Winter Garden: $300M Strates Property Plan & Legal Contract Approved

Winter Garden commissioners reviewed a conceptual proposal for a $300 million redevelopment of the 70-acre Strates property along East Plant Street during their March 27, 2025, meeting. The commission also approved an updated legal-services agreement with Fishback Dominick, LLP.

Federal Finance presented a concept for the properties at 1500 and 1700 East Plant Street that could include commercial and residential spaces, a hotel, public recreation facilities and other amenities. Economic Development Director Marc Hutchinson told commissioners the project could represent an estimated investment of over $300 million. The concept outlined retail along Plant Street, live-work units, a 160-key hotel with convention space, townhomes, multifamily residences and senior housing.

Proposed public amenities included a 5,000-seat open-air soccer stadium, public recreational fields, a dog park, trails, picnic areas and city-owned sports courts. Other proposed elements featured a waterfront plaza, expanded bike trails, improved stormwater capacity for the historic East Winter Garden area and opportunities for senior affordable housing and local employment.

Planning Director Kelly Carson noted the property currently supports grazing animals, with its zoning and future land-use designation permitting commercial, residential and mixed-use development. She recalled previous proposals that included retail, office space, multifamily housing, townhomes and a private resort but lacked direct public benefits.

Mayor John Rees stated the discussion remained in its early stages, and Commissioner Chloe Johnson described it as "just conversation," according to meeting minutes.

Separately, commissioners unanimously approved an amended and restated professional-services agreement with Fishback Dominick, which has served as the city's legal counsel since 2006. The agreement, effective April 1, 2025, increases the monthly retainer and adjusts hourly rates for various legal services. Commissioners Lisa L. Bennett, Iliana R. Jones, Chloe Johnson and Mayor Rees approved the measure 4-0. Commissioner Colin Sharman arrived at 6:36 p.m.

The March 27 meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 300 West Plant Street. Meeting minutes did not identify a final commission vote on the letter of intent with Federal Finance or specify a date for a follow-up discussion.