Skyplex

Skyplex is a planned entertainment complex owned by Wallack Holdings LLC.[1] It would be located on a 14-acre (5.7 ha) lot at the northeast corner of Sand Lake Road and International Drive in Orlando, Florida. The complex would include a 570-foot (170 m) tower, which would feature the world's tallest roller coaster, Skyscraper, and the world's largest Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. As of January 2019, it was expected to cost US$250,000,000, take up a portion of a 14-acre (57,000 m2) site, and include space for a future hotel.[2][3][4][5][6] However, no updates and process has been made as of 2020.

Skyplex
Concept art of the Skyplex complex
Location within Florida
General information
TypeEntertainment complex
LocationNortheast corner of Sand Lake Road & International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819
Coordinates28.450169°N 81.470658°W / 28.450169; -81.470658
OpeningUnknown
CostUS$250 million
OwnerMango's Tropical Cafe
Technical details
Size<14 acres (5.7 ha)
Floor area1,500,000 sq ft (140,000 m2)
Design and construction
Architecture firmHelman Hurley Charvat Peacock / Architects Inc.
Main contractorWinter Park Construction Company
Other information
Parking2,400-car parking

History

Development began in 2012. After several successful negotiations for land to build the attraction, made under the name WF IDrive Realty, development of both the roller coaster and Skyplex began.[7][8] In May 2014, a website asking for investors to invest in the project was formed.[5][9][10]

Wallack Holdings LLC also developed a US$50,000,000 Mango's Tropical Cafe, retail complex, and parking garage on the southwest corner of the intersection Skyplex will be located on.[3]

The complex was designed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock / Architects Inc. Winter Park Construction Company has been chosen as the general contractor. Euforria LLC will provide the pre-construction and construction management services.[3]

On December 1, 2015, the Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project's rezoning.[11] The project faced lobbying against it by Save Our Orange County Community, a group backed primarily by Universal Orlando. Universal's main issue with the project was that the Skyscraper might ruin the sight lines from their parks, specifically from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the fact that Universal was not permitted to build anything over 200 feet (61 m).[12][13][14]

As of April 2017, portions of the roller coaster's track had been completed by Intamin and were in storage, but the start of construction in Orlando was on hold pending the approval of permits.[15]

In January 2019, it was announced that the project had been scaled back to US$250,000,000 and will only take up a portion of the 14-acre (57,000 m2) site, but that the size of the tower would be unchanged. However, the 2020 opening would not happen due to the company losing capital and investors do not believe that Wallack is fit to run the company.[2] Allegedly, investors have decided to step out of the project and even soured on it as well. As of 2020, no construction updates have been provided.

Attractions

Skyplex would feature Skyscraper, which when it opens would be the world's tallest roller coaster at over 500 feet (150 m). Development of Skyscraper began in 2012 after the Polercoaster concept from US Thrill Rides was selected as an attraction for the new complex.[7] Skyscraper was officially announced on June 5, 2014.[4][8] In February 2015, it was announced that a drop thrill ride called SkyFall would be incorporated into the design of Skyscraper.[6]

An adult game room would feature party rooms, a central bar, billiards, video games, and simulators. The family game area would feature traditional games, electronic games, and simulators. There would be a 1,000 feet (300 m) high speed competitive go-cart track, and a 250 feet (76 m) track designed for all ages.[5]

The Apex Sports Bar would include private party rooms, VIP seating, a Tequila bar, and large screen theatre style viewing of sports programs.[5]

The Skyplex Observation Deck would be 535 feet (163 m) high, and be accessible via what will be Florida's tallest glass elevator.[5]

There would be an open-air retail area promenade, SkyPlaza, with a raised pedestrian walking leading to the main entrance. SkyPlaza would be anchored by a 10,000 square feet (930 m2) Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, which would‘ve been the largest in the world. The promenade would include several other retail and restaurant tenants.[6][16]

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References
  1. "World's tallest roller coaster coming to Orlando". WOFL. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  2. Pepperman, Kelly (January 10, 2019). "International Drive developer talks new coaster, more parking". Click Orlando. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  3. Fluker, Anjali (June 25, 2014). "See who's been tapped to build Skyplex on I-Drive - Orlando Business Journal". Orlando Business Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  4. Bevil, Dewayne (June 5, 2014). "World's tallest roller coaster planned for Orlando's I-Drive". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  5. "Skyscraper Skyplex". American Immigration Group LLC. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  6. Bevil, Dewayne (March 4, 2015). "Giant Perkins added to Skyplex lineup". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  7. "World's Tallest Rollercoaster and Entertainment Complex "The Skyscraper™ at SKYPLEX™" To Electrify Orlando Skyline in 2016". Mango's Tropical Cafe. June 5, 2014. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  8. Dennis, Andrea (June 5, 2014). "World's tallest roller coaster 'Skyscraper' officially coming to I-Drive, will open in 2016". WESH. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  9. Fais, Scott (June 5, 2014). "Is this 500-foot-tall roller coaster coming to I-Drive?". News 13. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  10. Fox, Greg (May 31, 2014). "Polercoaster coming to Central Florida, sources say". WESH. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  11. Dineen, Caitlin. "Orange County Commission approves Skyplex Orlando". orlandosentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  12. Pedicini, Sandra. "Universal, citizens float anti-Skyplex mailers". OrlandoSentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  13. Pedicini, Sandra. "Skyplex battle puts Orlando-Universal relationship in spotlight". OrlandoSentinel.com. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  14. Cordeiro, Monivette. "Universal Studios and 'concerned citizens' send out anti-Skyplex mailers". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
  15. Bilbao, Richard (April 17, 2017). "Joshua Wallack: Vertical construction on Hollywood Plaza will begin this week". Orlando Business Journal. American City Business Journals. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  16. Fluker, Anjali (March 4, 2015). "I-Drive's $300M Skyplex to include open-air retail promenade - Orlando Business Journal". Orlando Business Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
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