By Jim Carchidi
June 5, 2026
A strategic land use study for one of Orlando's most popular Main Streets is going before City Council. Local urban planning firm and city contractor, Inspire Placemaking Collective, will conduct analyses and surveys to aid future developments in The Milk District.
The purpose
The Milk District is famous for its culture and diverse collection of local businesses. The study will offer suggestions for new development standards with considerations for preserving district character. Photos by Jim Carchidi
The Milk District is one of 12 designated Main Street districts within the Orlando city limits, but currently lacks an overall vision plan for long-term growth and design consistency. The study, dubbed Task Order Four in the June 8 city council meeting agenda, will develop recommendations for architectural standards, potential property rezoning, new land entitlements, and will point out properties for potential redevelopment.
A project map illustrates Milk District borders.
Milk District Executive Director Angie Folks told The Orlando Real in an email that the district Board of Directors want a plan that "reflects and preserves the neighborhood's unique character and culture while enabling as many local small businesses as possible to open and thrive here."
The details
The Milk District's 1950s-era Hoods Up gas station and auto repair shop on Bumby Avenue was sold in 2024 but redevelopment has yet to begin.
The project scope is detailed in a letter from Inspire Placemaking to the City Planning Division and includes the following items:
- A study of minimum lot size requirements for higher-density development
- Redevelopment guidelines that preserve district character
- Propose modifications to permitted non-residential uses
- Identify underutilized parcels suitable for redevelopment
- Estimate utility needs to support redevelopment
The scope also includes a plan to identify areas in need of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; a safety need that Folks says should be part of the overall vision.
Additionally, recommendations will be made to enhance buffers between single-family homes and commercial properties. A maximum of three vacant and/or underutilized sites will be identified for possible redevelopment. And recommendations will be made for streamlining the project review process to minimize Planned Development rezoning. All study results will be submitted to Orlando city staff for input and revision.
Public outreach
District residents and business owners will have opportunities to participate via public meetings and a website.
A project website will be developed with an online survey and interactive features. And a schedule of district meetings and events, summary documents, and contact information will be posted.
Milk District businesses and residents will be invited to share input at two community meetings, scheduled through neighborhood associations and the Milk District Main Street Association. Inspire Placemaking staff will attend the meetings for Q&A sessions and to provide hard copies of the online survey.
"These meetings will invite residents, business owners, and stakeholders to share their perspectives on the district's future and provide feedback for the report to be submitted to the city," Folks said. Residents and business owners should follow @themilkdistrict for detailed information on meeting dates and locations.
Costs and next steps
If approved, the study is expected to take nine months to complete. The estimated price tag of $174,960 would be covered by the Planning Division budget and project grants. City Council members will vote on the proposal at their next meeting on Monday, June 8.
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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