If you’ve taken a walk through Downtown Orlando recently, you might have noticed a tale of two different construction trajectories. While the cranes are high in some sectors, other long-awaited projects are currently navigating a slower path to the finish line.
As of March 2026, we are seeing a clear “split” status between two of the most significant developments in the city’s urban core: Creative Village and Westcourt. Here is exactly where these projects stand and what it means for the future of the City Beautiful.
1. Creative Village: Phase 2 is Officially Vertical
While much of the downtown construction landscape has quieted, Creative Village is the exception. Phase 2 is actively moving forward, representing the only major vertical construction currently happening in the heart of the city.
Two key projects are currently defining the skyline near Luminary Green Park:
Parcel H ($60 Million): Developed by Ustler Development, this 7-story mixed-use building is set to anchor the south end of the park. It’s designed to be a true “live-work-play” hub, featuring 112 apartments and 22,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and office space. Construction is steady, with a 2027 completion date in sight.
The Beacon ($40 Million): Located at the intersection of West Amelia Street and North Parramore Avenue, this 5-story residential project is focused on inclusivity. It will provide 115 mixed-income housing units. If you’re looking for a move-in date, mark your calendars—The Beacon is expected to open its doors in late 2026.
2. Westcourt (Magic Entertainment District): Navigating the Waiting Game
On the other side of the “split” is Westcourt—the ambitious $500 million-plus sports and entertainment district planned for the land adjacent to the Kia Center.
Originally slated to break ground in late 2024 or 2025, the project has faced a shift in its timeline. According to the March 2026 update, vertical construction has been delayed. Here is the context behind the shift:
The Progress Behind the Scenes: While you won’t see crews on-site just yet, the project isn’t dead. Planning remains active, and EB-5 visa funding (via Golden Gate Global) is reportedly in place.
The Hold-Up: Developers JMA Ventures and Machete Group are currently in the final stages of bids and contractor selections. This granular logistical phase has pushed the revised completion target toward late 2027 or 2028.
The Vision Remains: Despite the delay, the scope of Westcourt remains impressive. Once completed, it will feature a 265-room Kimpton hotel, nearly 270 apartments, 300,000 square feet of premium office space, and a highly anticipated 3,500-seat live event venue. For residents and investors, the current “split” status shows a downtown in transition. Creative Village is successfully delivering on its promise of an innovation-led residential district, while Westcourt represents a massive, complex vision that—while delayed—promises to transform the entertainment landscape of Orlando once it finally goes vertical.
What do you think of the new timeline for Westcourt? Is the Kimpton hotel worth the wait, or are you more excited about the immediate growth in Creative Village?