Parkscope: Project 722

Showing posts with label Project 722. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

UOR Permit Update 8/14/12: Transformers & Potter, etc

It has been a while, but we finally have a few new permits and Notices of Commencements.

First off, "Core and Shell" for Transformers aka Project 609:

This must be for the building structure of Transformers. As they are moving quickly on the project, they will need it soon. Universal started pouring the concrete foundation last week.

Next, Project 7611 for an "early facility package"

As mentioned previously, all project numbers in the 7000 range are related to Phase 2 of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster is getting new infrared flame detectors:

The booths at the Three Broomsticks are already being replaced:

Lastly, fiber optic cable is being installed throughout Universal Studios Florida:

As always, please follow us on Twitter @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 and like us on Facebook.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Universal Orlando Project Update 8/3/12

Universal Orlando Resort currently has multiple projects underway. Since permits for most of them have been approved, new details have been scant. That being said, we can update you on inspections and recent pictures that have been taken.

Project 722 Lagoon Wall

The project with the most visible progress and the one that is furthest along is the new London Lagoon Waterfront that is replacing Amity Village. The area is being modeled after London's Victoria Embankment which features a concrete with wall with pillars, fancy lamps, and greenery. PCL Construction has completed nearly two thirds of the new wall. It would not be too crazy to think that the whole wall could be compete in the next two weeks.

After the wall is complete, they will need to get to work on the inland portion which will either feature planters or ponds. The plans we received from Lee at WDWMagic did not specify what they were. If the areas are indeed ponds, that could take a while to complete. If they are planters, we could see this area open up some time this year, at the rate they are going. Inspections on various sections of the wall have been scheduled almost daily.

Project 7542: Gringotts Bank

Gringotts is seemingly far along, but we cannot see it without someone going on a helicopter tour of Universal Orlando. It is tucked away far back in the former Jaws plot and is obscured by trees from the Fear Factor Live theater. Over the past week, it has had various footer inspections for "pile reinforcements"; "test pile rebar"; and "column/vertical cell/shaft." Clearly, a foundation is clearly in its future

Project 7685: Pre-Engineered Metal Building

At first glance, I believed this to be for Gringotts. Only time will tell. The permit and review are short on details. It is currently awaiting revisions since July 25th.

Project 609: Transformers

Transformers has either caught-up with or surpassed Gringotts. Recent photographs and inspections of the site reveal that there is a rebar mat already in place within the confines of the below grade, sheet-piling reinforced area where Soundstage 44 used to stand. Today, there was a "Final Inspection for Concrete reinforcement." Visitors to Universal Studios Florida should be seeing a slab appear shortly. Universal is wasting no time on this project and looks to be on track for a Winter 2013 opening.

Projects 7717 North Station: Platform 9 3/4

Like Gringotts, progress on this project will remain a mystery until someone gets a helicopter update. Utilities were put in earlier this year. The area is likely undergoing dewatering or preparations for dewatering at the moment as the permit was recently approved by the South Florida Water Management District.

Project 4691 Connector: Hogwarts Express Track

Work has reportedly begun behind the Revenge of the Mummy showbuilding on the Hogwarts Express track. Many believe that there will be a track switch in this area for trains to bypass each other as they make the trip between Hogsmeade and London.

Project 3641 South Station: Hogsmeade Station

Pictures have recently sprung up showing an excavator behind the Lost Continent construction walls and there is a noticeable absence of trees. The future home of Hogsmeade Station is likely undergoing dewatering or is being set up to be dewatered. Riders of Dragon Challenge should be able to see this.

Could Hogsmeade look like this in a few years?
©2012 Google Earth. All Rights Reserved.

Project 7448: Diagon Alley

The Diagon Alley permits have been languishing in the review stages since late May. The review of the second set of plan revisions were completed on July 20th. Today, August 3rd, was the first update in two weeks. Wastewater seems to have gotten new plans and changed their Disapproval to Approved. Hopefully the other hang-ups received revisions as well. It would be nice for every aspect of WWoHP Phase 2 be ready for construction. This is currently the last piece of the puzzle, at least for the foundations of Phase 2.

Project 142: Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Work has seemingly begun as pictures of a crane and green fences have appeared on the internet. The resort is currently being built in 3 phases of 600 hotel rooms. There are currently permits for fire pits, swimming pools, and a bar. Some people are reporting that the water taxi canal will not be extended to Cabana Bay which is unfortunate if true.

To discuss these projects, visit and join Orlando United. For updates, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

UOR Permit Update 7/12/12: Project 609 & 722

Project 609 looks more and more like Transformers with each passing day. Earlier this week, it was updated by reviewers who mentioned:

"More information required on the type of waste (oily waste?) discharging into maintenance pit drains and Ride Lift Pit drains"

And today, the Building Plan Review person updated it saying the building is a "threshold building." Threshold Buildings are:

"What is considered a threshold building with regard to architecture?A threshold building is any building greater than three stories or 50 feet in height, or which has an occupancy classification that exceeds 5,000 square feet."

Transformers in both Hollywood and Singapore go vertical instead of horizontal like Spider-Man. To go vertical, Transformers employees the use of elevators/lifts. As you can see, Project 609 is looking like it will be Transformers. So much so, that we decided to call it yesterday based on the permit and our sources.

A tower crane was assembled on site yesterday.

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Project 722 is moving right along with infrastructure and foundations being the main focus. These are things that are virtually invisible as most of it occurs at or below ground level. We are still a little bit away from actually seeing vertical construction.

In the past 2 weeks, things have gotten exciting along the forthcoming London Waterfront. Last week a cofferdam was installed, and a segment of the new wall was formed up. Recent;y, that wall segment was poured, and today, it was inspected (and passed.) There are still many sections to be built and formed, but it looks like they are going for the look of Albert Embankment in London. Yesterday, crews also began dismantling the old wall.

Today, the South Florida Water Management District issued the dewatering permit that will now allow PCL to dewater the lagoon below Dragon Challenge where Hogsmeade Station will go. Dewatering will also take place where Platform 9 3/4 is planned to go. This permit was a big step and will now allow progress to resume in places other than Gringotts and the waterfront.

Speaking of Gringotts, plan revisions were submitted, but it seems like things are still going smoothly on the part of the project.

Project 7448 has been awaiting the submission of revisions, but with everything Universal is working on right now, it is understandable that they have not gotten to that yet. Project 609 and Hogwarts Express are the big picture right now.

As for the Hogwarts Express. The permits are ready for all three projects. While the two stations have to wait for dewatering, The Connector (track) foundation layout will likely start as soon as possible as they have quite a bit of work to do to connect both Potter areas.

As always, please follow us on Twitter @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 for updates on these projects.

Monday, July 2, 2012

UOR Permit Update 7/2/12: AT&T and PRJ 609

First off, major props to Park Rumors for discovering the staging site for what is probably the replacement of Soundstage 44, Project 609. There have also been permits filed earlier in the month for the staging ground of Project 722 (Potter.) These have gone unnoticed because they were filed under the rarely used Adventure Way address.

Staging Ground for Soundstage 44 Replacement

Staging Ground for 722

Secondly, a few permits were filed today to add AT&T equipment around the resort. Last month, a permit was filed to enhance Verizon service as well. For a culture more and more reliant on cellular phones, more infrastructure is always welcome.