DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
The History Behind Downtown's Jack Kazanzas Christmas Star
You've likely seen the massive star hanging in the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, but do you know the story behind this iconic landmark? The dazzling 600-pound golden star symbolizes the holiday season in downtown Orlando since 1955. Originally hung by two competing department stores, the star's legacy continued when longtime local resident, Jack Kazanzas, spearheaded a campaign to restore it after the stores closed in 1984. The star, adorned with over 4,000 LED lights, continues to captivate visitors and locals alike, casting a festive glow over downtown Orlando. Learn the full history of the Jack Kazanzas Christmas Star from Orange County Regional History Center.

FORDify the Arts Courtyard at CityArts Now Open!
The Downtown Arts District (DAD) recently celebrated the grand opening of the FORDify the Arts Courtyard, a new outdoor venue at the historic Rogers Kiene Building. This space honors the legacy of Church Street Station, particularly its founder Bob Snow, by repurposing materials from the former Church Street Ballroom. The courtyard, once an alleyway, is now a vibrant public space featuring murals, seating, and historic architectural elements. This project, spearheaded by DAD Board Member, Dr. Paul Skomsky, pays tribute to Ford Kiene's vision for the building as a cultural hub, ensuring its continued impact on downtown Orlando's arts scene. Click here to read the full article.

United Arts Invests 2.4 Million in 62 Local Organizations
Last week, United Arts of Central Florida approved the recommendation to award $2.45 million in operating support funds to 62 nonprofit cultural organizations across Central Florida. These unrestricted funds help sustain the region’s arts, history, and science organizations, supporting their ability to innovate, provide educational opportunities, and create cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike. Last year, these grants supported nearly 2.2 million visitors, 492,000 youth, and over 6,000 artists while funding hundreds of staff positions. Congratulations to the DOP Members listed below! Learn more and see all grant recipients here.

• Central Florida Community Arts, Inc.
• Creative City Project, Inc.
• Downtown Arts District
• Fusion Fest Inc.
• Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida
• Opera Orlando
• Orlando Ballet, Inc.
• Orlando Museum of Art Inc.
• Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Inc.

UCF Downtown Students Unleashing Potential Endowed Fund
Tuesday evening, the UCF Downtown Advisory Council welcomed the community for a special celebration of the newly established UCF Downtown Students Unleashing Potential Endowed Fund. The new scholarships will empower students by funding unpaid internships, helping them gain valuable experiences and unleash their full potential. This initiative is a key part in UCF's 5-Year Strategic Plan: Unleashing Potential, which invests in each individual's potential by ensuring access and opportunity for all. Congratulations on this amazing milestone, UCF Downtown!

Pictured (left to right): Fred Kittinger, Senior Associate Vice President Government & Community Relations, UCF, Nathan Butler (DOP Board Chair), Partner and Office Director, HKS, Jill Vaughan, President & CEO, DOP, and Dr. Ross Wolf (DOP Board Member), Associate Provost, UCF Downtown