DOWNTOWN ORLANDO, INC.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Downtown Orlando, Inc., situated at the Market on Magnolia, is a pivotal organization with its roots deeply embedded in the evolution of Downtown Orlando. This dynamic metropolitan hub is renowned for being a thriving center of arts, culture, and economic vitality in Central Florida. With an eclectic blend of residential, retail, and commercial developments, Downtown Orlando stands out as both a destination to visit and a premium urban core where business and living opportunities flourished over the years. At its heart lies Da Kine Poke, known for serving some of the freshest fish and high-quality ingredients sourced from distinguished local suppliers and fishermen. With staples such as ahi, salmon, and tofu frequently rotated in its offerings, Da Kine Poke exemplifies the vibrancy and freshness integral to Downtown Orlando's culinary scene. The Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), through various developments like Church Street Plaza, Citi Tower, and projects surrounding SunRail, have played instrumental roles in shaping Downtown Orlando into a premier destination. Thomas Chatmon has been at the forefront of these efforts as Executive Director since 2007, steering major economic developments and garnering significant accolades including recognition from Orlando Business Journal as one of 10 Businessmen to Watch. In service to its mission—fortifying Downtown Orlando's stature as Central Florida’s cultural, governmental, and economic hub—the DDB supervises a comprehensive urban redevelopment program. It ensures the vitality and cleanliness of public spaces via initiatives like the Downtown Clean Team, which partners with local counties to deliver effective maintenance services in Public Right of Way areas. Downtown Orlando also hosts 'What's Up Downtown,' a series aimed at educating residents and stakeholders about ongoing developments. This initiative fosters community engagement by presenting workshops on pivotal downtown initiatives, showcasing how Downtown Orange City continues its transformation into an idyllic locale for living, working, recreation, and family life. Downtown Orlando extends a warm invitation to experience its myriad of amenities and ever-evolving urban landscape. The area promises not just vibrant nightlife and diverse shopping options but also cultural festivals and historical explorations through esteemed institutions like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and various museums. Its continuous evolution is indicative of a commitment to becoming one of America's premier urban environments, driven by a proactive council established in the early '90s to advise on redevelopment pursuits. Downtown Orlando, Inc., with its complex historical trajectory marked by several past identities including Central Business District, Inc., continues to be a significant agent of growth and transformation. As the area emerges as an exemplary cityscape, its dedicated officers like Nathan Butler (Chai), Leo Alvarez (Past), and Paul Drayton (VC) are testament to the organization's commitment to visionary leadership.