Winter Park, Orlando should be embracing cultural tourism
I grew up in Manhattan and lived in Miami for many years. Those sophisticated, art-filled cities created and nourished in me a hunger for the arts and architecture. When, in 1990, I was offered the presidency of Rollins College, I was drawn to the opportunity in part because of the college’s location. It was in beautiful Winter Park, and I envisioned a great future for both the school and the town. And, indeed, the future is now.
Perhaps my vision was excessive, given the history of the area. The small liberal-arts college founded by the Congregational Church in 1885 had struggled since its inception to survive the vicissitudes of the economy, the weather, and the whims of tourists.
Over the years, however, as the population grew in size and diversity, leaders in government, business and the community invested time and resources in enhancing transportation, convention and tourist attractions. These developments were anchored by a magnificent new airport and extensive roadways.
From the time I had my first tour of the area, it was clear that the Northerners who settled Winter Park had brought their taste and money with them. They created handsome homes and filled them with art.
Over the years, the architectural opportunities brought some of the country’s best architects to the area. At Rollins, for example, the Knowles Memorial Chapel was designed by Ralph Adams Cram, who also designed St. John the Divine in New York. Later facilities were designed by the wellknown James Gamble Rogers and Shepley Bulfinch firms.
Winter Park has many historic buildings that are handsome and well worth seeing. There are also art collections in homes and museums, many of which are open to the public. Today, a wide variety of international and local performing groups provide year-round entertainment from all corners of the world.
In recent years, we have erected a number of incomparable new performance and museum spaces designed by some of the world’s most notable architects. Key examples are the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts designed by Barton Myers, the
Center for Health and Wellbeing designed by Duda Paine Architects, and the Winter Park Library and Events Center, designed by world-renowned architect Sir David Adjaye.
Community leaders have set a high bar by successfully raising funds to establish these magnificent and innovative facilities in our community. And the trend continues. On the drawing board today are additional fabulous facilities to showcase their special content: The Holocaust Center’s exciting and innovative plan for the Holocaust Museum for Hope and Humanity and the Rollins College Museum of Art with its impressive art collection.
What brings people from all over the world to Winter Park and Orlando to be dazzled by our magnificent buildings, amazing art collections, and breathtaking performances? Why is our annual art festival one of the best in the country? What ideal has made mayors, corporate leaders, and citizen volunteers key to bringing these achievements to life?
During my time here, I have worked with these inspiring visionaries. They have been tireless in the quest to make these soul-expanding opportunities available to everyone.
As our community has grown in aspiration, wealth, taste, and diversity, we have consciously balanced our offerings for residents and tourists to include the fine arts in addition to sports venues, theme parks and beaches.
However, there are some who object to encouraging cultural tourism. These voices objected when Central Florida’s commuter rail service was established to provide people with more access to business, shopping, and entertainment. Because the route included a stop in Winter Park, some residents were afraid this might bring undesirable folks into town.
On the contrary, SunRail has been nothing but good for merchants and the city. We should be proud that both residents and tourists can find here worldclass, innovative art and architecture. We must consider ourselves lucky to be touched daily by such miracles of human creation.