As residents of the Orlando area know, the state of Florida is teeming with people. We continue to grow in population every decade -- while, of course, the physical size of our state stays the same. Even though there is, by definition, a finite amount of real estate available, that doesn't mean that some successful companies have been able to acquire a lot of it -- including huge chunks of commercial real estate.
Some Florida businesses find buying office space is better option
For many Orlando business owners, the decision to seek commercial real estate can have long-lasting effects on a business. One of the most crucial decisions is one of the first that has to be made: rent, or buy?
Orlando's best-known piece of real estate celebrates milestone
For Central Florida residents born in the last four decades, it may seem as though one of the defining features of our area has always been there. Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened 42 years ago this month, several years after Disney himself announced the park would be built. Disney didn't live long enough to see the park get built, but his brainchild ended up being a spark that ignited Orlando as a worldwide tourist destination.
Commercial real estate purchases show rebounding Florida economy
When the recession hit Florida, economists scrambled to give companies a heads-up on what the future would hold for business in the their area. Unfortunately, many businesses were hit hard and residents across the state watched Florida's economy begin to dwindle. But by just looking at recent commercial real estate purchases in Southwest Florida, readers of our blog may be able to see that our state's economy is rebounding in a healthy way.
Chase Plaza's top floors sold after property tax woes
Commercial real estate in Orlando has had its ebbs and flows. Properties that are sometimes well-known in the area for having large property tax bills can sometimes turn around and become destination addresses again. One such property in our area is the Chase Plaza complex. A company called Solar Blue once resided on the top three floors of the south tower until it sold the property in 2006 for $6.5 million.
Orlando Philharmonic closes on Plaza Live building
On Tuesday, the Orlando Philharmonic announced that it had closed on the Plaza Live building on Bumby Avenue. It paid $3.4 million for the 28,843-square foot property. The sale includes the Plaza Live business and the contents of the building.
Orlando's Washington Shores gets 'real' grocery store
Walmart recently opened a "Neighborhood Market" concept store in Washington Shores, ending what many area residents have described as drought in terms of fresh food offerings.
Universal Orlando buys 52 acres of Wet 'n Wild land
Much of Orlando is abuzz over Universal Orlando's recent purchase of nearly 52 acres around the Wet 'n Wild theme park, just across the interstate from Universal's signature properties. The purchase is believed to have cost in the neighborhood of $31 million.
Commercial real estate along Park Avenue 100 percent leased
Commercial real estate developers in Orlando were dealt a significant blow by the Great Recession. It certainly seemed like one minute, space was being leased or sold as soon as it could be built or turned over and the next, empty storefronts and "For Lease" signs stretched out as far as they eye could see.
Orange County Mayor has change of heart on soccer stadium
In something close to an about-face, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacosb sent a letter to Major League Soccer ownership and said she'd "fast-track" a proposal for a soccer stadium in downtown Orlando, it was learned on Friday.