Winter Garden’s Historic Citrus Plant Is Now a Museum, Market & More

Project Highlights

• Historic Transformation: A 1909 citrus packing plant in Winter Garden is being reimagined into The Old Packing House — a destination for food, retail, art, and events.

• What’s Coming: The venue will feature restaurants, boutique shops, creative office spaces, and even a natural history museum with Ice Age fossils and minerals.

• Preservation with Purpose: Many of the original industrial elements of the building will be renovated and preserved, keeping the site’s historic character alive.

• Locally Loved: Just steps from the West Orange Trail and Oakland Park neighborhood, OPH will offer golf cart-friendly parking and pedestrian access.

• Coming Soon(ish): After delays due to COVID-era supply issues, construction is now underway, with completion expected by summer 2026.

Catch a quick look at the future of The Old Packing House

Winter Garden’s Old Packing House Gets a New Life

Winter Garden is making headlines once again — and not just for its charming brick-lined streets or bustling Saturday farmers market. This time, it’s all about a beloved piece of local history getting a fresh, community-driven makeover. Say hello to The Old Packing House (OPH), a revitalization project that’s transforming a 1909 citrus packing plant into the city’s next must-visit destination.

From Citrus to Culture: The Story Behind Old Packing House

Tucked along Tildenville School Road, this historic warehouse once pulsed with the rhythms of Florida’s citrus industry. But by the 1990s, the juicing machines went quiet, and the building became a quiet relic of a bygone era.

Now? It’s getting a glow-up.

The Winter Garden City Commission just approved a site plan that will breathe new life into the space — blending the past and future into something truly special.

What’s Coming to Old Packing House?

The plans for OPH aren’t just ambitious — they’re downright exciting. Here’s what you can expect:

Artisanal retail shops – Think curated boutiques and local makers.
Foodie hotspots – Whether it’s craft coffee or gourmet bites, this will be a place to graze and gather.
Creative office spaces – Because great ideas need inspiring places.
A Natural History Museum – Featuring prehistoric fossils and Ice Age minerals (yes, you read that right!).

What sets this project apart? Developers are preserving many of the original industrial structures — keeping that cool, weathered charm while adding modern touches.

Timeline & Takeaways

While the project originally aimed for a 2021 grand opening, COVID-era supply chain issues pushed things back. Now, the finish line is in sight, with construction expected to wrap up by summer 2026.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

Built: 1909
Construction Completion: Summer 2026
Location: Tildenville School Rd, Winter Garden
Unique Feature: Natural History Museum (hello, fossils!)
Offerings: Art, retail, dining, offices

Why You Should Be Paying Attention

Winter Garden continues to evolve — and The Old Packing House is proof that thoughtful development doesn’t have to erase history. Instead, it can elevate it.

This isn’t just another shopping center. It’s a community hub in the making — where you can sip, shop, and maybe even stand face-to-face with a saber-toothed tiger skull.

Local tip:

Live nearby? Grab your golf cart and cruise over when it opens. This is about to become the local spot.

Stay tuned for construction updates, sneak peeks, and grand opening details. Until then, you might want to mark summer 2026 on your calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is The Old Packing House located?
It’s located on Tildenville School Road in Winter Garden, Florida — not far from downtown and right near the West Orange Trail.

2. What kinds of businesses will be there?
Expect a mix of retail shops, restaurants, professional offices, and art spaces. It’s being designed as a creative, community-centric destination.

3. What’s the deal with the museum?
A natural history museum is part of the plan! It’ll showcase prehistoric fossils and Ice Age-era minerals — a unique twist for a shopping and dining venue.

4. Can I get there by golf cart or bike?
Absolutely! OPH will offer golf cart parking, and it’s close enough for locals to walk or bike in via the West Orange Trail.

5. When will it open?
After some COVID-related construction delays, the venue is now aiming for a summer 2026 opening.

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