WINTER PARK, Fla. – A familiar Winter Park shopping stop is getting a major makeover and shoppers are already noticing.
Just off Orlando and Minnesota Avenue, near the neighborhood Publix, crews are transforming the area into “Minnesota Row”. Turning 1980s-style office buildings into a 120,000-square-foot mixed-use destination designed to blend offices, restaurants, retail, and green space.
For many locals, the project is a welcome change.
“I think it’s pretty. We need more green space. That way, husbands can sit on a bench instead of wandering around while we shop,” said Anita Gordon, who visits the Publix here regularly.
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Other shoppers say they’re excited to see the area take shape.
“I think it looks really nice. Once it’s all fixed, I’ll walk through there. I think it’ll attract a lot of people - maybe even folks walking their dogs through, as long as they clean up after them,” said Don Delzingaro.
Annie Pernicone is a local pharmacist who works nearby. When she saw the plans for what will be coming soon, she liked the idea of something new and the fresh look of it.
“It looks really nice, lots of pretty areas to walk around. I come here every week, so I’m excited to see what it becomes.”
Developers say that’s exactly what they’re aiming for. A walkable community destination with something for everyone.
“You’re going to have retail and restaurants, medical offices, and traditional offices all throughout the park,” explained Kevin Will, Vice President at Foundry Commercial.
The idea, they say, is to create something new for Winter Park. A place that’s less formal than Park Avenue but still captures the city’s charm.
“We don’t really have anything like this where people can gather around restaurants and a green space in the middle. It’s what the community’s been asking for,” said Jeff Johnson, Associate Vice President of Colliers Retail Services.
Major tenants already signed on include Orlando Health, CORA Physical Therapy, and Cardinal Health, a Fortune 50 company.
“Construction started last year, and we expect to be finished by early 2026,” Will added. “Once retail buildouts are done, it’ll be a true gathering place for the community.”
Developers behind the project have created similar spaces in Tampa, Charlotte, and Atlanta. But they stress this one will stay true to Winter Park’s family-friendly feel.
“You can bring your whole family here without worrying about traffic,” Johnson said. “Be a pedestrian for the day, grab lunch, shop, or just hang out in the park.”