Orlando: Historic Tower Lease Deadline Arrives
Developers had until 4 p.m. Tuesday to submit proposals for the 10-story building at 1 North Orange Avenue.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
The clock struck 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, marking the final deadline for developers to pitch their plans for the 10-story historic commercial building at 1 North Orange Avenue. The City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) opened the process to find a partner for the structure’s redevelopment and adaptive reuse. The city intends to lease the property to the selected developer under a triple net lease arrangement.
The solicitation process began with a public invitation for qualified developers to submit proposals. Interested parties could gather the required One North Redevelopment Solicitation Document online at orlando.gov or by contacting the city’s Real Estate Management Division. The division, located on the seventh floor of 400 South Orange Avenue, handled inquiries through Tonie McNealy. Developers could also reach the office by phone at 407.246.2655 or via email.
Submissions followed strict formatting rules. Each proposer had to deliver two hard copies or a single digital copy saved on a flash drive or sent as an email file. All materials were due to the Real Estate Management Division no later than the 4 p.m. cutoff. The process required adherence to the specific instructions laid out in the solicitation document.
The legal framework governing the deal is rooted in Florida state law. Under section 163.380(1) of the Florida Statutes, the property disposition must include restrictions and covenants. These conditions are designed to prevent blight and align with the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Plan. Successful proposers and their successors must use the land only for the purposes specified in the Plan. They may also face obligations to begin construction within a reasonable timeframe.
The lease terms include specific controls over the property. Section 163.380(2) allows the CRA to prohibit the developer from assigning or transferring the lease without prior written consent. This restriction remains in effect until the developer completes the required construction. The CRA retains the authority to waive minor irregularities and to reject any or all proposals. The agency will choose the offer it deems most beneficial to the public interest.
The building at 1 North Orange Avenue stands as a historic commercial structure in the heart of downtown. The city’s goal is to transform it into a mixed-use development. The solicitation process has now concluded its submission phase. The Real Estate Management Division is positioned to review the incoming proposals. The next step involves the city’s evaluation of the submitted plans against the criteria established in the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Plan.
