WINTER PARK, Fla. — Chabad of Greater Orlando could relocate to downtown Winter Park under proposed plans that would replace the El Cortez apartment complex on Morse Boulevard with a synagogue, daycare and five townhomes.
The organization has been looking for a new permanent location after a fire burned down its headquarters in 2024. The proposed project, submitted to the city of Winter Park, would require the existing El Cortez apartments to be demolished.
The plans include two portions: residential and non-residential. The residential portion would include five three-story townhomes fronting Morse Boulevard, while the nonresidential portion would include a synagogue fronting Knowles Avenue.
The synagogue would serve as both a house of worship and a daycare. Plans say the synagogue would accommodate up to 80 people with four to six staff members, while the daycare could eventually serve up to 60 children. The daycare would start with about 15 to 20 children.
Some El Cortez residents said they still have questions about what would happen if the project receives final approval.
“I’ve really enjoyed living here. My sons enjoyed living here, made a lot of friends here,” said Joel Greenfield, who has lived at El Cortez for a few years.
Greenfield said he values the apartment complex’s location and sense of community.
“It’s got a neighborhood feel. You walk out your front door and grab a cup of coffee,” Greenfield said.
Greenfield said he first learned about the proposed project while scrolling through social media. He later saw a public hearing notice posted at the property and began talking with other residents who also had questions.
“There was a placard out front notifying there’s going to be a public hearing. It went through the phases. So the first indication was, ‘What’s the sign out here?’” Greenfield said.
Greenfield said management at El Cortez has been transparent with residents who have asked questions, but he said there is still uncertainty about the future.
The El Cortez is privately owned by AGPM LLC. Chabad of Greater Orlando is listed as a co-applicant for the proposed project, pending necessary approvals.
At a Winter Park Zoning and Planning meeting on Aug. 4, Rabbi Sholom Dubov, executive director of Chabad of Greater Orlando, said the organization would welcome anyone.
“We accept all people unconditionally, and we hope people feel welcome to come and join us, and we look forward for an approval on this project,” Dubov said.
The city of Winter Park has held town hall meetings over the past several months to hear from residents, neighbors and others about the proposal.
Some residents have raised concerns about the project’s location, parking and traffic.
“I don’t know how exactly to go about this and when to say no more,” said Winter Park resident Hattie Wolfe. “I’m Jewish, I have nothing against a synagogue, but I don’t think it’s the right place for it judging on what’s happening to the town.”
Petitions from surrounding businesses and neighbors have also opposed the project.
According to a traffic impact analysis by Kittelson & Associates, the proposed project is not anticipated to impact operations of the surrounding roadway network.
The Winter Park Planning and Zoning Board approved the project earlier this month, sending it to the city commission for the next step. The Winter Park City Commission is expected to discuss the proposal at its Aug. 26 meeting.
For Greenfield, the decision means waiting to see what happens to the place he currently calls home.
“Bulldozers aren’t going to show up tomorrow… So there’s time to adapt to it,” Greenfield said.
The owner of El Cortez did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Chabad of Greater Orlando declined multiple requests to comment or be interviewed.