Downtown Disney is undergoing a multi-year transformation, representing the largest expansion in its history. The renamed Disney Springs will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, and feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.
This will be the first time that the shopping and entertainment complex will feature a single theme and storyline. The theme celebrates Florida’s unique waterfront communities that have sprung up around its springs and lakes. Walt Disney’s parents met and married in a small central Florida town: Kismet, FL. This project expands upon the architectural themes of small central Florida towns around the turn of the century.
Construction of one of the complex’s future parking garages is underway. The company handling that project is the local office of Redwood City, Calif.-based DPR Construction. (source OBJ)
Disney Springs will open in phases and is set to be complete in 2016, doubling the size of shops from 75 to more than 150, helping feed Orlando’s $50 billion tourism industry.
Here is a link to the thedailycity.com, that I just stumbled upon, which has more pictures and information, including a video of the press conference with Tom Staggs, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts from March of 2013. It features the digital projection model that is well worth the 12 minute run time, to get a sense of the Disney philosophy and concept.