Orlando’s Church Street is undergoing construction as the city works to revitalize the downtown entertainment district, and some visitors say the area has lost the energy they remember.
On Friday night, as Orlando Magic fans headed to the Kia Center for a home game, construction along Church Street served as a reminder of the work underway to bring the area back to life.
Claudette Zamor, who moved to Orlando 27 years ago, said she remembers when Church Street was a popular destination for nightlife and entertainment.
“It was banging. Busy. People everywhere. Nightlife,” Zamor said.
She said the area has changed significantly since then, recalling a time when people could gather at bars to watch Orlando City soccer games.
“You used to be able to come here and watch the Orlando City games at the bar here, and now nothing,” Zamor said.
The city broke ground on the first phase of its Church Street roadway improvements project over the summer. The work stretches from Garland Street to the railroad tracks.
According to the city, the project will include two 11-foot travel lanes and pedestrian walkways designed to create a more festival-like atmosphere.
Construction has taken up much of the roadway, but signs of progress are beginning to appear, including new landscaping planted in the center of the street.
Zamor said she has noticed a difference since her last visit to the area.
“It’s a little better than the last time I was here for the Garth Brooks concert. I’m already seeing a difference,” she said.
After the first phase is completed, the city plans to move on to the second phase along Orange Avenue, which will focus on making the area more pedestrian-friendly.
The city expects the overall project to be completed by summer 2028.
Zamor said she hopes the improvements will help bring back the kind of atmosphere she remembers and give her children an opportunity to experience Church Street as a destination.
“I have an almost 17-year-old and a 21-year-old, and they haven’t been able to experience Church Street from back in the day like I used to,” she said.