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Rosenwald Community Center Project
The Rosenwald Community Center Project is a Seminole County Government-led initiative intended to revitalize a historically significant site in the East Altamonte/Winwood community. Originally home to one of Florida’s early Rosenwald Schools, the property carries deep cultural and educational importance for generations of residents.
This project is about more than construction — it is about the creation of a space that serves community today and tomorrow.
Historical Background
The Rosenwald School in East Altamonte, built in 1931, was part of a broader movement led by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington to improve educational access for African American children in the segregated South. These schools — over 5,000 across the country — were often built with community labor and pride, becoming symbols of progress and resilience.
The East Altamonte Rosenwald School educated generations of students until integration and school restructuring led to its repurposing as a center for special education. It eventually closed in 2011, but the site remains sacred to many in the community.
Project Overview
In 2019, Seminole County acquired the 12-acre Rosenwald School property with the goal of honoring its legacy while developing it into a meaningful and functional community asset.
In April 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved a redevelopment plan that includes:
- Demolition of unsafe structures
- Construction of a new 6,000 sq. ft. Rosenwald Community Center with programming space for cultural events, community services, and youth activities
- The addition of a fishing pier and pavilion, and preservation of green space for future use
This plan was shaped by public input, civic needs, and the County’s American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Plan.
Construction & Procurement Update
In fall 2024, the Seminole County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) services to oversee the design, development, and construction of the community center. This process ensures that both technical and cultural aspects of the redevelopment are managed by a qualified firm.
The Collage Companies was selected and approved by the Board of County Commissioners in February 2025. This contractor will lead site development, building construction, and community coordination throughout the project’s delivery.
The design phase of this project will begin in 2025 and will take about 1 year to complete. This phase will include:
- Building design,
- Permitting, and
- Development of total project costs, which will be approved by the Board of County Commissioners at a future Commission meeting.
During this time, fishing pier and pavilion design and construction will be fast-tracked for community use prior to the final completion of the Community Center. The County will work with various community partners to develop programs for Community Center use once operational.
Site work and construction of the Community Center are anticipated to begin in early 2026. It will take about a year and half to complete. The County anticipates opening the community center by summer 2027.
Stay Engaged
The Rosenwald Community Center Project is being developed with community input. We invite residents to participate and shape the future of this site. For more information, contact news@seminolecountyfl.gov.
Upcoming Community Meeting:
May 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New Bethel AME Church
311 Marker St.
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701