A simulated street sign celebrating Harris Rosen's legacy in Orlando.
Orlando is set to honor the late hotelier Harris Rosen by proposing the naming of a section of International Drive as ‘Harris Rosen Way.’ State lawmakers Kristen Arrington and Rita Harris are leading the initiative, which recognizes Rosen’s significant contributions to the hospitality industry and his philanthropic efforts in Central Florida. The proposed honorary designation aims to celebrate his legacy and the values he represented, allowing his family and the community to remember his impact on many lives.
In a heartwarming move, a section of International Drive in Orange County might soon be proudly dubbed “Harris Rosen Way.” This proposed street naming is set to cover an area between State Road 528 and Sand Lake Road, where several hotels owned by the beloved hotelier once stood. The push for this commemorative designation comes from two dedicated Central Florida state lawmakers: State Senator Kristen Arrington from Kissimmee and State Representative Rita Harris from Orlando.
Harris Rosen, the founder of Florida’s largest independent hotel chain, sadly passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 85. During his impressive career, he transformed the hospitality landscape in Orlando after launching his first hotel, a 256-room Quality Inn on International Drive back in 1974. Over the years, he expanded Rosen Hotels & Resorts to include seven properties with an impressive count of over 6,300 rooms. This remarkable growth translated into jobs, employing over 4,000 individuals, and cemented Rosen’s status as a key figure in the local economy.
Rosen wasn’t just a hotelier; he was also a renowned philanthropist. His generous contributions to the Central Florida community are too significant to overlook. He was known for funding free preschool education and providing college scholarships in underserved neighborhoods like Tangelo Park and Parramore. His philanthropic foundation alone contributed more than $12 million to various causes, including vital projects such as cancer research and broader educational opportunities. The ripple effect of his kindness has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
The bill to honor him isn’t just about naming a street; it’s about celebrating the values he embodied. Arrington stated that Rosen perfectly represented the pursuit of the American Dream, serving as a role model and beacon of hope for the community. Meanwhile, Harris has highlighted how essential it is to preserve his legacy through this recognition. It’s a simple yet powerful way to remind everyone of his lasting impact on the community and the lives he touched.
The proposed legislative designation is primarily honorary, meaning there’s no requirement for local governments or private entities to change street signs or mailing addresses. Instead, the Florida Department of Transportation would take the impressive step of erecting markers along International Drive to commemorate Harris Rosen’s incredible journey and contributions. This way, every passerby will have a chance to learn about the man behind the name.
Rosen’s family has shared their thoughts regarding this prestigious designation. They conveyed how touched they are to see their beloved patriarch honored in such a meaningful way. His daughter, Shayna Potier, expressed that the name “Harris Rosen Way” serves as a constant reminder of her father’s life and his unwavering dedication to helping others. It exemplifies the spirit of giving that he championed throughout his life.
Leading the charge at Rosen Hotels & Resorts today is CEO Frank Santos, who has long been an associate of Rosen. He is committed to upholding the founder’s visionary principles and continuing to drive the company’s success forward. As Central Florida moves to honor a true icon within the hospitality industry, everyone awaits the outcome of the proposal during the Florida Legislature’s upcoming 60-day session starting in March 2025.
In the meantime, locals and visitors alike can look forward to this exciting new chapter in honoring a man who turned dreams into reality for so many.
Orlando Remembers Harris Rosen: A Visionary Hotelier and Philanthropist
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