Фонд Dr. Phillips близок к завершению сделки по историческому кампусу Hungerford Prep в Итонвилле

EATONVILLE, Fla. – Dr. Phillips Charities says it’s nearing the finish line on a long-awaited deal involving one of Eatonville’s most historic properties — the former site of Hungerford Prep, one of the first schools for Black students in Central Florida. The more than 80-acre site has been top of mind for residents in Eatonville, widely recognized as the oldest Black self-governing town in America. Dr. Phillips Charities assumed responsibility for maintaining the property earlier this year and says it has been working for months to officially close on it. “There’s a few people in the town that have concerns,” said Ken Robinson, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities. Robinson said closing on a property the size of the Hungerford site involves extensive due diligence, including environmental reviews and confirming easements. “When you go to acquire a site as large as the Hungerford site you have to do due diligence… make sure the environmental is correct, make sure the easements are right,” Robinson said, adding the process typically takes about six months. Dr. Phillips Charities acquired the property in February. July marked six months since the organization assumed responsibility for the site, and August is now month seven. “So we’re coming to the end of it,” Robinson said. Robinson also pointed to another complication delaying closing: a lawsuit tied to the sale of the site. “There is a lawsuit,” he said. The case — Association for Preservation of the Eatonville Community, Inc. v. Orange County School Board — was filed this year with support from the Southern Poverty Law Center. The lawsuit challenges Orange County Public Schools’ decision to sell the former Hungerford Prep site. Robinson said multiple parties have had opportunities to weigh in during the process. “Clearly everybody had an opportunity to speak… all of the parties involved sat at the table four different times,” he said. Dr. Phillips Charities says its vision for the property includes a park-like setting with walking trails, shopping and entertainment, a festival space that could hold up to 3,000 people, affordable housing and a cultural museum. Robinson said the plan would be funded largely through tourism tax dollars. As part of its agreement tied to the property, Dr. Phillips Charities has appointed a nine-member advisory board, made up of people the organization says have a strong interest in Eatonville’s future. When asked about concerns that the board is “just for show” because it can advise but not enforce, Robinson pushed back. “I would say they don’t know these people very well,” Robinson said. “Everyone on the advisory board has a very strong voice… we take their input very, very seriously.” Advisory board member and attorney Bruce Mount Jr. described the group’s role as a connector between the charity and the community. “Our role is to be that bridge,” Mount said. “We’re early on in the process, but what I’ve seen so far… I’m super optimistic.” Both Robinson and Mount Jr. said they believe communication and relationships with the city are improving as planning continues. Dr. Phillips Charities says it is hoping to close on the property soon. As for construction, the organization says it is aiming to break ground next year.