By Jim Carchidi
February 11, 2026
Winter Park is welcoming new businesses with the opening of the McCraney Property Co. headquarters. The modern mixed-use building at 1100 N. Orange Ave. is among a series of high-profile commercial additions to expand the economic landscape of a city renowned for its small-town residential appeal.
New business
The McCraney headquarters broke ground at 1100 N. Orange Ave. in January 2025 with space for office and non-office mixed-use tenants. Photo by Jim Carchidi
McCraney was cleared to occupy the third floor of its 30,000-square-foot building in early January. Four tenants set to fill the remaining two floors are in the final stages of their lease agreements, and are expected to move in by mid-year.
Leasing was handled by Harbert Realty Services. Senior Vice President and Managing Director Damien Madsen told The Orlando Real the building is just part of an ongoing trend of commercial business interest that marks a generational change for the city.
Notable properties
The Life Time facility coming to Winter Park is a high-end approach to fitness with luxury accommodations. Image courtesy of Life Time
The Ravaudage mixed-use project at Lee Road and U.S. Highway 17-92 is one of the city’s biggest commercial real estate wins. The 90-acre development includes apartments, two hotel properties, an event center, and a 90,000-square-foot high-end fitness center by Life Time, opening in the spring.
The Schenkel Shultz headquarters in Winter Park offers a lounge space at the front of the building for client meetings and co-working. Photo by Jim Carchidi
In late 2024, Schenkel Shultz architects moved its offices to 834 N. Orange Ave. after 30 years in downtown Orlando. In January, Z Properties acquired Winter Park’s Gardens at DePugh Nursing Center, announcing redevelopment plans for a 60,000-square-foot mixed-use property that will bring more businesses into the city by 2027. And Tampa-based Revive Design and Renovation recently announced plans for a 5,000‑square‑foot showroom near Rollins College, at the former Ethos Vegan Kitchen address.
“I’ve lived in Winter Park all my life and I’ve never seen these kinds of changes,” Madsen said. “A number of companies are in the process of moving from Orlando, or moving into Florida for the first time, and they’re choosing Winter Park because of the quality of life.”
Preserving small-town charm
Central Park is among Winter Park's most popular community spaces and a symbol of the city's dedication to preserving greenspace and the small-town vibe. Photo by Bailey Headrick
Parks, lakefront amenities and walkability are among Winter Park's selling points. Park Avenue continues to be the city centerpiece with its dining options, boutique shops, and Central Park. Community events, including the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival and "Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade," are popular with locals and a draw for travelers.
Winter Park's charm also incorporates several elegant elements, such as The Alfond Inn and Park Plaza Hotel. Artistry Restaurants raised the bar for the local dining scene with the 2025 opening of The Chapman at 500 S. Park Ave. The venue offers stylish indoor settings and more than 80 square feet of covered outdoor seating. And there are nods to city history in its decor and its name.
The Chapman by Artistry Restaurants celebrates the history of Winter Park in a modern atmosphere. Photo by Jim Carchidi
The Chapman is named after Winter Park co-founder, Oliver Everett Chapman, and its well-appointed Chase Lounge (above) is named after Chapman's friend and business partner, Loring Augustus Chase.
Park Avenue Refresh
City leaders last year approved funding through the Community Redevelopment Agency for upgrades to Park Avenue infrastructure between Webster and Fairbanks avenues that will enhance the corridor without altering its design.
According to Winter Park Communications Manager Clarissa Howard, Phase 1 construction began January 20 between Swoope and Garfield avenues with the following progress:
- Installation of irrigation conduit behind the Central Park Main Stage & Casa Feliz
- Air spading of all tree wells
- Surveying for light pole locations
- New temporary parking spots are available on Morse Boulevard between New York and Virginia avenues
New lighting, sidewalk repairs and bump-out curbs to calm traffic are part of the effort. Construction zones are being barricaded between one and two blocks at a time to include the right-of-way, adjacent parking and one southbound lane of traffic. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained for restaurants and businesses.
Phase 1 completion is expected in the fall with the entire refresh project estimated to be finished by 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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