2020 Main Street Annual Reports

1. Overview

Main Streets are our ten 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 $1.26 billion. Two of our Main Streets are anchored by Florida Hospital and Orlando Health which accounted for more than $804 million of that investment. Our Main Streets have garnered national attention with features in the Boston GlobeNew York TimesSan Francisco ChronicleNew Yorker, Thrillist and Wine Enthusiast.

2020 Totals for all Orlando Main Streets Districts

  • Total Improvements: 240
  • Amount Invested: $108,887,082.21
  • Businesses Opened: 112
  • Jobs Created: 833
  • Volunteer Hours: 9,664
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $275,810.56
  • Private Dollars Invested: $1,500,600.53

2. Audubon Park Garden District - 2020 Annual Report

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: 0
  • Amount Invested: $0
  • Businesses Opened: 0
  • Jobs Created: 0
  • Volunteer Hours: 533
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $15,211.82
  • Private Dollars Invested: $107,946.83
  • Accomplishments
    • Kept all businesses up-to-date with all information related to COVID-19, including CDC and Johns Hopkins recommended safety guidelines for businesses and consumers, grant and loan opportunities, HR practices related to employee health, safety and privacy laws, business liability protocols, seminars and webinars related to COVID-19 and small business, economic stimulus updates, as well as lobbying efforts and more
    • Planted pollinator pathway with native plants along Corrine Drive that is being maintained by a Master Gardener from the Audubon Park neighborhood
    • Completed three murals throughout the district, including one of Florida Scrub Jays, one of a Burrowing Owl and one of the Redheaded Cockade Woodpecker
  • Events – 6,760 attendees
    • Zombietoberfest and the Night Market, October 2019 - approximately 4,800 attendees
    • Shop Small Saturday 2019 – approximately 200 shoppers 
    • Holiday Lights Bike Ride, December 2019 – approximately 260 riders
    • Grandma Party and Pop Swap December 2019 - approximately 1,500 people

 “We really appreciate having Jennifer and the Main Street program here during COVID. She’s been a lifeline for our business and don’t know what we’d do without the program.” – Anda of R. Nichols.

 

3. College Park - 2020 Annual Report

About College Park Main Street

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: 16
  • Amount Invested: $18,235,050
  • Businesses Opened: 8
  • Jobs Created: 50
  • Volunteer Hours: 1,231
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $35,132.74
  • Private Dollars Invested: $265,084.65
  • Accomplishments
    •  Successful launch of new College Park Main Street website
    • Successful launch of GrowthZone (Member Relations Management (MRM) system)
    • Held three events in College Park – JazzFest, Holiday on the Drive and Nip & Tuck
    • Collaborated with other Main Street executive directors to build and participate a successful localorlando.info website
    • Cleaned up entire membership list and accounts receivable
    • Attended several Zoom trainings and meeting to stay updated with COVID-19 and how to move forward 
  • Events – approximately 9,545 attendees
    • JazzFest - approximately 8,000 attendees
    • Holiday on the Drive - approximately 1,500 attendees
    • Nip & Tuck - 45 participants

“College park Main Street has been such a tremendous help for us as we are a new Indian restaurant on the street. All the members are so supporting and helpful. Their events they plan to support local business and to bring the community together are amazing. I am very proud of being a part of this community.”  - Sheetal Thakur, El Vic’s Kitchen   

 

4. City District - 2020 Annual Report

About City District

City District, formerly known as Church Street District, has been over a decade in the making. Conceived during the Great Recession of the early 2010’s, the City District is comprised of business owners working together to strengthen economic development in Downtown Orlando. With support from local merchants, the City District has continued to grow by becoming a member of Main Street America.

The City District is a nationally accredited Orlando Main Streets not-for-profit 501(C)(6) organization that promotes and advocates for the stakeholders and businesses within the historic downtown corridor and Parramore community. The District seeks to serve as a policy influencer and a vehicle for business and community enhancement, while ensuring economic stability through event
programming, design, marketing and promotion.

  • Total Improvements: 98
  • Amount Invested: $70,832,426
  • Businesses Opened: 51
  • Jobs Created: 602
  • Volunteer Hours: 931
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $26,556.47
  • Private Dollars Invested: $210,912.96
  • Accomplishments
    • Expansion of the district from Church Street to include Parramore, Creative Village, a portion of Orange Blossom Trail and a greater part of the Central Business District
    • Expansion of the Board of Directors from 14 to 21 members
    • Expanded 2019 holiday programming to include 30 days of festive holiday décor, a tree lighting, laser projections, artificial snow, horse-drawn carriages and live entertainment
    • Created and filled a new full-time Associate Executive Director
    • Completed and launched rebrand of Church Street District to City District in July 2020
    • Established three new working committees for the Parramore expansion
    • Create and hosted the district’s first CDC compliant drive-in movie event, Cinema in the Sky
    • Launched a new website, social media handles and newsletter
    • Established new working committees to represent businesses located in the Central Business District
  • Events – approximately 12,080 attendees
    • Halloween Block Party – approximately 800 attendees
    • Thanksgiving Block Party – approximately 800 attendees
    • 30 Days of Christmas - approximately 5,700 attendees
    • Pro Bowl Block Party – approximately 1,500 attendees
    • New Year’s Eve Block Party – approximately 1,000 attendees
    • Pro Bowl Block Party – approximately 1,500 attendees
    • Orlando City Soccer Season Opener Block Party – approximately 500 attendees
    • Cinema in the Sky – approximately 180 attendees
    • Wheels n’ Reels – approximately 100 attendees
  • "It’s amazing to see how dedicated and committed City District is to the Parramore community. In my opinion, they have been the life line to many of the businesses here in Parramore, providing resources and making sure our voices are being heard. The most magical part of all, they have brought many of the businesses together and created a working relationship between us all. I’m thankful for the team over at City District." -Tim Green, Owner of 534 Scratch Kitchen
  • "We are now in the dawn of a new day as Church Street District launches as a reimagined City District! This represents the district’s importance to the overall growth of the downtown core! Many great things to come that will benefit us all." -Justin Williams, General Manager of Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

 

5. Curry Ford West - 2020 Annual Report

About Curry Ford West

Curry Ford West is one of the most rapidly transforming areas in the city. What had become a pass-through for commuters is being revitalized by passionate business owners and championed by a new generation of residents eager to build community and see local culture thrive.

Visitors to Curry Ford West will enjoy a vast collection of craft beer, both locally brewed and from all over the world. They’ll also get to select from diverse dining options including Greek, Lebanese, Mexican, Cuban, Irish, Italian, and arguably the best local pizza in Orlando – demanding a return visit to try a new favorite next time.

Other businesses and services include one of Orlando’s longest running fresh produce markets, personal training and yoga studios, craft coffee shops and a variety of hair and nail salons perfect for a pampering day. 

  • Total Improvements: 27
  • Amount Invested: $474,263
  • Businesses Opened: 8
  • Jobs Created: 16
  • Volunteer Hours: 2,624
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $74,888.96
  • Private Dollars Invested: $102,746.81
  • Accomplishments
    •  Did not have a single business permanently close due to COVID-19
    • Helped more than 25 businesses receive Orange County Cares Grant which brought more than $250,000 to the Curry Ford West Market Street
    • Assisted businesses throughout the turbulence of COVID-19 and acted as a resource and mentor when applying for PPP and EIDL funding
    • Created a promotional campaign for businesses called “We’re Open,” where we sent direct mail to over 2,500 households in the neighborhood and provided more than 40 yard signs to member businesses
    • Curry Ford West was awarded its first national grant through AARP
    • Hosted a total of 15 events this year, which is an increase over last year
    • Curry Ford West built a pop-up park that had thousands of participants throughout the three-week installation
    • Curry Ford West helped create “Adopt-a-Spot,” a program that has since been adopted by Keep Orlando Beautiful
    • Increased social media followers by more than 70%
    • Curry Ford West was approved to install banners
    • Curry Ford West was approved to paint two utility boxes
    • In the process of installing art racks at four local businesses
    • Assisted 10 businesses by writing letters of recommendation for Heartbeat of Main Grant
    • Worked with UCF and Full Sail to increase more professional volunteer efforts
  • Events – approximately 2,375 attendees
    •  Trunk or Treat 2019 - 250 attendees
    • Italian House Happy Hour - 20 attendees
    • Curry Ford West Holiday Fest - 800 attendees
    • Small Business Saturday 2019 - 50 attendees
    • Work Out Party with Camp Gladiator - 35 attendees
    • Main Street Clean Up - 250 attendees
    • Dine Around the District - 500 attendees
    • Future of the Ford - 20 attendees
    • Virtual Small Business Coffee Talks - 20 attendees
    • Blood Drive - 40 attendees
    • Drive in Movie with Enzian and Bungalower - 150 attendees
    • Father’s Day Drive in Game Night - 90 attendees
    • Sip & Savor 2020 – city-wide
    • Pop Up Park Build and Paint Day 1 – 100 attendees
    • Pop Up Park Paint Day 2 - 50 attendees

“Thanks for all information happening at Curry Ford West. We appreciate all the support.” - Transcendental

 

6. Gateway Orlando - 2020 Annual Report

About 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 joined the Orlando Main Street program as the city’s first Market Street District.

  • Total Improvements: 19
  • Amount Invested: $492,780
  • Businesses Opened: 25
  • Jobs Created: 99
  • Volunteer Hours: 789
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $22,518.06
  • Private Dollars Invested: $57,065.83
  • Accomplishments
    •  Hosted 9th annual Community Trunk O Treat event at Keiser University
    • Hosted 2nd annual Wine & Jazz event at Gateway Village
    • Grew membership by adding 17 new members to the organization
    • Distributed 1,000 masks to local corridor businesses
    • Informed members and sponsors of COVID-19 information on PPP grants and city and county guidelines
    • Promoted local restaurant “take out” and “curbside delivery “offers on social media to help them financially survive the pandemic shutdown
    • Board members stepped up to fill the executive director role to keep Gateway vital in the community
    • Successfully relocated the Gateway office in the middle of the pandemic
    • Transitioned from in-person networking meetings to ZOOM meetings, offering ZOOM 101 Training and Instagram basics to members, as well as other informative programs online
    • Worked virtually with Commissioner Ortiz on his leadership council 
    • Broadcasted one episode of Conversations on the Corridor on social media
    • Worked to update list of corridor businesses with support of Main Street staff
    • Established planning committee for new Gateway Women Who Lead
    • Created template for Gateway Ambassador committee to implement in 2021
  • Events – approximately 668 attendees
    •  Trunk O Treat – approximately 517 attendees
    • Jazz & Wine – approximately 143 attendees
    • Mask distribution – 8 Volunteers

 

7. Ivanhoe Village - 2020 Annual Report

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: 18
  • Amount Invested: $4,674,570.20
  • Businesses Opened: 11
  • Jobs Created: 43
  • Volunteer Hours: 650
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $18,536.73
  • Private Dollars Invested: $118,564.71
  • Accomplishments
    • Printed and installed Ivanhoe Village branded banners on light poles
    • Printed Ivanhoe Village holiday banners
    • Purchased and distributed PPE to Ivanhoe Village businesses
    • Held inaugural Let’s Have a Ball, including a silent auction
    • Completed Ivanhoe Village mural on Orange Avenue at New Hampshire Street
    • Steak Cook Off held in conjunction with Gentry’s
    • Held inaugural Self Care January, 31 days of self-care activities in conjunction with businesses and medical offices
    • Created Ivanhoe Village totes and key chains for sale to the public
    • Completed art box at N. Orange Avenue and Princeton Street
    • Mural went up at GB’s Bottle Shop and The East Tattoo
    • Held historic bike tours in March and September
    • Held Golden Pineapple Scavenger Hunt to increase visibility of businesses in Ivanhoe Village
    • Co-produced monthly Talking on Main about Orlando Main Street programs
    • Assisted businesses applying for county grants due to COVID-19
    • Assisted businesses applying for Main Street grants due to COVID-19
    • Assisting as a consultant to other organizations with activities in Ivanhoe Village or Gaston Edwards Park
    • Boundaries of Ivanhoe Village were enlarged to include Alden Road, Lake Highland Park and Senator Beth Johnson Park and CREDO Conduit
    • Assisted with Florida Main Street Conference 2019
  • Events – approximately 5,606 attendees
    •  Let’s Have a Ball – approximately 115 attendees
    • Morning Creative Coffee – 8 attendees
    • Business After Hours, Miscellaneous Market – 12 attendees
    • Steak Cook Off – approximately 80 attendees
    • Jingle Eve – approximately 4,500 attendees
    • Morning Creative Coffee – 6 attendees
    • Business After Hours, Mennello Museum – 15 attendees
    • Self Care January – approximately 100 attendees
    • Small Business Saturday – approximately 200 attendees
    • Virginia Drive Live – 200 attendees
    • Historic Bike Tour – 20 attendees
    • Orlando Health Webinar – online
    • Speaking on Main – Milk District – online
    • Speaking on Main – Curry Ford West – online
    • Speaking on Main – Ivanhoe Village – online
    • Speaking on Main – College Park – online
    • Speaking on Main – Thornton Park – online
    • Virginia Drive Live – 300 attendees
    • Golden Pineapple Scavenger Hunt – approximately 50 attendees

“Ivanhoe Village Main Street takes particular attention to the well-being of the businesses and residents through excellent communication and is always ready to help when needed. Through 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivanhoe Village Main Street did an excellent job of communicating rapidly changing closures, stay-at-home orders right from the very start in early February. The Orlando Main Streets program started in 2008 and assisted with pulling Orlando out of the recession. We have seen these programs work and keep districts vital. This program works and we’ve even businesses move in and open during 2020. Factur has seen renewed interest in our maker space and we attribute this to the community building that Ivanhoe Village Main Street has worked toward.” Jacqui Cantu, Factur

 

8. Mills 50 District - 2020 Annual Report

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: 15
  • Amount Invested: $165,325
  • Businesses Opened: 0
  • Jobs Created: 0
  • Volunteer Hours: 756
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $21,576.24
  • Private Dollars Invested: $92,201.93
  • Accomplishments
    • Received National Main Street Accreditation for the ninth year in a row
    • Produced a 2020 calendar featuring murals in Mills 50
    • Co-sponsored and produced the annual Dragon Parade/Lunar New Year Festival, attended by more than 8,500 people
    • Sponsored the Mills 50 Historic Homes Tour, featuring five (5) homes in Colonialtown North
    • Encouraged businesses to participate in Small Business Saturday and produced a social media marketing campaign
    • Hosted 4th annual “Love Fest,” a free event celebrating all things love – love of the earth, love of music, love of art, etc
    • Hosted five pub crawls: “Chills 50” Pub Crawl & Costume Contest; the annual Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl; the annual St Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl; a Dog Day Afternoon Pup Crawl & the Pup Crawl & Costume Contest
    • Sponsored the fourth annual “Mills 50 Artist Series” art wine bottle reception and fundraiser, featuring wine bottles painted by more than 40 local artists
    • Organized the annual “GreenUp” for volunteers to trim, mulch and fertilize the eight (8) Chinese Fan palm trees along Mills Avenue
    • In response to COVID-19, we conducted the Mills 50 District Dollars campaign. Residents purchased $10 certificates for $5 and were encouraged to spend them in over thirty participating Mills 50 businesses. Mills 50 reimbursed the businesses for the full value of the certificates
    • Co-sponsored “Virginia Drive Live” in February and September, with Ivanhoe Village Main Street
    • Joined other Main Streets in “Sip & Savor Weeks”, which encouraged residents to take advantage of specials in participating restaurants
    • Voted “Favorite Local shopping/entertainment district” in the 2020 Watermark WAVE awards
  • Events – approximately 10,290 attendees
    •  Dragon Parade/Lunar New Year Festival – approximately 8,000 attendees
    • Historic Homes Tour – 80 attendees
    • St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl – approximately 200 attendees
    • Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl – approximately 400 attendees
    • “Chills 50” Pub Crawl & Costume Contest – approximately 250 attendees
    • GreenUp – 20 volunteers
    • Pride Wrap – Colonialtown Square Park – 50 attendees
    • Mills 50 Artist Series – approximately 120 attendees
    • Love Fest – approximately 400 attendees
    • Dog Day Afternoon Pup Crawl – approximately 150 attendees and their dogs
    • Pup Crawl & Costume Contest – approximately 100 attendees and their dogs
    • Virginia Drive Live – February – approximately 220 attendees
    • Virginia Drive Live – September – approximately 300 attendees

  “When it was time to relocate our business in 2017, we set our sights on Mills 50 because we knew the area to be home to a thriving, diverse, and creative community that emphasized growth and development without homogenization. What we did not realize, but were thrilled to learn, is that Mills 50 is everything one wants a community to be – supportive, inclusive, and dedicated to betterment of all.”  -Davey Jay, Esq. – Meehle & Jay PA

 

9. SoDo District - 2020 Annual Report

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: 13
  • Amount Invested: $11,822,217
  • Businesses Opened: 4
  • Jobs Created: 26
  • Volunteer Hours: 944
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $26,941.76
  • Private Dollars Invested: $81,422.99
  • Accomplishments
    •  Assisted business members on opportunities to attain PPP funding
    • Purchased and installed new pole banners
    • Attained new business members despite the COVID-19 pandemic: USS Storage, Nomad Bakehouse, SoDo Vet, Guerilla marketing
    • Our business member Delaney's, SoDo were featured in a video produced by Orange County Government to highlight how they were using safety measures during the pandemic - wearing masks, seating six feet apart, paper menus - that was shown throughout the state of Florida
    • Launched Yard Sign Marketing campaign “Orange You Glad You Live in SoDo!” and “Sodo Businesses are the Zest!”
    • Delivered thousands of masks to all businesses who needed them or requested them
  • Events – approximately 175 attendees
    •  SoDo Live – 50 attendees
    • SoDo Pop Up Dinner to-go - 40 attendees
    • SoDo Pop Up Dinner - 20 attendees
    • March Coffee Club – 50 attendees
    • August Coffee Club - 15 attendees

“From the beginning, our business membership to the SoDo District proved to be a smart investment. Under Linnette's leadership, the SoDo District helped spread the word about our opening, amplified our reach on social media, hosted Board luncheons and included in special events and promotions. Even during these unprecedented times, the SoDo District is doing everything they can to help their Main Street members. Whether it's sharing resources or brainstorming new ideas, they are invaluable partner to a small business like Hungry Pants.” -Joey Conicella, Managing Partner, Hungry Pants

 

10. The Milk District - 2020 Annual Report

About The Milk District

The Milk District is a cultural hub with a progressive lifestyle, music and arts scene, featuring diverse culinary experiences, colorful murals, recreational sporting and music venues, unique shopping destinations, community gardens, award winning bars, coffee shops and more.

No matter who you are, The Milk District has something for you!

  • Total Improvements: 23
  • Amount Invested: $1,554,331.08
  • Businesses Opened: 4
  • Jobs Created: 26
  • Volunteer Hours: 832
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $23,745.28
  • Private Dollars Invested: $160,666.03
  • Accomplishments
    • Recruited new business and residential members
    • Installed new, artistic bike racks
    • Launched Milk Money – Discount program to drive business through COVID shutdowns - 1850 certificates sold with 35 participating businesses, more than $40,000 in directly related economic activity
    • Toolkit downloaded 63 times – mostly in US, but also in Canada and South Africa
    • Recognized by National Main Street and Minnesota Extension Office
    • AmEx Future of Shopping Small grant awarded to Etoile Boutique
    • Launched Localorlando.info site
    • Created new available properties database on website
    • Ever-increasing social media presence
    • Adopted new Bylaws and Policies and Procedures
    • Added new board members 
  • Events – approximately 9,320 attendees
    •  Milky Way – approximately 50 attendees
    • Holy Tacomole – approximately 3,100 attendees
    • Krampusfest – approximately 2,500 attendees
    • October Milk Mart – approximately 400 attendees
    • November Milk Mart – approximately 550 attendees
    • December Milk Mart – approximately 400 attendees
    • Rockin’ Robinson – approximately 2,300 attendees
    • Social Media Training 1 – 5 participants
    • Social Media Training 2 – 9 participants
    • Social Media Training 3 – 6 participants

“The Milk District has really rallied for us. I couldn’t be more happy or prouder of my district.” – Pom Moongauklang, Owner of Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria

 

11. Thornton Park District - 2020 Annual Report

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: 11
  • Amount Invested: $636,120
  • Businesses Opened: 4
  • Jobs Created: 0
  • Volunteer Hours: 375
  • Value of Volunteer Hours: $10,702.50
  • Private Dollars Invested: $303,987.79
  • Accomplishments
    •  Awarded Orlando’s Favorite Reoccurring Art event award for the Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk for the seventh year in a row
    • Installation of the Augmented Reality outdoor art experience at Lake Eola Park
    • Worked closely with businesses in securing grants and loans that were available due to COVID-19
    • Passed out 10,000 pieces of PPE to businesses and residents in the Thornton Park District
    • Worked on securing the Osceola Circle located in the TPD district as a safe environment that follows CDC guidelines for outside dining while also creating a cash flow for the businesses during hardships due to COVID-19
    • Worked closely with city staff on parklets for the businesses located on Washington Street between Summerlin Avenue and Hyer Avenue  
  • Events
    • TPD Hullabaloo 2020 at Lake Eola Park
    • TPD 6th Annual Putt N’ Pour
    • SantaCon 2019 

“2020 was the hardest year in my 25 years in the hospitality industry. Needing to adjust and find new ways to keep my staff working and my business open was a challenge. Working with the director Lisa Cuatt within the Main Street program was a lifesaver. We were able to secure safe and distanced outdoor area to use that keep some cash flowing for my staff and I, without putting our customers or my staff in danger. I do not know what I would have done without the Main Street program help during these difficult times.” -Todd Ulmer, Aku Aku & Stardust Lounge