A First Look at The Canopy. Orlando’s Next Big Move to Reclaim Under-I Space
Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent
Downtown Orlando is getting something rarely seen in a major city. A fresh layer of green tucked beneath one of the busiest stretches of I-4. The Canopy, once known as the Under-I Project, has moved from concept to construction plans, and the early renderings already hint at a completely different feel for this part of downtown.
What The Canopy Aims to Bring Downtown
- Easier ways to navigate downtown on foot or bike with connected paths.
- A safer, better-lit space beneath I-4 where people might actually want to spend time.
- Open areas for markets, events, or just enjoying some shade on a warm day.
- Lush landscaping that softens the concrete and gives the whole corridor a calmer feel.
- Art installations that help the space feel memorable instead of an area to rush through.
- A pilot rideshare and parking zone adding roughly 150 public spaces and improving access for the months leading into full construction.
Where is "The Canopy"?
The Canopy extends from W. Church Street to W. Washington Street between S. Hughey Avenue and S. Garland Avenue, with the Kia Center at the southwest corner. If you know the area, you can picture exactly how underused this space is today.
When Will Construction Begin?
Construction of "The Canopy" is estimate to begin in early 2025, with an expected 24-month build timeline. However, the project's impact will be felt sooner, as the pilot phase is scheduled to begin in April 2024 and will last for 12 months.
Why This Project Matters to Orlando residents & Visitors
Cities don’t grow evenly. They grow in pockets. And every so often, a pocket gets attention in a way that nudges the whole area forward. Spaces like The Canopy can change the rhythm of downtown living. They make a city more walkable, more enjoyable between destinations, and more attractive for those choosing where to live, work, or invest.
Orlando has momentum.
Projects like this reinforce it.
Curious about living in downtown Orlando? See available homes near Downtown Orlando, explore neighborhoods, see market insights, and more.
The Canopy Project Updates
Announced in May 19, 2025: The city of Orlando has approved firm, Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. to move forward with building The Canopy. Once an agreement is reached, the firm will receive $105,000 to handle pre-construction. The city of Orlando is aiming for a completion date of August 31, 2027.
Recent updates from the Downtown Development Board in February 2026 include construction on The Canopy project is now slated to begin this summer and estimated completion timeline has been updated to late 2027 or early 2028, with a budget of $30 million.
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