By Jim Carchidi
December 3, 2025
Speculation over the future of the Orlando Sentinel site ended with the announcement of a development partnership between the City of Orlando, property owner Midtown Development, and international architecture firm Heatherwick Studio. However, forming the team was barely the first step on the road to redevelopment.
State of Downtown
Sheena Fowler (far left), CEO of Innovate Orlando, moderates the State of Downtown panel discussion. From left: Craig Ustler, Jason Chin, Jennifer Evins, Richard Perez, Mayor Buddy Dyer. Photos by Jim Carchidi
Members and supporters of the Downtown Orlando Partnership gathered at Kia Center on Dec. 2 for Mayor Buddy Dyer’s annual State of Downtown address. The event featured insights from developer Craig Ustler, Good Salt Restaurant Group co-owner Jason Chin, and United Arts of Central Florida CEO Jennifer Evins, each discussing their industry's role in downtown's future. But Midtown Development partner Richard Perez took center stage with remarks on the 20-plus-acre Sentinel site.
The property, purchased in 2016 by Midtown Development affiliate Midtown Opportunities, has remained vacant since the Orlando Sentinel shifted to remote operations in 2020. Perez explained his inspiration for the revitalization, referencing assets such as the DTO Action Plan and the city's economic and demographic growth. He compared Orlando's potential to recent multibillion-dollar investments in Miami and Tampa, asking, “Why not Orlando?”
Opportunities and impact
Richard Perez and Mayor Buddy Dyer discussed the inspirations behind the Orlando Sentinel project but admitted the design process has yet to begin.
Ustler, known for developing Orlando’s Creative Village district, said new construction at any prominent location would generate interest in that area. “The inconvenience of physical construction is offset by the momentum of building,” he said, adding that potential tenants and capital partners are attracted by the start of a new development.
Chin said successful downtown centers foster social and cultural exchanges and the addition of a new district would be a “game changer.” Evins noted the Sentinel project could set a new standard of excellence in city architecture and design.
Details on the project remain limited, and Perez stressed the importance of, "a long-term perspective on doing something great."
“This isn’t going to happen overnight,” he said.
Addressing progress
The Azabudai Hills mixed use development in Tokyo is among Heatherwick Studio's architectural achievements. Image courtesy of Heatherwick Studio.
In a video address played during State of Downtown, Heatherwick Studio founder Thomas Heatherwick called the Orlando plan, “an opportunity to create an amazing new district with a gathering space at its heart.” The firm’s portfolio includes distinctive public spaces and architectural features that Mayor Dyer cited as inspiration for seeking their involvement in the Sentinel project.
Following the event, Dyer confirmed the development will feature greenspace, residential, and commercial uses, and stated that demolition of the remaining Orlando Sentinel buildings could begin as early as next year. He also noted that planning is in the "very initial stages," but said community engagement would be considered as the project moves forward.
“There will certainly be opportunities for input,” Dyer said. “I anticipate a number of stages or phases in the development.”
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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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