WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – The city of Winter Garden is expected to move forward on a plan to transform a historic citrus packing plant into a destination venue for retail and dining.
During a meeting on Thursday, commissioners will vote to approve a site plan for the revitalization project called “The Old Packing House” (OPH).
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The historic warehouse was built in 1909 on Tildenville School Road and was tied to the citrus industry for decades until processing stopped in the 1990s.
According to plans submitted to the city, OPH will repurpose the building for art, retail, food, and professional offices.
The redevelopment also includes a natural history museum that will feature prehistoric fossils and ice age minerals.
During construction, many of the existing historic industrial structures on site will be maintained and renovated.
The project was originally expected to be finished in 2021, but faced years of delays from supply shortages and rising costs after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rick Sotis often takes walks with his wife on the nearby West Orange Trail and is looking forward to the new venue.
“I think Winter Garden residents will enjoy this,” Sotis said. “It’ll be a destination to go eat or see the museum, as you say, or other events that are happening.”
OPH will be footsteps away from the Oakland Park neighborhood and offer parking for use a golf cart to travel to the venue.
Jay Heckendorn-Telenda lives a block away and said OPH will be a great addition to the community.
“As far as revitalizing, absolutely, because that only adds value to our properties,” Heckendorn-Telenda said.
Construction on the venue is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
Thursday’s vote on the site plan will happen during the Winter Garden Commission regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.