By Jim Carchidi
January 30, 2026
Winter Garden city commissioners recently approved plans to repurpose the main building of the South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association complex at 1061, 1063 and 1065 Tildenville School Rd.
Historic renovation
The 52,000-square-foot citrus packing building on Tildenville School Road will be renovated into a mixed-use hub. Photos by Jim Carchidi
The vintage citrus brand signs outside the building will be used as a decorative component for the new concept.
The property houses four additional historic buildings, all of which will be preserved.
The 3.7-acre property, between the West Orange Trail and Tildenville Elementary School, contains five industrial buildings dating back to 1909 that include The Old Packing House (OPH). The 52,000-square-foot structure will be transformed into a mixed-use venue with retail and dining options, office spaces, and arts and culture attractions.
The Old Packing House renovation will offer a first-floor food hall with indoor and outdoor seating, and community spaces with educational and retail components. The second floor space will house offices with an outdoor balcony meeting space. Images courtesy of City of Winter Garden
New landscaping and a redesigned parking lot will be part of the project.
A redevelopment proposal was introduced in 2019 by developer and entrepreneur, Gary Hasson. The plan was resubmitted after a series of supply and construction delays. City documents contain the following project details and property additions:
- All historic structures will be maintained
- The parking lot will be reconfigured
- Golf cart and bicycle parking will be added
- Landscaping and outdoor seating will be added
- A sidewalk will be added on Tildenville School Road
Food hall
The OPH website lists the culinary categories of a food hall that range from pizza and Asian specialties to Mediterranean, Mexican, and homemade ice cream. Eateries will offer dine-in options and corporate and event catering. There is also a call for businesses and an application to lease space.
Office space
The office component, dubbed CitrusNet Co-op, is planned for the second floor of the facility and will offer single, multi-person, and virtual office options. Lessees will have access to a conference room, reception service, copiers and scanners, high speed internet, kitchen appliances, and networking events. A leasing application is also included on the OPH office space web page.
Prehistoric additions
The project will offer community elements beyond restaurants and retail, such as music, the arts, and special events. An educational element featuring natural history exhibits will include:
- The jaw of a Megalodon
- A woolly rhinoceros skull
- The rear leg, foot and tusks of a woolly mammoth
- A full North American bison skeleton
Additional information and leasing forms are available on oldpackinghouse.com.
The bigger picture
When complete, OPH will join Orlando’s Packing District as a community-focused reuse of commercial buildings connected to Central Florida’s citrus industry. The district’s Great Southern Box company building dates back to 1920 and opened in May of 2024 as a food hall that also houses Walter’s Tavern by Pine Street Hospitality.
OPH will also boost the business and commercial options in Winter Garden, which have raised the city’s profile as one of Central Florida’s most desirable areas for residential and commercial buyers.
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.
Enjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
Leave A Comment