210 E Morse Blvd townhomes and synagogue redevelopment
Summary
Demolition of the El Cortez apartments was already approved to make way for five townhomes fronting Morse Boulevard with a synagogue behind. The application hasn't been filed yet, but it will get citywide notification because of its significance.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Last discussed Sep 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Critics raised concerns about removing taxable apartment property, while supporters noted five new townhomes would generate far more property tax than the current $52,000 paid by El Cortez.
The congregation and future townhome residents gain a new facility and housing.
Neighbors lose the existing apartment building, though it was approved for demolition.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Synagogue Proposal Faces Fresh Scrutiny as Winter Park Commissioner Defends Impartiality
Oct. 23, 2026: Chabad of Greater Orlando is seeking to build the city's first permanent synagogue near Park Avenue that would also include a daycare and rooftop deck
City Commission - Sep 9, 2026
A synagogue, daycare and five townhomes planned near Knowles Avenue drew 31 speakers split between support for religious diversity and worries about Saturday market traffic and parking. Commissioners added eight new conditions but still tabled the decision to October 28.
Planning and Zoning Board - Aug 4, 2026
The proposal replaces the 35-unit El Cortez apartments with an 80-seat synagogue, a 60-child daycare, and five townhomes — the first synagogue within Winter Park. Supporters say it fills a long-standing gap for the Jewish community; opponents worry about downtown traffic, parking, daycare drop-off congestion, and lost tax revenue.
Planning and Zoning Board - Jul 28, 2026
The synagogue and townhome project returns with updated elevations blending traditional and contemporary styles. Board members suggested comparing the design to nearby churches and civic buildings to gauge compatibility with the Morse Boulevard/Knowles corridor.
Planning and Zoning Board - May 26, 2026
A plan to tear down the 25-unit El Cortez apartments and build five townhomes on Morse Boulevard plus a synagogue and preschool behind them on Knowles. The board liked the site plan and the fact that it brings Winter Park its first synagogue, but panned the architecture as too ornate and asked the applicant to explain its inspiration before the July hearing.
Planning and Zoning Board - Jan 27, 2026
Demolition of the El Cortez apartments was already approved to make way for five townhomes fronting Morse Boulevard with a synagogue behind. The application hasn't been filed yet, but it will get citywide notification because of its significance.
Related development
210 E Morse Blvd townhomes/synagogue
Anyone who came to weigh in on this will need to return in August.
El Cortez Townhomes and Synagogue
Adds a synagogue and townhomes on the Morse Boulevard corridor, balancing traditional and contemporary architecture near the Edith Bush facility.
210 East Morse Boulevard townhomes and synagogue
Brings Winter Park its first synagogue, replaces aging apartments with five townhomes, and the board wants the architecture softened before July's hearing.
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