The I-4 Ultimate construction project, scheduled for completion in early 2022, is rebuilding all the overpasses in downtown Orlando. The reconstruction of the I-4 Ultimate overpasses—which are significantly taller and wider than the previous ones—will create new and unique spaces beneath Interstate 4 in downtown Orlando, between Church Street and Washington Street. These new, distinctive spaces are known as Under-I.
The city will transform the Under-I spaces into a multitude of active and passive uses, including sports courts, gathering places, performance spaces, recreational areas, opportunities for vendors, and experiences related to local culture. The city also envisions that this urban community park will inspire residents and tourists by offering inclusive and vibrant spaces—among the best in the country—that bring our diverse community together and provide creative and engaging experiences designed to promote health, education, art, play, and camaraderie.
Construction is scheduled to begin after the completion of the I-4 Ultimate project. A description of the Preliminary Vision Plan for Under-I is provided below.
Location on the Map
Preliminary Vision Plan
The Preliminary Vision Plan for the Under-I Project, while conceptual in nature, illustrates its scale, aspirations, and potential. The set of uses and their locations reflect a program that has evolved since the Under-I concept was first conceived 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 the completion of the Design Documents.
There are five blocks outlined in the Under-I Preliminary Vision Plan, each containing a collection of similar activities designed to provide 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 may feature elements such as:
- A trail with a connection to the future Westmoreland Trail leading to the Lake Eola Park Urban Trail, and a connection to Gertrude’s Walk and the Orlando Urban Trail;
- Displays featuring historical scenes 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 features sports and recreation areas for all ages and lifestyles. In the Preliminary Vision Plan, the Sports Block includes:
- One soccer field, two futsal courts, and four multipurpose courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball, etc.);
- Shuffleboard Game;
- A CrossFit facility;
- A 1/4-mile race track;
- Table games, such as checkers, dominoes, and ping-pong;
- Picnic tables;
- Area for food trucks and tournament support activities;
- Restrooms and an administration building for the park.
Located 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 LYNX regional 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);
- Restrooms;
- Splash pad.
On the block between West Pine Street and West Church Street, the Unity Block may feature several gathering and performance spaces to bring the community together, including:
- Life-size chess challenge or digital gaming 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 games (chess, checkers, ping-pong);
- Praça da Unidade—a gathering 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, which will provide food, entertainment, and a market area with ample space for vendors and customers. There will also be a wide pedestrian connection under Interstate 4, linking our sites to the entertainment areas on Church Street. This block may include:
- Two food kiosks;
- Several vendor booths;
- Space for vendor booths, local producers (farmers market), or a small art exhibition;
- A small stage area with outdoor tables to entertain visitors who are out for a stroll;
- Restrooms.
To learn more about this project and follow its progress, click the link below.