The Community Paper

Mixed-use project appealed

Plans for a 14-story building along Lake Ivanhoe are still in the works after a legislative appeal was presented to the Orlando City Council. The property owners of 1155 N. Orange Ave. and their representative put forth their case for the project, and local residents provided feedback on why they opposed the development.

Along with concerns around traffic, residents pointed out that the project falls under the Virginia Drive Special Plan overlay, which was approved in 2017 after a year’s worth of discussion between City officials and the community. Its mission states: “The overall purpose of the Virginia Drive Special Plan is to strategically guide transportation improvements and development activities to preserve and strengthen the historic, cultural and social character of the Virginia/ Lake Highland area.”

A specific guideline within the plan is a limit of five stories for new buildings. The owner’s appeal asked for the property to be removed from the overlay so the 14-story plan could move forward. The reasoning included the property’s location at the edge of the overlay and its proximity to downtown, among other factors.

After hearing from the concerned parties and debating the appeal, City Council passed a motion by a vote of 5-2 that the property remains within the Virginia Drive Special Plan but that a height limit of 14 stories will be imposed on the property within that plan, which does allow for changed terms with City approval.

There will be two readings of an ordinance to amend the land development code at upcoming council meetings. Following that, the amended master plan will become effective.

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2023-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

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The Community Paper