Community Center Marks City’s First LEED Building


WINTER PARK, Fla. — The $9.1 million Winter Park Community Center, designed to reflect the character of the “City of Culture and Heritage,” opened in October.

Designed by the Orlando office of SchenkelShultz Architecture and design-build partner Turner Construction Co., based in Orlando, the center targets LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The facility is the city’s first LEED-certified building and aims to increase energy efficiency, conserve water and improve indoor air quality for visitors, according to a statement from the City of Winter Park, owner of the facility.

The 38,000-square-foot community center features a ballroom and banquet space that accommodates up to 400 guests, a commercial grade kitchen and a fitness center, along with a media center, senior center and outdoor stage overlooking nearby Shady Park.

The center also features two regulation basketball courts and a multi-purpose swimming pool with zero-depth entry and lap lanes.

The project began in 2007, when the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency identified building a new community center as the primary goal of its strategic plan.

The facility will provide programs including childcare, tutoring, youth and adult enrichment programs and summer camp, as well as health and wellness and recreation programs.