Commission Approves New Office Development in Hannibal Square

Oct. 29, 2026 By Beth Kassab The City Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a plan to replace the now-demolished Gardens at DePugh, a 40-bed nursing facility that closed last year, with 10 office buildings. The facility was historically significant for its roots in serving Black families during segregation. Commissioners said they would form a committee that includes developer Zane Williams and residents Maria and Martha Bryant, who spoke at Wednesday’s meeting, to explore additional ways to honor the history of Winter Park’s historically Black Hannibal Square neighborhood as redevelopment continues to reshape the area. Martha Bryant, a longtime resident, said much of the west side’s legacy has been “destroyed.” A plaque that honors the former Gardens at DePugh nursing facility still stands at the corner of Morse Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue. “You look around and you don’t see where are the Black people who have worked to build Winter Park? Where are the homes? They have be