It was a major boost to funding a downtown Orlando campus for the University of Central Florida: $1.5 million, donated by The Orlando Magic to be used towards construction costs.

“One thing I love about working at UCF is that we dream big here,” said Chad Binette, who works in the university’s media relations department.

In the 12 years Binette has worked with UCF, he’s seen a lot of dreams turn into reality -- from a new college of medicine by Lake Nona, to a football stadium.

“Now we’re talking about UCF downtown,” Binette said. “Which would be a wonderful project for both the campus and community.”

Binette told News 13 that the campus, a joint venture with Valencia College, would move about 7,700 students even closer to internships and opportunities, based around the downtown area.

One snag in the plan, however, has been finding the necessary money for construction. UCF’s academic building, the centerpiece of the Village, will cost $60 million. The university will pay a third, but said they will rely on the state and private donors for the rest.

Today, The Magic answered the call and pledged $1.5 million; that is the first private donation towards the project.

“A strong, vibrant downtown is paramount to the continued growth of our community. UCF’s downtown campus will be a catalyst for that continued development,” said Orlando Magic CEO, Alex Martins, in a statement.

For now, the 68-acre site of the former Amway Arena is still a fenced-in lot; a few bulldozers push mounds of dirt around. But, the school is hoping that eventually, with donations, like today’s pledge from The Magic, it will transform into a tech hub, for business, transportation and education.

“Often, with a big project like this, that first gift really matters,” explained Binette. “People want to know, ‘Well who else has given? Who else has stepped forward?’ 

But, Binette said he’s hopeful that once prospective donors hear of The Magic’s gift, others will follow suit, getting the university to its end goal.

“[The Magic has] stepped forward with this very generous gift,” he said. “We’re hoping it will inspire others to also give.”