How Skyplex’s approval helps Unicorp’s Chuck Whittall

Richard Bilbao Reporter Orlando Business Journal It was hard to see developer Chuck Whittall in the Orange County Commission chamber after it erupted in cheers right after commissioners unanimously approved the $500 million Skyplex project for a planned development on Dec. 1, but quick glimpses over his way showed his excitement.

Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments and builder of I-Drive 360, looked pleased that his efforts to help make a case for Skyplex builder Joshua Wallack’s project paid off in helping form a larger master plan concept that includes Wallack’s future 501-foot roller coaster and more.

After a quick handshake and pat on the back congratulating Wallack, Whittall quickly left the room, only stopping to shake hands with those who blocked his path out of the commission meeting room, because it was time for him to get back to work.

“I think this is great news. It really sets the pathway forward for not only our StarFlyer ride but future developments and future opportunities,” he told me later that night.

What Whittall means is the Skyplex vote was key to determining how he would rebuild his massive portion of I-Drive that spans from Sand Lake Road to Via Mercado. He sees the potential for 13 new hotel towers on that stretch accompanied by various retail and restaurant centers and key attractions like the 420-foot Starflyer.

Whittall recently told Orlando Business Journal a part of that plan was to build a hotel tower atop the Charley’s Steak House restaurant at the Vue at 360 complex that would sit next to the Starflyer attraction.

If Skyplex lost the commission vote, that would have clouded Whittall’s situation regarding any of his plans that included high-rises or plans to build around tall rides. If the county began blocking out tall attractions, and big master plan developments like Skyplex were being shot down, then what potholes lay ahead for his plans?

Luckily, that wasn’t the case. With Skyplex approved, “You’re going to see a lot of new growth in the future for International Drive in a very, very positive way,” Whittall said.

Whittall’s Starflyer project is the next major I-Drive proposal set to come before Orange County commissioners this month. That meeting, set for Dec. 15, will be a hearing to review the attraction and should shed more light on what Whittall will be permitted to build.