Commission Approves New Office Development in Hannibal Square
The board, in response to comments from residents, said a committee will determine ways to honor the neighborhood’s heritage
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 been removed, just like the Mary DePugh Nursing Home has been removed,” Bryant said. “At least her name, a monument or something, should be there.”
She suggested that a portion of the tax revenue or other funds generated by the new development could be directed to the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to the neighborhood that is operated by Crealdé School of Art.
Commissioner Craig Russell, who will also serve on the committee, suggested renaming a portion of Welbourne Avenue in DePugh’s honor.
Commissioner Kris Cruzada also proposed a condition of approval, which the other commissioners supported, requiring that a plaque honoring DePugh be moved from the corner of Morse Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue to a more prominent location in front of the new development. The plaque could be accompanied by landscaping and a bench.
The goal, Cruzada said, was to create a place that could “really invite somebody to read it and look at it and stay a while and think about it.”
The city will also determine the cost of adding a crosswalk on Welbourne Avenue near Welbourne Nursery and Preschool, which is located across the street from the planned office development.
People associated with the preschool have expressed concerns about traffic and parking, particularly because the school, founded 100 years ago to care for Black children, is considering an expansion.
“Today we have 64 children, and we’re at max capacity,” said Beth Weagraff, a member of Welbourne’s board. “The board is now in the process of looking ahead at what does the next 100 years look like, and we are in the beginning stages and looking at plans to expand up to 100 children.”
Weagraff said the preschool has a five-year lease with Bethel AME Church for additional parking. She also described Williams, of Z Properties, as a “good new neighbor” who has helped facilitate parking agreements.
Mayor Sheila DeCiccio noted that one of the reasons the operators of the former nonprofit DePugh sold the land to William was because of his “vision.”
“That meant a lot to them,” she said.
Winter Park Day Nursery expansion approved
The City Commission also voted 5-0 to approve an expansion of Winter Park Day Nursery in the College Quarter Historic District, about a half-mile south of Welbourne Nursery and Preschool on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The plans call for a single-story, 1,025-square-foot addition and 14 additional parking spaces.
The expansion will accommodate 18 more children. The school currently serves 64 children.
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