The design/build contract for the new City of Orlando Tennis Center at the Packing District has been awarded to Borrelli and Partners (Website), according to the company’s Principal, Jorge A. Borrelli.
We’ve covered two past projects of Borrelli and Partners which include the expansion for Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and the revamp of the Grand Avenue Community Center.
The build partner for the project is H.J. High (Website) who have been responsible for projects like the Gatorland Stompin’ Gator Attraction, the OPD Equestrian Facility, the Dr. Phillips YMCA, and the new OPD Headquarters.
The City’s RFQ was seeking a vendor that could prepare the site, and construct a brand new Orlando Tennis Centre that will feature an expected 16 lighted tennis courts (five hard courts and 11 clay courts), a 4-5,000 SF professional building with lockers and meeting space, a maintenance building, and all utility connections, maintenance systems, and more.
The new Tennis Shop Pro Building will be LEED-certified and have a wraparound viewing porch/deck on at least three sides of the building for maximum tennis court-viewing pleasure.
The total budget for the design/build project is an estimated $5,500,000.
This entire area is the location of the headwaters of the Little Wekiva River which feeds into the Wekiva River and onward. Tennis courts, seating, parking will starve the water system. Shouldn’t we be protecting this area and the waters? A more natural plan for this park would be beneficial to people and nature.
Without clean water we die. Much is being done to protect the Wekiva. What good will that be if a major source is contaminated and reduced?
There are other places for tennis courts and parking lots.
I can’t tell if the new Tennis Center has viewing stands for any of the courts. I suggest that is made a part of the project as it would support working in concert with the Lake Nona USTA facility to attract large professional tournaments (by adding additional courts for early round tournament play) Also, viewing is a security feature for a large facility like this.