UPDATE: This project was approved by the MPB this afternoon.

Back in early May we wrote about a possible multi-family high rise that was being planned for the southwestern corner of Lake Eola. The Municipal Planning Board is about to vote on it at the next meeting.

The Chicago developer is proposing to build a 28-story tower on at least two lots that currently house a 711 and the historic Lubbe building, which currently houses a collection of Orlando non-profits. The tower designs, as they stand now, also suggest a build-out of an extra 5,925 SF into Central Park to house a central waterfall feature with two bookend cafe/restaurants on either side. The developer has offered to add a number of enhancements to the nearby park space, including outdoor seating, pedestrian pathways and new landscaping along the new property line.

The City states in the developer’s proposal that they must enter an agreement with the City to install the agreed improvements and lease the portion of the park they intend to extend into, prior to being issued a permit. To read the proposal and the City’s recommendations, click HERE.

The proposed use of public land for a private project has resulted in an outcry from a group of residents to “Save Lake Eola Park.”

A website under that same name has been recruiting residents to attend a Tuesday, July 21 Municipal Planning Board meeting to voice concerns over the loss of public property. Opponents to the development believe that by giving away land from the public park, that the City would be violating the original deed from St. Luke’s Cathedral, that gifted the land to the City of Orlando as long as it was used for public park purposes only.

The group is asking the City for the following actions to be taken:

Developer may not encroach on Public Park Land.

Build within a 2o-foot setback on East boundary bordering Lake Eola Park.

Allow developer to put low deck on Eastern setback inside property line.

Height must be stepped down to other buildings adjacent to Lake Eola Park.

Invite the City, developer, and private support to craft a plan for relocating the historic Lubbe House to an appropriate location.

We’ve reached out to the City of Orlando for a statement and will post an update on the MPB’s decision when it is made public.

UPDATE: The Office of the Mayor issued the following statement to us regarding this proposed development:

” … proposed plans by the developer include improvements in Lake Eola Park, including a 2-story waterfall feature, new landscaping and hardscaping, and outdoor seating associated with a cafe located in the base of the tower, on private property. This would require a separate agreement with the City. If the project is approved, any lease agreement would be a separate public process and subject to City Council approval. This is not a part of the MPB hearing today.

While, City planning and park staff have reviewed the proposed improvements and have come to the preliminary conclusion that the improvements align with the vision set forth by Project DTO and the Downtown Outlook Plan and will enhance the beauty of Lake Eola Park and help activate and enliven the park, these items are still in review by the City’s legal department and before a decision is made will come before the City Council for consideration. This would be a similar process to the one the City went through with Post Parkside for the World of Beer outdoor cafe. This outdoor cafe has proven to activate an unused portion of our Park and has enhanced and provided a new way for residents and visitors to enjoy Lake Eola Park.”