City breaks ground on Dyson’s Plaza Commercial Revitalization Project

The city of Winter Garden broke ground on the new Dyson’s Plaza Commercial Revitalization Project Friday, Aug. 16, in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.

The redevelopment of the 2,300-square-foot property is considered ground zero for the revitalization of the neighborhood. The project is a major step forward to reenergize the commercial vibrancy in a neighborhood-friendly manner. 

The $704,000 project will include renovations, such as the creation of two separate storefronts, interior/exterior building improvements, outdoor seating addition, new landscaping and parking lot improvements.

Winter Garden Economic Development Director Marc Hutchinson said the milestone was made possible by a grant awarded by the city of Winter Garden’s Community Redevelopment Agency under the direction and advice of the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board and with the support of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.

“This is a special and significant moment for both the city … (and the) neighborhood,” Winter Garden Mayor John Rees said. “This community received the official designation through unanimous resolution by the City Commission on Feb. 8, 2024, to honor its rich legacy and heritage. The Dysons have the oldest, multi-generational, family-owned business in east Winter Garden.”

 “This is what community looks like,” Winter Garden District 3 Commissioner Chloe Johnson said. “Today, we are creating history together. History that we can all look back on and be proud of. History that took leadership, breaking barriers and aspiring change. So, to the city of Winter Garden and to the Dyson’s, job well done as we continue to work together for the betterment of our communities. As I always say, we are all better together.”

The Dyson family had several relatives and friends in attendance, including great-grandchildren Alycia Graham, Chanell Northern and Malcolm Northern, as well as the four children of James and Margaret Dyson: Linday Dyson-Smith Wanda Northern, Dwane Dyson and Marlena Francis. 

“This is the start of a new beginning, not only for my family but for east Winter Garden and the community,” Dyson-Smith said. “My father truly believed in giving others opportunities to have a business, so he would lease the property to community members, as well, to start their entrepreneurship business.”

“Today is a good day, it’s a great day, it’s a historic day,” Chanell Northern added. “I did not have the pleasure of meeting my great-grandparents, they did pass away before I was born, but I’m sure that they would be very proud of what we’re doing today and what’s happening in the future.”