The I-4 Ultimate construction project, scheduled for completion in early 2022, is rebuilding all the viaducts in downtown Orlando. The reconstruction of the I-4 Ultimate viaducts, significantly higher and wider than the previous ones, will create new and exclusive spaces below Interstate 4 in downtown, between Church Street and Washington Street. These distinctive new spaces are referred to as Under-I.
The city will transform the Under-I spaces into a multitude of active and passive uses that include sports courts, gathering places, performance spaces, recreation areas, opportunities for vendors and experiences related to local culture. The city also imagines that this urban community park will inspire residents and tourists by offering inclusive and vibrant spaces, among the best in the country, uniting our diverse community and delivering creative and engaging experiences that aim to promote health, education, art, play and fellowship.
Construction is scheduled to begin upon completion of the I-4 Ultimate project. A description of the Preliminary Vision Plan for Under-I is below.
Location on the Map
Preliminary Vision Plan
The Preliminary Vision Plan for the Under-I Project, although conceptual in nature, illustrates its scale, aspirations and potential. The set of uses and their locations reflect a program that has evolved since the origins of the Under-I concept six years ago during the DTO Project initiative. However, the layout and program are still conceptual and will continue to be refined and finalized during the development of the Vision Plan and completion of the Design Documents.
There are five blocks programmed in Under-I's Preliminary Vision Plan, each containing a collection of similar activities with the aim of providing users with exceptional experiences. The themes of the blocks are: Culture, Sports, Play, Unity and Market.
The area north of West Washington Street is the Heritage Block, which can feature elements such as:
- A trail connecting to the future Westmoreland to Lake Eola Park Urban Trail and a connection to Gertrude's Walk and Orlando Urban Trail;
- Displays with historical exhibits from the Parramore district;
- Three walls with interchangeable murals.
The Sports Block, bounded by West Washington Street and West Central Boulevard, is the largest block in Under-I Park. This block has sports and recreation areas for all ages and lifestyles. In the Preliminary Vision Plan, the Sports Block features:
- A soccer pitch, two futsal pitches, 4 multipurpose courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball, etc.);
- Shuffleboard game;
- A crossfit facility;
- A quarter-mile race track;
- Table sports such as checkers, dominoes and ping-pong;
- Picnic tables;
- Area for food trucks and tournament support activities;
- Toilets and a park administration pavilion.
Between West Central Boulevard and West Pine Street, the Play Block is an area where families and children can gather and play. The northern end of this block is anchored by the Central Boulevard LYMMO station, providing direct access to the LYMMO Grapefruit and Lime lines, as well as other regional LYNX routes. In the Preliminary Vision Plan, the Play Block includes:
- An accessible playground;
- Bocce court / open play area;
- Giant sandbox;
- Interactive sculpture garden;
- Balance sheets (various types);
- Bathrooms;
- Splash pad.
On the block between West Pine Street and West Church Street, the Unity Block could have several gathering and performance spaces to bring the community together, including:
- Life-size chess challenge or digital games area;
- Community rooms;
- Skate park;
- Pop-up event spaces for musicians, performers and artists;
- Outdoor classrooms for education and exercise, such as yoga or zumba;
- More table sports (chess, checkers, ping-pong);
- Unity Square - a meeting place for everyone;
- A stage for concerts and special events.
In the Vision Plan, the south side of West Church Street is the Market Block that will provide a food, entertainment and market area with ample space for vendors and customers. There will also be an extensive pedestrian connection under Interstate 4 between our venues and the Church Street entertainment areas. This block may include:
- Two food kiosks;
- Several supplier kiosks;
- Space for stalls for suppliers, local producers (farmers market) or a small art exhibition;
- Small stage area with outdoor tables to entertain strolling visitors;
- Bathrooms.
To find out more about this project and follow its progress, click on the link below.