By Jim Carchidi
May 28, 2026
Winter Park commissioners voted to advance plans for a new shopping and dining development on Fairbanks Avenue during their May 27 meeting. Conditional use was granted for Fairbanks Crossing, which will replace the former Orlando RV dealership at 860 W. Fairbanks Ave. and includes provisions for on-street parking and a turn lane.
Details and conditions
Designs provided by Z Development Services show a site plan and the exterior designs of four one-story buildings totaling 29,760 square feet. The property, owned by Winter Park-based developers DI Partners LLLP, will retain a vested C-3 commercial zoning, allowing for high-intensity businesses, large retail centers, and professional services. The proposal came before the Winter Park Planning & Zoning Board in April, receiving unanimous approval with the following conditions:
- The preservation of oak trees at the Fairbanks/Denning and Fairbanks/Capen intersections
- A drainage pond with a natural appearance
- Enhanced streetscapes along Holt Avenue between Denning Drive and Capen Avenue with dedicated on-street parking
Wider sidewalks and a total of 13 on-street parking spaces will be added. The planned 199-space surface lot already exceeds the code-required 175 spaces.
A Phase 2 office component is slated for possible future development by the corner of Holt and S. Capen avenues, but the plan would need to go through a separate approval process if the developer decides to proceed.
Community benefits
The project comes with a Community Benefit Agreement that states no building can exceed three stories and the property will not house a parking garage or motor vehicle sales or service. Three neighboring properties owned by the developer are to be donated for roadway and parking lot stormwater drainage. Another property at 809 W. Comstock Ave. will be sold to the city for development as attainable housing.
Additionally, right-of-ways at the north and south end of the development will be used for a left-turn lane for drivers heading west on Fairbanks and heading south at Denning.
Residents attending the April Planning & Zoning Board hearing expressed concerns about the possible impact on parking and traffic. Z Development Services President Bob Ziegnefuss told commissioners that community meetings were held for feedback and collaboration. “We’ve met with them, we’ve addressed their concerns,” he said, “(the project) is not only good for the city of Winter Park but for the neighboring residents.”
He added that the north side of the property is closer to the end of permitting with construction and leasing to begin soon, though no timelines were given.
Mayor Sheila DeCiccio said the right-of-way donations should speed the process of developing the turn lane in cooperation with FDOT. Turn lane completion is projected for 2028.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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