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On Thursday, August 17, leaders from the Winter Park Health Foundation and Florida Hospital came together for a beam signing ceremony on the construction site of the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park. They were joined by representatives from the Center’s architect (Duda|Paine) and general contractor (Jack Jennings & Sons) who also made their mark by signing one of the beams, which will soon be put into place within the new 79,000 sq. ft. facility.

The Winter Park Health Foundation is the developer and co-owner of the Center for Health & Wellbeing. Earlier this year, the Foundation announced Florida Hospital would be a partner in the project as co-owner and provider of medical services. When the Center opens in late 2018, it will be the home of an all-new Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center (which has been serving the community since 1989). In addition, The Center will feature a wide variety of programs to help empower members of the community to be healthier and full of vitality.

Every element of the new facility was intentionally designed to enhance the neighborhood. The mission-driven architecture draws its inspiration from the healing power of nature, transforming the 4.2-acre site into a series of gardens and a natural light-filled, central building surrounded by walking paths. According to Turan Duda, FAIA of Duda|Paine Architects, “the Center for Health & Wellbeing is not just a building, but a place designed to be experienced and to facilitate interactions between Wellness, Fitness and Medicine.