The Orlando Magic has hired a familiar face to manage its $200 million mixed-use development next to Amway Center.
Robert Rayborn served as Turner Construction’s project manager for developing Amway Center. He has accepted a similar role with the Magic to oversee the design and construction of a retail and entertainment district next to the arena.
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Rayborn
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In his new position, Rayborn is a full-time Magic employee. Rayborn spent the 13 years at Turner after working 17 years for Barton Malow and five years at Skanska.
The team expects to complete its $12.7 million land purchase to build the 650,000-square-foot complex no later than Nov. 1, and construction will start in earnest after the 2014-15 NBA season, Magic CEO Alex Martins said. The development covers retail stores, restaurants, a hotel, office space and the team’s new corporate headquarters.
From 2005 to 2010, while with Turner, Rayborn represented the Magic’s interest on the Amway Center project, teaming with Populous, the arena’s architect and Hunt Construction, the firm building the facility.
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The team hopes to start construction after the 2014-15 NBA season.
Photo by: RTKL AND ORLANDO MAGIC
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For the past four years, Rayborn has served as Turner’s project manager for the development of Levi’s Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers’ new stadium opening in August. Turner built the $1.3 billion facility in a joint venture with Devcon Construction.
Now that the 49ers’ building is almost completed, Rayborn said the timing was perfect for him to accept a new challenge in Orlando. He starts his new job Aug. 1.
Martins said the team was “incredibly lucky” to land Rayborn. “We needed someone to manage construction on behalf of the Magic, and he is one of the best in the industry,” Martins said.
Rayborn’s first task will be to help select architects and a general contractor for the project and to develop a construction schedule.
The Magic has most of its public approvals in place, including the master plan and zoning adjustments, Martins said.
