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Economic Development
The Economic Development Department is dedicated to fostering a thriving economy that stimulates balanced and sustainable growth by connecting business, community, people, and jobs through a variety of strategies and initiatives. The Economic Development Department advocates, facilitates, plans, and executes business development, programming, planning, strategic initiatives, and marketing and communication strategies that enhance the local economic environment.
Click here to learn more about the Economic Development Department.
In addition to Economic Development projects, programs, and initiatives, the CRA also initiates and funds economic development projects that promote economic revitalization. Currently, the CRA is working on the revitalization of Dyson’s Plaza in Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.
Economic Development Projects
Dyson’s Plaza, Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood
Dyson's Plaza, a long-standing commercial property located in the heart of Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood, will be revitalized thanks to a Dyson's Plaza Commercial Revitalization Grant awarded by the Winter Garden Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) under the direction and advisement of the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board (CRAAB), and with the support of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. Groundbreaking of the revitalization project will commence late August 2024 with an estimated completion date of spring 2025. (An official groundbreaking ceremony will be held on August 16, 2024, at 10:00 am.)
Located at 215 Center Street, the revitalization of the currently vacant property includes a combination of demolition, reconstruction, and infrastructure upgrades to create two separate storefronts out of the current 2,300-square-foot, one-unit space, which was constructed in the 1980s. The building will likely house a restaurant as well as a retail shop or office space. An outdoor seating area and new landscaping will also be added. The estimated total cost of the improvements is not to exceed $704,000, which will be paid for by the one-time grant.
The grant’s intention is to jump start the redevelopment efforts in the commercial district of Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood, with funding provided by the 10-year CRA extension approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in March 2022. The Dyson Plaza revitalization project has been in the works since 2021, working in collaboration with representatives from the Dyson family, CRAAB, and City staff and officials. The City Commission/CRA approved the Dyson's Plaza Commercial Revitalization Grant on June 27, 2024, preceded by CRAAB approval on June 11, 2024.
Dyson’s Plaza was once the hub of a thriving neighborhood commercial district. The refurbished building is considered ground zero for the redevelopment of the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.
Dyson's Plaza's Historical Significance
Ownership of Dyson's Plaza has remained in the Dyson family since 1939, when George Dyson and his wife Annie Bell Dyson first purchased it. Originally, it was a Beer Garden/Juke Joint, providing a neighborhood option in the 1930s for the predominately African-American laborers to unwind and dance after a hard day’s work. Dyson's Plaza has remained in the family for four generations, housing the Dyson Taxi Service, Dyson Ice House, and Dyson Short Stop Convenience Store through the years. Most recently, Taste of Tasha restaurant, Mr. D’s retail store, and A & E Grocery Store were on the site. For 80+ years, Dyson's Plaza has continuously served as the core of commerce for the East Winter Garden community, as well as a place for hopeful entrepreneurs, mainly African Americans, to launch their business.