Dix.Hite partnered with a comprehensive team of design consultants to reimagine the future of Winter Park Village, one of the most popular destinations in Winter Park since it was first developed over 20 years ago. The team worked to define primary objectives for the updated shopping and entertainment complex, adding features that will help propel it into the future and keep up with today’s retail and entertainment trends. Retail consultants were also brought into the fold, ensuring the next generation of tenants spoke to the goals of the updated design. The determination was made that each space should either allure, enchant, amuse, or offer a place to unwind; descriptors which helped guide the team's design process. Lighting was enhanced to create a more festive, welcoming atmosphere, and pocket parks with outdoor furniture were placed throughout the property, along with art installations.  The existing park, known for its oversized chess board, also got a second, experience-driven life.

Guaranteeing equal footing for pedestrians and vehicles was a high priority. To accomplish this, the street was raised 18 inches to form a seamless connection with the sidewalk, and bollards were implemented for an added layer of protection. Eliminating the area’s notoriously high curbs helped to ensure universal access, while creating a more walkable and open environment for visitors.  This allows the park to feel like it extends from building face to building face, so when visitors leave dinner they can stroll to a movie, or grab some ice cream — feeling as though they haven’t ever left the park. This experience will be unfamiliar to many, but once they visit the new Winter Park Village, they’ll wonder why more of their favorite shopping centers aren’t like this.