Main Streets are our nine unique neighborhood commercial corridors scattered throughout our city that drive our region’s economy by providing jobs, goods and services for our residents. Each of our Main Streets has a distinctive identity, is home to a variety of locally-owned businesses and are where residents go to find uncommon and handmade goods, take in culture and nightlife and to experience creative cuisines.
Since 2008, public and private investment in the city’s Main Streets has surpassed $1.03 billion. Two of our Main Streets are anchored by Florida Hospital and Orlando Health which accounted for more than $740 million of that investment. Our Main Streets have garnered national attention with features in the Boston Globe, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, New Yorker, Thrillist and Wine Enthusiast.
About Audubon Park Garden District
Hip, diverse and independent are the norms of the Audubon Park Garden District. Known for its vintage shops, cafes, bakeries, music, books, craft beer, boutiques, urban farmlettes, plus superlative professional services, the APGD is a fiercely independent shopping and dining district on Corrine Drive in Orlando, Florida.
Developed in the 1950 and ’60s, for decades the area catered to nearby Orlando Air Force Base and then later the Naval Training Center Orlando. Since then, the Audubon Park Garden District has blossomed into a thriving community of unique businesses and seemingly endless events and activities.
- Total Improvements: 1
- Amount Invested: $5,000
- Businesses Opened: 5
- Job Created: 43
- Volunteer Hours: 1,436
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $33,129
- Private Dollars Invested: $74,618.81
Accomplishments
- Was named Semifinalist in the National Main Street Awards for 2016
- Working with the City of Orlando’s Green Works to become Florida’s first EcoDistrict
- Installed banners along commercial corridor
- Put on Seventh Annual Zombietoberfest
- Put on Seventh Annual Bastille Day Festival
- Put on Fifth Annual Kidsfest
- Created Pollinator Pathway along Corrine Drive
- Created Bee Safe Zone in Audubon Park Garden District, encouraging residents to eliminate systemic pesticides in their yards
- Hosted five themed sip and strolls, drawing visitors to the district
- Saw the creation of Orlando’s first pedal powered food composting program
- Became one of the first areas on Orlando’s commercial food composting program
- Saw the creation of Fleet Farming in our area, the City’s only bicycle driven, organic yard farming program
- Continued to steward the APGD organic community garden, with three harvests this year
- Working to certify community as a Wildlife Habitat Community through the National Wildlife Federation
Events – More than 2,000 attendees
- Fifth Annual Kidsfest
- Seventh Annual Bastille Day
- Seventh Annual Zombietoberfest
- Sip and Strolls
Business Testimonial
“I chose to move my business to the Audubon Park Garden District because it is a thriving destination and is just the right demographic for my business.” – Cathy Sands, owner, Blue Daze Designs
About College Park
College Park is a vibrant neighborhood located just outside of downtown Orlando where you can experience urban living with a small town feel. This community is made up of some of the finest local retailers, award winning restaurants, and small businesses found in Central Florida. College Park’s wide selection of services, bungalow-style homes, brick tree-lined streets and many parks and lakes create a vibrant lifestyle and a comfortable place for residents to call home.
The community pride can be felt at any one of our popular annual events, that help bring alive the vibrancy, optimism, and shared values of College Park. “Come. Enjoy Life Along the Drive”!
- Total Improvements: 51
- Amount Invested: $1,857,987
- Businesses Opened: 19
- Job Created: 158
- Volunteer Hours: 1,904
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $43,925
- Private Dollars Invested: $201,292.55
Accomplishments
- Raised $20,000 more in sponsorship and membership than in 2014
- Hosted over 10,000 people at annual College Park JazzFest with 10 bands on 3 stages.
- Donated $18,000 to 20 non-profit organization serving College Park from College Park JazzFest and Dancing on the Drive proceeds
- Held two Nip & Tuck clean-up along Edgewater Drive events with an estimated 40 volunteers helping.
- Three board members attended the National Main Street Conference and from ideas learned there, played integral role in spearheading, planning and producing marketing materials for the first-ever MAIN STREET RESTAUARANT WEEK.
- Honored deserving members of the College Park Partnership at the Annual Awards Social with 15 awards.
- Executive Director was chosen to be a speaker at the Main Street Conference with a presentation on fundraiser and raising sponsorship dollars for events and programs in the District.
- Won Best Family Event for Holiday on the Drive and Best Annual Event for College Park JazzFest from a “Best of College Park” contest in the College Park Community Paper.
Events – More than 14,500 attendees
- Jazzfest
- Dancing on The Drive
- Holiday on The Drive
- Small Business Saturday
- Pink Out College Park
About Church Street District
Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, the Church Street District is home to an eclectic mix of world class dining, professional sports, live entertainment, night spots, theater and Orlando’s award winning Amway Center. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s always something new to discover on Church Street.
The area is deeply rooted in Orlando’s history and was developed around the City’s original train station. The Old Orlando Railroad Depot, dedicated in January of 1890 is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a local historic landmark. In concert with the opening of the Amway Center in 2010, businesses along historic Church Street joined forces to create a vibrant commercial district that attracts visitors from across the globe to Downtown Orlando.
The Church Street District received Main Street designation in 2011 and is focused on enhancing the corridor through marketing, hosting special events such as car shows and art festivals and promoting the area’s unique establishments.
- Total Improvements: 27
- Amount Invested: $902,276
- Businesses Opened: 7
- Job Created: 27
- Volunteer Hours: 1,231
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $28,388
- Private Dollars Invested: $81,719.03
Accomplishments
- CSD won the Economic Vitality award at this year’s Main Street Awards
- CSD was awarded a Golden Brick for Give Life Orlando Day
- CSD was awarded a Silver Brick for the Downtown Brew
- CSD hosted a successful Downtown Brew
- CSD -Launched Alive@Five- a street party with live music
Events – More than 6,775 attendees
- PedalPalooza
- Taste of Church Street x5
- Orlando City Soccer March to the new Stadium
- Russian Ballet School Flash Mob on Church Street
- CSD hosted the Central FL Concierge Association
- Taste of Church Street with live music & The Russian Ballet School
- Orlando City Soccer First Game
- Community Meeting I-4
- Downtown Brew
- Visit Orlando Visiting Ours
- Third Thursday x3
- Alive@Five
Business Testimonial
“As owner of Hamburger Mary’s Orlando, I have seen first-hand the impact of Church Street District initiatives” – Michael Rogier
About the Gateway Orlando District
Located in the southeast section of Orlando, Gateway Orlando is the spine of east Orlando, connecting the City’s two major airports. It is also the primary route for visitors between the airport and such critical destinations as Downtown Orlando and the University of Central Florida. In the last 10 to 15 years, neighborhoods surrounding this corridor have taken on an increasingly Hispanic or Latino character, while at the same time maintaining the strong values and home ownership that have always existed in this part of Orlando. The vibrant energy brought forth during this transition has created a virtual melting pot district experiencing an urban revival. Having a history that is barely 50 years old, Gateway Orlando joins the Orlando Main Street program as the City’s first Market Street District.
- Total Improvements: 31
- Amount Invested: $8,172,999
- Businesses Opened: 40
- Job Created: 105
- Volunteer Hours: 2,958
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $68,241
- Private Dollars Invested: $72,555
Accomplishments
- 3rd Annual Trunk-O-Treat was held at Keiser University on October, 2014
- Renewal and recruitment of several key Sustainer, Partner, and Supporter level members
- 2nd Jazz Fiesta was held at Oh Que Bueno Restaurant on November, 2014
- Third Annual School Supply Drive was held at Keiser University on August 5, 2015
- Gateway Orlando received $5,000 from Wells Fargo to purchase additional banners for the district
- Completed rebranding of website, added board shirts and professional name badges
- Hosted Charity Golf Tournament at Corridor Country Club, donated a portion of the proceeds to Friends of Children & Families
- Partnered with East Orlando Chamber to host annual Business Expo, with over 60 businesses participating
- Hosted Back to School Celebration for the East Orlando Community, raising funds, gift cards and school supply donations for Colonial High School and Three Points Elementary
- Participated in and hosted Hispanic Heritage and History Events to educate local business owners and celebrate the culture
- Gateway Orlando Organization Committee received “first-ever” Main Street Award for the 2014 Annual Trunk or Treat
- Hosted Small Business Saturday at Semoran Park Plaza, engaging community and local businesses with giveaways and promotions
- Worked with local business owners to clear up permitting issues with the City of Orlando
- Educated local businesses on grant and facade programs offered by the city and the county
- Educated local business owners on tools available through Orange County Appraisers office to help with marketing and public information
- Supported local Non Profit, Feed and Fortify to collect food and gifts throughout the year
- Supported Dover Shores Elementary by buying holiday gifts for families in transitions and co-hosted a holiday dinner
- Provided toys to local business owner in support of holiday giving to needy children through several charities
- Partnered with Keiser University to provide a safe place and exciting event for children to Trick or Treat in the community
- Participated with The Libre Initiative to provide workshops and panel discussion educating women about how to start a business, in East Orlando
- Board members engaged with John Maxwell Mastermind class to strengthen and enhance leadership skills
Events – More than 1,880 attendees
- Networking Group x18
- Corridor Coffee Connection x12
- Lunch and Learn x9
- 3rd Annual Trunk O Treat
- Jazz Fiesta
- Business Development workshop
- City of Orlando Tree project
- For the Love of Golf After Hours
- Conway Farmers Market
- First Charity Golf Tournament
- Great Gatsby After hours
- Back to School Celebration
Business Testimonial
“I’ve enjoyed my membership with Gateway Orlando. I was able to reach the Semoran market through the public safety committee and Gateway Orlando’s relationship with the city. I look forward to helping the community a long side Orlando Police Department by informing the residents of the many beneficial products that my company offers.” -William Ortiz, ADT Residential Account Executive
About Ivanhoe Village
Nestled in one of Orlando’s most treasured historic neighborhoods and anchored by beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe Village is filled with antique stores, art galleries, design centers, master craftsmen, restaurants and retail shops. Ivanhoe Village has something for everyone, including outdoor dining, a vintage record shop, a bike shop, jewelry and more located in one district on the northern edge of Downtown Orlando.
The buildings are oriented in a traditional pattern of small-scale one- and two-story storefront buildings facing the street, along sidewalks emphasizing pedestrian access. Most buildings display characteristics of the Art Deco style with streamlined curves and forms that articulate the façade. Entrance to this district is marked by a replica Statue of Liberty poised in an island of tropical plantings and flowers.
This district is reinventing itself to include Ivanhoe Row, Virginia Drive, Loch Haven Cultural Park and Florida Hospital Health Village. The district is home to Florida Hospital, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, The Orlando Ballet, The Ronald McDonald House, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, The Mennello Museum of American Art and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre.
- Total Improvements: 25
- Amount Invested: $22,864,159
- Businesses Opened: 10
- Job Created: 28
- Volunteer Hours: 839
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $19,356
- Private Dollars Invested: $26,640
Accomplishments
- Increased membership
- Increased income
- Florida Hospital Community Relations/Marketing/Government Relations meeting with board, Commissioner Stuart, and FH staff
- Two Bike Share racks installed
- New paddleboard/kayak dock installed compliments of City of Orlando
- Significant improvements to Loch Haven Park
- Increased social media presence
- Excellent relationship with Real Estate Inverlad developer Chance Gordy
Events
- Jingle Eve
- 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl
- Virginia Drive Live x3
- Pedalpalooza x2
- You Don’t Know Ivanhoe Pub Crawl in conjunction with Orlando Int’l Fringe Festival
- Main Street Restaurant Week
- Dog Days of Summer Sidewalk Sale & Dog Adoption
- Day of the Dead Pub Crawl
- Ivanhoe After Hours x3
Business Testimonial
“Being a Small Business Owner, it’s hard to stand out. As a member of Ivanhoe Village and The Main Street Program I get a sense of being part of something bigger; the Community becomes family. Now I’m not just a business owner in a neighborhood, I’m part of the neighborhood!” -Kelly Kubik, Bluebonnet Clothing and Gifts
About Mills 50 District
Mills 50 is a centrally located, culturally diverse, progressive minded, eclectic urban district! It is a grass roots, member-based organization made up of local business owners and residents, whose mission is to foster Orlando’s most diverse neighborhood by stimulating business, creating a walkable community and promoting our creative culture.
- Total Improvements: 22
- Amount Invested: $2,221,078
- Businesses Opened: 14
- Job Created: 123
- Volunteer Hours: 791
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $18,248
- Private Dollars Invested: $76,893.56
Accomplishments
- Received National Main Street Accreditation for the fifth year in a row
- Transformed eight (8) additional dumpsters into “art dumpsters” using local artists
- Produced a 2015 calendar featuring the “art dumpsters”
- Transformed a defunct 30 year old red light camera into a public art piece, called “Put A Bird on It”
- Partnered with Ivanhoe Village to produce “The Twelve Pubs of Christmas” Pub Crawl
- Co-sponsored and produced the Fourth Annual Dragon Parade/Lunar New Year Festival, attended by over 8,500 people
- Produced “Music on Mills”, a one day music & art festival featuring live music on six stages
- Sponsored a “Back to School” and a “Holiday Food Drive” for Ferncreek Elementary School to provide snacks for the students to take home on weekends and during the holiday break
- Organized a “GreenUp” for volunteers to trim, mulch and fertilize the eight (8) Chinese fan palm trees along Mills
- Held bi-monthly “Business After Hours” networking events for members
- Encouraged businesses to participate in “Small Business Saturday” and provided recycle bags and door mats to those businesses that did
- Named “Best Main Street District” in the Orlando Weekly “Best of 2015 Awards”
- Mills 50 Dumpster Art Project was named “Best Public Art” in the Orlando Weekly “Best of 2015 Awards”
- Began hosting monthly “Hump Day Happy Hours” to provide business members an opportunity to increase traffic and get new clients & shoppers
- Increased membership to 112 Community Partners, Corporate members and business members
- Increased Facebook and Twitter followers to over 8,000
Events – More than 9,985 attendees
- Music on Mills
- Dragon Parade/Lunar New Year Festival
- Breakfast for Dinner
- Twelve Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl
- Holiday Food Drive for Ferncreek Elementary School
- Back to School Food Drive for Ferncreek Elementary School
- Business After Hours – Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa
- Business After Hours – Maxine’s on Shine
- Business After Hours – BART
- Business After Hours – True Serenity
- Business After Hours – Marilyn Monroe Nail Boutique
- Business After Hours – Lil Indies
- Business After Hours – Ten10 Brewing Company
Business Testimonial
“Mills 50 has created such community support and awareness through the dumpster art project, the art box project, banner program and murals throughout the district. Mills 50 is always coming up with creative ideas to promote the district, which helps all the businesses.” Curtis Carswell, Owner, The Great Escape Frame & Art
About the SoDo District
The SoDo District is a business district surrounded by many of Orlando’s historic neighborhoods known for their lakes, walkable parks and streets. Orlando Health, one of Orlando’s most established hospitals has served as a mainstay of the district since 1918. One of Orlando’s historic railroad stations is nestled within this community which is within one mile of Downtown Orlando.
Neighbors have joined forces with property owners and merchants revitalizing the Orange Avenue and Michigan Street corridors to celebrate this vibrant community where residents live, shop, work and play. With the growing number of renovations and additions to the commercial district, the SoDo District is defined as an emerging market. Small retail and mixed-use projects are creating a positive new look and tone. Many large retail chains have recently invested in the SoDo District, though a generous amount of boutique-style shops and mom-and-pop restaurants offer diverse options.
- Total Improvements: 34
- Amount Invested: $206,855,500
- Businesses Opened: 28
- Job Created: 159
- Volunteer Hours: 635
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $14,649
- Private Dollars Invested: $80,883
Accomplishments
- Signed agreement of shared operations between Downtown South and the NID
- Created Videos for businesses in Downtown South
- Placed planters in the street scape
- Placed palm trees at businesses in Downtown South
- Held 2nd Annual Light Up Downtown South
- Held 7th Annual Spring Social with Silent Auction at Orlando Shuffle
- Hired Executive Director to operate the Downtown South Main Street Program and the Downtown South NID
- Held 10 Coffee Clubs for residents and Businesses and moved to new location
- Held 3 Business and Brews
- Participated in National Night Out
- Held 3 Lunch-N-Learns
- Co-Hosted 3rd Annual Cardboard Arts Festival I SODO Shopping Center
- Participated in Main Street Restaurant Week with 7 restaurants
- Put up new Banner Sponsorships
- Began icon project throughout the Downtown South business district and neighborhoods
- Changed membership cycle to calendar year
Events – More than 3,000 attendees
- Coffee Club monthly –monthly, average attendance 28
- Light Up Downtown South – 450
- Downtown South Connect – quarterly, average attendance 20
- 3rd Annual Cardboard Arts Festival – 922
- Downtown South Spring Membership Social – 53
- Lunch-N-Learn – quarterly, average attendance 25
- National Night Out – 800
- Business for Breakfast – quarterly, average attendance 17
- Business and Brews – quarterly, average attendance 31
- Main Street Restaurant Week
- Small Business Saturday – 83
- Breakfast with Santa – 150
- Pedalpalooza – 68
Business Testimonial
“I support Downtown South Main Street because I not only have my business here but also live here. Ii can make an impact in my area just by volunteering to help make my neighborhood better for my family, business and friends. So simple but does take commitment and time which I gladly give to make life easier for all”. – John Cheek, President, Orlando Brewing
About Thornton Park District
Visitors looking to decompress will find relief in the brick-lined streets of Thornton Park, the city’s most stylish district. Just east of Lake Eola, Thornton Park District is home to a colorful commercial district with a European feel to the restaurants and boutiques. More than 50 locally owned specialty shops, services, and dining destinations comprise the Thornton Park District, so whether you’re in the mood to sit outside with a glass of wine, enjoy a leisurely dinner before catching a show, or ready to put on your shopping shoes and spruce up your wardrobe and hairstyle, they have it covered.
- Total Improvements: 2
- Amount Invested: $6,304
- Businesses Opened: 5
- Job Created: 27
- Volunteer Hours: 622
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $14,350
- Private Dollars Invested: $134,622
Accomplishments
- Doubled TPD Business Memberships
- Increased Volunteer Base by 20%
- Hosted Main Street Awards
- TPD Banners
- Increased Foot Traffic to our Businesses during 2nd Thursday by 20%
- Created 5 new Events, 12 bars of Christmas, Santacon, St Patrick’s Day Party, Putt & Crawl & 1st Friday
- Donated $2000 to Howard Middle School Students in Need for Christmas
- Partnered with the Richard Ulmer Fund in bringing 11 Families in need Christmas Eve Dinner, decorated Christmas Trees, and gifts for all of the children
- Downtown Orlando Partnership Awards Brick Awards for: One Less Car One More Park, Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk, 2nd Annual Halloween Block Party
Events – More than 19,800 attendees
- October Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- November Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- December Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- January Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- February Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- March Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- April Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- May Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- June Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- July Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- August Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- September Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine Walk
- Main Street Awards
- Putt & Crawl
- TPD Mixer- May
- TPD Mixer- Sept
- Halloween Block Party
- Patrick’s Day Party
- 12 Bars of Christmas
- Santacon
- 1st Friday
- One Less Car One More Park
Business Testimonial
“Since becoming a Main Street District, Thornton Park has a renewed energy throughout the district and heightened interest from visitors, residents and business owners. Thornton Park District stakeholders are working together like never before to promote Thornton Park as a world-class destination for food, entertainment, atmosphere and fun.” -Wendy Conner Owner of True Marketing, The Abbey & The Mezz