The Corridor Orange Blossom Trail Character
The OBT corridor compared to another corridor in the region lacks of differentiation: the overall character and first impression of the corridor conveys it to be a place that lacks investment, is not aesthetically attractive, and has predominantly auto-related and hotel uses. The buildings are not well maintained, and the road lacks adequate streetscape elements. Due the length of the corridor, we have divided the Study Area into five distinct areas for the purpose of analysis. Area boundaries were selected based on existing conditions, such as major intersections and/or neighborhoods.
Area 1 (From SR 50 to SR 408)
Predominantly noted as the home of Camping World Stadium, Lorna Doone Park, a mix of light industrial and warehousing uses, and is the new home of the Orlando Police Department Headquarters. Area 1 is within the city limits of Orlando and has a significant open space and recreational asset—Lake Lorna Doone and the adjacent park. The area has few residential neighborhoods inside its boundaries. The neighborhood has a large concentration of vacant
Area 2 (From SR 408 to I-4)
Its most noted asset is the Jones High School campus. The residential neighborhood in this area is Holden Heights. It shares jurisdictional boundaries with the City and the County. Commercial uses front OBT and Michigan Street, while single family residential uses dominate the Kaley Street to Gore Street areas, and the Nashville Street corridor. The open space includes the Grand Avenue School campus and adjacent park, Kaley
Area 3 (From I-4 to Holden Avenue)
OBT frontage is predominately commercial retail, anchored at the Holden Avenue intersection by the Orange Blossom Center and Southgate Plaza. The adjacent neighborhood between OBT and Rio Grande Avenue is predominately single-family rentals, with a high incidence of criminal activity. The neighborhoods east of OBT are stable with a majority of owner-occupied single family residences.
Area 4 (From Holden Avenue to Oak Ridge Road)
The area includes a large concentration of multi-family units off of Americana Boulevard, west of OBT. This segment of corridor has a significant number of auto-related businesses. It also includes hotel uses. There are no open or recreational spaces or facilities.
Area 5 (Oak Ridge Road to SR 528)
The largest segment in the Study Area, comprises over 2,500 acres, and is home to the Florida Mall, the Lake Ellenor Office Park, and a large light industrial area. This area is almost exclusively industrial, retail, and office uses served by rail. It also provides regional access by Sand Lake Road, the 528 tollway, Florida’s Turnpike, and John Young Parkway. Area 5 has the largest concentration of hotel uses. Auto-related land uses are also significant in the area. The area is noted for its significant number of educational institutions.
