Orlando Business Journal Features Lawrence Alfond Innovation Triangle
The Orlando Business Journal highlighted how Rollins College is investing in downtown Winter Park through the development of the Lawrence Alfond Innovation Triangle.
By Jo Marie Hebeler
October 01, 2026
The initiative includes relocating the Rollins Museum of Art to a new 32,000-square-foot facility at 200 E. New England Ave. and constructing a building for the new Rick Goings Institute at 203 E. Lyman Ave. The projects replace a former parking lot and bank drive-thru. They accompany the 2024 expansion of the college's Alfond Inn, which added 71 guestrooms, meeting space, a spa, and a cafe.
College leaders expect the triangle to foster deeper community connections and drive regional economic growth. "It should become a place where Rollins, Winter Park and people from outside the region regularly encounter one another," said Brooke Barnett, president of Rollins College. "If we do that well, the value will be measured not only by the programs or exhibitions inside the buildings, but by the relationships and activity they generate around them.”
The museum's move allows it to display more of its 6,000-piece collection and accommodate growing visitor demand. Leslie Anderson, executive director of the museum, noted that more than 85% of fiscal year 2026 guests were first-time visitors and nearly half came from outside the four-county Orlando area. "By bringing more visitors into the heart of the city, the museum will support increased foot traffic, economic activity and partnership opportunities that benefit both Rollins and the broader community," Anderson said.
Meanwhile, the Rick Goings Institute will offer continuing education for corporate executives on emerging topics such as artificial intelligence and leadership. Anil Menon, CEO of the institute and dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business, highlighted the long-term impact of attracting national and international leaders. "These are executives who make decisions about companies, investment, talent and partnerships," Menon said. "We have an opportunity to introduce them to Winter Park and Central Florida in a setting where they have time to know the place and the people."
Read the full article here.
Recent Stories
October 13, 2026
Strom Traces the History of Hunger
Claire Strom, the Rapetti-Trunzo Chair of History at Rollins College, discussed the history of hunger on Academic Minute. The program, produced by NPR affiliate WAMC and hosted by Association of American Colleges & Universities President Lynn Pasquerella, airs on more than 70 NPR member stations across the country. Strom said a review of human history shows that hunger has been a persistent challenge across societies and eras. “The lack of adequate food is ubiquitous in human history,” she said, “no society has existed without hungry people.”
October 09, 2026
Winter Park Magazine Names Barnett and Mould 2026 Influentials
Each year, Winter Park Magazine announces its list of “Winter Park’s Most Influential People.” The program, in its 11th year, recognizes those who make a difference through their professions, their volunteerism, their philanthropy, their talents, or their community engagement. Rollins President, Brooke Barnett, and her husband, Tom Mould, are in the Class of 2026
October 08, 2026
Irteza ’27 Named 2026 Newman Civic Fellow
Aimal Irteza ’27 has received Campus Compact’s 2026–27 Newman Civic Fellowship, which recognizes and supports students committed to achieving social change.