Rosenwald Community Center Project

The Rosenwald Community Center Project is a Seminole County Government-led initiative intended to revitalize a historically significant site in the East Altamonte community. Originally home to one of Florida’s early Rosenwald Schools, the property carries deep cultural and educational importance for generations of residents.

This project is about more than construction — it is about the creation of a space that serves the community today and tomorrow.

Historical Background

The Rosenwald School in East Altamonte, built in 1931, was part of a broader movement led by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington to improve educational access for African American children in the segregated South. These schools — over 5,000 across the country — were often built with community labor and pride, becoming symbols of progress and resilience.

The East Altamonte Rosenwald School educated generations of students until integration and school restructuring led to its repurposing as a center for special education. It eventually closed in 2011, but the site remains sacred to many in the community.

Project Overview

In 2019, Seminole County acquired the 12-acre Rosenwald School property with the goal of honoring its legacy while developing it into a meaningful and functional community asset.

In April 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved a redevelopment plan that includes:

• Demolition of unsafe structures
• Construction of a new 6,000 sq. ft. Rosenwald Community Center with programming space for cultural events, community services, and youth activities
• The addition of a fishing pier and pavilion, and preservation of green space for future use

This plan was shaped by public input, civic needs, and the County’s American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Plan.

Procurement and Construction Update

In late 2024, Seminole County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Architectural and Engineering and Construction Management at Risk (CMAR). In February 2025, the Board of County Commissioners selected local firm Bentley Architects + Engineers and Collage Companies (serving as Construction Manager at Risk) to lead the design and development.

The design phase of this project began in May 2025 and will take approximately 10 - 12 months. This phase will include:

• Site Surveying (June 3, 2025)
• Building design;
• Permitting,
• Development of total project costs, which will be approved by the Board of County Commissioners at a future meeting.

Once the design phase is complete, construction of the community center is expected to take approximately 12 months. During this time, fishing pier and pavilion design and construction will be fast-tracked for community use.

The County will work with various community partners to develop programs for community center use once operational.

• ARPA Recovery Plan
• Frequently Asked Questions