Ultimately, we are bringing back the Church Street Station thought process, but we are also doing the full east-west extension, fully connecting downtown to Camping World Stadium,” Rose said.

The design is intended to create a festival-style atmosphere that prioritizes pedestrians while maintaining vehicle access.

Construction is on schedule, according to the city.

“This is a catalyst for downtown to really shine and show the rest of the world: Come downtown. We have space for you, whether you are a business owner or a homeowner,” Rose said.

Phase 2 is expected to extend from the railroad tracks to Orange Avenue. Phase 3 will follow, with all construction expected to be completed by summer 2028.