The Majesty Building in Altamonte Springs, long mocked as the “I-4 Eyesore,” could soon take on new life after 25 years of incomplete construction. City officials say the project is showing signs of progress, with interior work finally beginning and potential tenants being considered for the first time.
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A Quarter-Century Landmark of Delay
Construction on the Majesty Building began in 2000; however, the massive structure has remained incomplete for decades. Despite its nearly finished exterior and 99% complete parking garage, the interior has remained largely untouched.
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Built Without Debt, But Not Without Delay
The building’s owner, Claud Bowers, committed to funding the project entirely without debt. Construction has progressed only as donations allowed, creating a staggered timeline that has stretched over 25 years.
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A New Push to Prepare for Tenants
Recent activity on the building’s third floor signals a shift. Developers are clearing out space for commercial tenants who would be allowed to customise interiors to meet their business needs. This marks the first real step toward occupancy.
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Central Florida’s Office Market May Work in Its Favour
Real estate experts say the building could fill a major gap in the local market. Class A office space over 20,000 square feet is scarce in Central Florida, making the Majesty Building an attractive option for law firms, CPAs, and potentially even corporate relocations.
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A Tower That’s Outlasted Hurricanes and Presidents
Over the two and a half decades since construction began, the building has withstood multiple hurricanes and outlived six U.S. presidencies. Children born when the ground was first broken are now old enough to rent space themselves.
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Amenities May Boost Its Market Value
Developer Claud Bowers said the building will offer features like a banquet facility and a sound stage. These additions could attract a variety of tenants, from event planners to production companies, though no leases have yet been finalized.
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Community Readiness and Cautious Optimism
Altamonte Springs city leaders are eager for the project’s completion, citing economic benefits, job creation, and the end of long-standing jokes. City Manager Frank Martz noted that even the memes surrounding the building could fade if it finally opens. Seen daily by 200,000 drivers along I-4, the Majesty Building remains one of Central Florida’s most recognizable structures. Whether it will transform from a symbol of delay into a bustling business hub remains to be seen, but for the first time in years, progress is visible.
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