Orlando's Downtown Development Board Kicks off 50th Anniversary

Today, the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board (DDB) kicked off their 50th anniversary with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners at an event to reveal downtown Orlando's newest, larger-than-life art sculpture.   

The sculpture creates another iconic point of interest for residents and visitors alike to the area. The installation was designed to specifically celebrate downtown and serve as a “selfie-inducing” moment to share on social media – generating excitement to visit the sculpture as well as further promoting downtown as a destination.  

“Over the past fifty years, we have seen downtown Orlando’s growth become a national model in showcasing how municipalities, community partners, and business leaders can execute a shared vision for a 21st century city,” said Mayor Dyer. “I look forward to seeing the area continue to grow, offering world class city amenities that further supporting our economy.”   

At the event today, in addition to the sculpture reveal, the DDB shared that there will be an art exhibit, Elevating DTO – 50 Years and Rising: Through the Eyes of Local Artists, at CityArts beginning July 15 to coincide with the Downtown Arts District’s monthly Third Thursday event. A call for artists for this exhibit is now open and interested artists can submit here through July 7. This exhibition will feature original drawings, paintings and sculpture of downtown locations, landmarks and milestones over the past 50 years. Artists are encouraged to think of places that are recognizable and to share historic memories. 

Also, as part of the anniversary celebration, an exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center will be installed later this summer that focuses on the phases of growth, collaboration, innovation, and changing landscape of downtown Orlando over the past 50 years.  

The public will have another opportunity to learn more about downtown Orlando’s past, present, and future at a future What’s Up Downtown event. Registration is expected to open on downtownorlando.com one month prior to the event date.  

“On behalf of the DDB, we are proud to be here today to celebrate serving the downtown community for fifty years,” said Thomas C. Chatmon, Jr., Executive Director of the DDB. “I am looking forward to the exciting plans we have for this community celebration and the role the DDB will continue to play in strengthening the downtown economy in the years ahead.”  

Created by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature in 1971, the DDB serves to strengthen the role of downtown Orlando as the economic, governmental, and cultural center of Central Florida. To learn more about downtown Orlando and the Downtown Development Board, visit downtownorlando.com.  

Images from today’s event can be found here.