OMPB Examines Future of Fashion Square Mall
Local News Staff 
For years the property has suffered from a lack of economic opportunites and blight, but the future of the decrepit Fashion Square Mall near Balwin Park now rests in the hands of the Orlando Municipal Planning Board. Plans were recently submitted to turn the mall into an outdoor town center like Winter Park Village.
"We finally have somebody who has a solid plan and money behind it," Commissioner Robert Stuart said in a recent interview. The plans call for 2400 apartments (seen above in yellow) and a 120 room hotel. Current loss-prone tenants such as JC Penney and Dillards will be eliminated although Macy's will remain.
The idea is being promoted by Orlando YIMBY, a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting mixed use properties. Attorneys for Bancorp and Baker Barrios architects applied to redevelop the property which will occur in three stages.
The Orlando Municipal Planning Board will be releasing more information on the project in the coming weeks and months on their webpage.
