By Jim Carchidi
February 9, 2026
The cost of a high-profile initiative in the DTO Action Plan received the green light on Monday, Feb. 9. Orlando City Council approved the $30 million price tag for The Canopy Project: a next-generation public space that will inhabit 14.5 acres along S. Hughey Ave., beneath Interstate 4, between W. Church and W. Washington streets.
Downtown vision
The 1-acre Art² pocket park at 274 N. Orange Ave. is an example of the DTO community vision of creative spaces that promote economic vitality. Photo by Jim Carchidi
The DTO Action Plan includes five capital projects aimed at shifting the urban model from a work environment to an engaging lifestyle center. The Canopy is designed to increase visitation and walkability with a unique urban space featuring immersive artistic elements, greenspace, and the following additions:
- enhanced lighting
- public restrooms
- a bike path
- streetscape improvements
- a flush-curb “festival street” zone at Church Street
- rideshare zone
- public parking
Pricing and funding
A pre-construction services agreement with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company now includes a Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment of $30 million for project costs. Image courtesy of City of Orlando
Last year, the city approved a construction management and pre-construction services agreement with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company to define project scope, timeline and costs. Monday’s city meeting agenda included a Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment to the agreement, setting a ceiling of $30 million on the total cost, including labor, materials, and service.
Funding for The Canopy and all DTO capital projects will come from a $160 million bond serviced by Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which collects a tax of $1 per $1,000 of taxable value from properties within its boundaries. CRA funds are earmarked for revitalization efforts, including infrastructure improvements to enhance public spaces and promote the economy.
Canopy budget highlights
City of Orlando project renderings show walking paths winding by clusters of live trees and landscaping highlighted by tree sculptures with undulating branches and vines.
The price amendment details everything from concrete and labor to drainage, electrical upgrades and design mockups. The immersive art environments include five landscaped zones and seven metal trees - one large, two medium and four small - with the following price breakdown:
- Metal tree sculptures: $3.26 million
- Installation of metal art: $833,512
- Landscaping, including soil and 90-day maintenance: $7.096 million
A digital mapping and projection system will feature original video art content with sound effects and music.
- Sound system: $168,212
- Projection system: $1,16 million
- Vendor cost increase allowance: $55,000
- Show content creation allowance: $300,000
Additional amenities
- Permanent restroom facilities at a total cost of $2.18 million
- Asphalt paving with four-foot sidewalks at $3.47 million
- Four zones of new benches, trash and recycling receptacles, and bike racks at $40,000
Construction will begin this summer with completion expected next year. The full Feb. 9 city council agenda is available here.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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