Universal Orlando Resort continues to expand its geographic footmark across Orange County. An article in the Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) disclosed Universal’s purchase of 62 acres near the Orange County Convention Center. The location is near the location of Universal’s next major theme park, Epic Universe.
According to Orange County records, show the theme park’s related Universal City Development Partners Ltd. paid $4 million to A-R HHC Orlando New Parcel Owner LLC in a transaction that closed May 15. The seller is a subsidiary of Houston-based RIDA Development Corp., which owns the nearby Hilton Orlando.
The deed, which posted May 16, shows Universal Orlando bought two parcels on the south side of Destination Parkway and north of the SR-528 Beachline Expressway, formerly known as “The Bee Line.”
“The larger of the two parcels is a 56-acre property currently used for retention ponds and wetlands,” Orlando Business Journal reported. “The smaller, six-acre parcel has commercial zoning and is adjacent to seven acres already owned by Universal that have been identified as the proposed site of the convention center-area SunRail station.”
Universal has already committed to donating 13 acres for the potential station, which, according to Orlando Business Journal, would be part of the Sunshine Corridor project that would connect Sunrail’s existing route with rail that would take the train to Orlando International Airport, International Drive, Orange County Convention Center and possibly Disney Springs.
The Florida Department of Transportation-led study estimates the Sunshine State Corridor project could cost between $3.54 billion to $4.78 billion.
