More minority contracts awarded for Events Center

The Orlando Magic released information on Monday about minority participation in the construction of the Orlando Events Center. The city has outlined a blueprint for construction where 24 percent of all contracts would be awarded be to minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

To date, the city reports almost 35 percent minority contracts have been issued to several companies, including some in neighboring Parramore, equaling around $78 million.

More than 120 minority and women firms are under contract (46 African-American owned, 28 Hispanic- American owned, 17 Asian-American owned, 37 women-owned). Since February 13, twenty-five workers have been hired via the City workforce program.

Construction is on schedule for the facilty, which will ultimately house the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Predators. It also will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows.

The 188-foot entry structure will be clad in a translucent stainless steel mesh skin illuminated by more than 200 LED lights. A prominent feature, known as the beacon, is grounded in the first-floor retail space and penetrate upward through an outdoor terrace and terminates at a sky bar overlooking downtown Orlando.

The Orlando Events Center is scheduled for a 2010 opening.