Westcourt Orlando Development Update: New Plans Revealed

Project Highlights

  • •Hotel & Residences: A full‑service lifestyle hotel (≈ 260‑265 keys) plus around 270 high‑rise residential units.

  • • Live Events Venue: A 3,500‑capacity venue designed for concerts, galas, banquets and private events, intended to drive year‑round activity.

  • • Office Space: Up to ≈ 300,000 sq ft of Class A office space, including rooftop amenities and event space.

  • • Retail & Dining: Approximately 120,000‑125,000 sq ft of retail/entertainment space, plus a 1.5‑acre “urban living room” green space for outdoor activations.

  • • Parking & Infrastructure: Over 1,100 on‑site parking spaces; the garage north side along Central Boulevard is designed to be pedestrian friendly.

Westcourt Orlando

If you’ve been following our previous coverage of Westcourt Orlando, here’s the latest update on how this ambitious downtown Orlando project is shaping up. Located directly north of the Kia Center (home of the Orlando Magic) and bounded by W. Church Street, Division Avenue, W. Central Boulevard and S. Hughey Avenue, the site is poised to become a major live‑work‑play hub.

Westcourt Orlando

Current Phase & Timeline

As for where things stand, Westcourt is already moving past vision into implementation. Developers have submitted key permit applications, which city and development‑board officials view as a critical step toward breaking ground.

City officials in August 2025 indicated that construction bids are being finalized and contractor selection is underway. The ground‑breaking is anticipated in late 2025, with a project budget in the neighborhood of $500 million for the mixed‑use build‑out.

The projected completion date lands around 2027, according to recent industry sources. This timeline suggests the office, hotel, residential and event‑venue components will phase up over the next 2‑3 years.

Office leasing activity is already underway — the office component is being marketed to tenants even as the rest of the project moves toward construction. This early leasing effort helps mitigate risk and anchors the work‑component of the live‑work‑play model.

What This Means for Downtown Orlando

The significance of Westcourt goes beyond bricks and mortar. It signals a push to convert downtown Orlando from a destination of episodic major events into a vibrant, everyday district where people live, work, dine and play. According to a recent development‑industry write‑up, a key challenge for arena‑adjacent districts is ensuring foot traffic outside of big game or concert nights. Westcourt directly addresses that by combining offices, residences, hotel and green space together.

Economically, we’re looking at significant job creation — both during construction and post‑completion. The new permanent jobs (“everyday jobs”) associated with offices, hospitality, retail and venue operations will boost downtown’s workforce. And the increased residential component should attract new urban‑living residents, increasing street‑level activation and supporting local businesses.

From an urban‑design perspective, the inclusion of the “Urban Living Room” public green space helps ensure the district has a meaningful and pedestrian‑friendly core, not just a collection of buildings. Coupled with the live‑venue and retail/dining elements, this can reshape the character of downtown Orlando into a more walkable, mixed‑use environment.


Importantly, the project also signals confidence in downtown Orlando’s future. When a development of this scale moves forward next to a major sports/entertainment venue (the Kia Center), it suggests the city and developers believe in urban density, mixed uses and the value of creating a “place” rather than just a singular use. That has ripple effects — for real‑estate markets, office leasing, hospitality investment, and downtown living.

For residents and businesses, the result could be a stronger downtown ecosystem: more restaurants and nightlife, more housing options, better amenities, and greater connectivity. For investors and developers, it may provide a template of how to execute similar arena‑adjacent, mixed‑use projects in mid‑sized U.S. cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where exactly is Westcourt located?

Westcourt is planned immediately north of the Kia Center in downtown Orlando, bounded by W. Church Street, Division Avenue, W. Central Boulevard and S. Hughey Avenue.

2. What is the total size and investment amount?

The development is approximately 900,000 sq ft of mixed uses on about eight to nine acres, with an estimated investment of around $500 million.

3. What are the main components of the project?
• Hotel: ~260 keys
• Residential: ~270 units
• Office space: up to ~300,000 sq ft
• Retail/dining: ~125,000 sq ft
• Live‑venue: ~3,500 capacity
• Green/open space: ~1.5 acres.

4. When will it be completed?

Ground‑breaking is expected in late 2025, and full build‑out around 2027. Some leasing and planning activities are already underway.

5. Who is developing the project?
A joint venture among JMA Ventures, Machete Group and the DeVos family (owners of the Orlando Magic) is leading the development.

6. What impact will this have on the neighborhood or surrounding area?

The project is intended to activate downtown Orlando year‑round, bring new jobs and residents, increase vibrancy and create a more walkable, integrated urban district. In addition, design and planning considerations have sought to manage impacts on nearby communities (such as noise, traffic, access) through modern design techniques like AI/AR modeling.

Conclusion

The Westcourt Orlando development represents a bold next chapter for downtown Orlando — transforming a key site adjacent to the Kia Center into a dynamic mixed‑use neighborhood. With hotel, residences, offices, retail, and an entertainment venue all in one, it embodies the “live‑work‑play” vision that has become the hallmark of 21st‑century urban redevelopment.


As permitting advances, contractors are selected and construction begins (expected late 2025), keep an eye on Westcourt not just as a building project, but as a catalyst for changing downtown Orlando’s identity. For residents, workers and visitors alike, it promises more than new square footage — it promises a new place to live, work, connect and stay in the heart of the city.


We’ll continue to monitor Westcourt’s milestones, tenant announcements, leasing progress and community impact. Stay tuned for updates as this project moves from blueprint to built reality.

Why Choose Jared Jones?

As a top real estate agent with nearly 4,000 homes sold and over 20 years of experience in the Florida real estate market, I have the expertise needed to help you navigate today’s evolving landscape. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, my deep understanding of market trends and personalized approach will provide you with the insights and strategies required for success.

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