Pre-Lease Planning
Owner’s representation began while the lease was being negotiated, allowing feasibility and occupancy requirements to inform the deal before construction commitments were finalized.
PROJECT 13 · Commercial Tenant Improvement / Religious Facility · 5400 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
The Universal Church — 5400 International Drive
Completed — 12-Month DeliveryTenant Improvement
~10,000 Sq Ft
Existing Building
~20,000 Sq Ft
Project Duration
12 Months
Primary Permit
BLD2020-11765
Project Specifications
| Metric Category | Project Specification |
|---|---|
| Contractor of Record | DWD Builders Inc. (CSLB #B-991385) |
| Project Type & Class | Commercial Tenant Improvement / Religious Facility |
| Location & Jurisdiction | 5400 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 |
| Tenant Improvement | ~10,000 Sq Ft |
| Existing Building | ~20,000 Sq Ft |
| Project Duration | 12 Months |
| Primary Permit | BLD2020-11765 |
| Project Status | Completed — 12-Month Delivery |
Project Overview
DWD Builders served as general contractor and owner's representative for The Universal Church at 5400 International Drive in Orlando, Florida. Beginning during lease negotiations, DWD coordinated project feasibility, design, permitting, complete demolition, interior reconstruction, site utilities, and close-out for the approximately 10,000-square-foot front half of a shared commercial building.
The Challenge
The project required a full tenant improvement rather than a cosmetic remodel. A former sporting-goods retail space had to be demolished and rebuilt as a code-compliant worship facility while another tenant continued operating in the rear half of the approximately 20,000-square-foot building. The conversion required new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; a sanctuary, classrooms, offices, restrooms, lobby, and support spaces; and a new water and sewer extension across the active site. Existing digital site records were unavailable, making new topographic and as-built surveys essential to City of Orlando permitting and close-out.
Our Solution
DWD Builders became the owner's single point of coordination before lease execution and carried that role through final documentation. The team directed the architect, structural and civil engineers, land surveyor, trade partners, and City of Orlando departments from feasibility through inspections. Interior demolition and reconstruction ran alongside the utility extension from Municipal Drive across the parking area. DWD coordinated the City's required topographic and as-built surveys, air-balance reporting, irrigation and sod restoration, exterior signage, and the final close-out package while maintaining separation from the occupied neighboring space.
Key Outcomes
Former retail space fully demolished and rebuilt as a code-compliant religious facility
Sanctuary, classrooms, offices, restrooms, lobby, and back-of-house spaces delivered within approximately 10,000 square feet
New electrical, plumbing, mechanical, flooring, ceiling, wall, and fixture systems installed throughout the tenant space
New water and sewer lines extended from Municipal Drive across the site to serve the new restroom facilities
Topographic and as-built surveys coordinated to satisfy City of Orlando permitting and close-out requirements
Work completed while the separate tenant in the rear half of the shared building remained operational
DWD Builders managed the project team and City coordination from lease negotiation through final close-out
Professional Endorsement
Project architect Stephen R. Cold cited DWD Builders’ efficient, professional performance under a tight schedule and difficult working conditions. He also recognized the team’s flexibility as the design changed and construction continued beside an occupied neighboring space, and recommended DWD Builders as a professional contracting firm.
Stephen R. Cold
Architect · Florida Registration AR010041 · Recommendation Summary
Orlando Project Record
From Lease Feasibility to City Close-Out
Early involvement allowed DWD Builders to test occupancy, restroom, utility, and build-out requirements before lease execution—then maintain one coordination path through design, City of Orlando review, construction, and final documentation.
Occupied Shared Building
The approximately 10,000-square-foot tenant improvement was delivered in the front half of a building whose separate rear tenant remained operational.
Site Utility Extension
New water and sewer service was routed from Municipal Drive across the parking area, coordinated with irrigation, restoration, and City as-built requirements.
Documented Close-Out
DWD coordinated topographic and as-built surveys, air-balance reporting, final site work, exterior signage, and the City close-out package.
Common Questions
Orlando Tenant Improvement FAQ
What did DWD Builders do at 5400 International Drive in Orlando?
DWD Builders served as general contractor and owner's representative for The Universal Church's conversion of the approximately 10,000-square-foot front half of a shared commercial building. The team coordinated the architect, engineers, surveyor, trade partners, and City of Orlando from lease negotiation through project close-out.
What was the building before the tenant improvement?
The approximately 20,000-square-foot commercial building was divided into two leased spaces. The front 10,000 square feet had most recently operated as a retail sporting-goods store before being demolished and rebuilt as a place of worship.
What was included in the Orlando project scope?
The scope included complete interior demolition and reconstruction; new electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; new flooring, ceilings, walls, and fixtures; a sanctuary, classrooms, offices, restrooms, lobby, and back-of-house spaces; a new water and sewer extension; site restoration; and exterior signage.
How long did the 5400 International Drive project take?
Construction, site work, and final close-out documentation took approximately 12 months.
Which City of Orlando permits are associated with the project?
The supplied project records identify City of Orlando permit BLD2020-11765 and related permit BLD2019-16349.
DWD Builders Project Experience
Tenant Improvement Services Tenant Improvement Coordination in Orlando and Orange County
The 5400 International Drive project documents DWD Builders' experience coordinating commercial tenant improvement, religious-facility conversion, owner's representation, site utilities, and municipal close-out in Orlando, Florida. DWD also supports project planning and construction coordination for clients across Southern Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
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