Magic execs in order to gain inspiration for their proposed $100M entertainment complex near Amway Center "will study private development around a handful of arenas in other cities,” including L.A., K.C., Columbus and Charlotte, according to Mark Schlueb of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. Magic President Alex Martins said, "It's a big idea. Until we really study it … it's impossible to pinpoint the exact mix of uses that will work." The “prime example” of an entertainment complex near a sports arena is in L.A., where L.A. Live is adjacent to Staples Center. Magic execs also “plan an ‘in depth’ look at the Kansas City Power & Light District, an $850 million mixed-use development covering eight blocks” near Sprint Center. In addition, Magic execs have identified Charlotte “as one of their redevelopment models.” A boutique hotel was built adjacent to Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, but “ground-floor retail space that is part of the arena has at times struggled to find tenants.” Schlueb notes Orlando records indicate that the local project “could include a hotel and conference center, among other things.” Martins said that he “would like a public plaza that could tie into the one already in front of the Amway Center.” Martins: "What the Amway Center has proven is that when you create a destination, people will come. The key is creating the right mix of uses people will come to" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/29).
AWARD-WINNING PERFORMANCE: Amway Center recently received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the Int'l Economic Development Council and a Merit Award from the Int'l Downtown Association (Magic).
