SouthState Bank Announces Transformational Downtown Winter Haven Development

May 19, 2026 • News

This move will make Downtown Winter Haven the home of Florida’s largest headquartered bank.

This article is based off a press release by the company.

SouthState Bank - Winter Haven — Rendering of Future SouthState Winter Haven Headquarters, Shared by Six/Ten LLC

Another major investment in the future of Winter Haven is officially underway. On May 4, 2026, SouthState Bank N.A., in partnership with Six/Ten LLC, announced plans for a significant downtown development that will strengthen Winter Haven’s position as a hub for business and professional growth.

A New Landmark for Downtown Winter Haven

The project centers on the construction of a five-story, 40,000-square-foot office building at 233 Central Avenue, bringing new life to a site that has remained vacant for more than a decade. Once completed, the building will host the bank’s Winter Haven Operations Center employees. Six/Ten LLC will be the developer and project coordinator for this project, and the completed office building will be owned by SouthState.

This development marks more than an investment in the city; it is also a historic Winter Haven milestone in the making. According to local historian Bob Gernert, the structure will be the tallest new office building constructed in downtown Winter Haven in over 100 years, signaling a new era of vertical growth and economic momentum.

Energizing Downtown

SouthState plans to relocate approximately 125 employees to the new downtown office, consolidating operations while contributing to increased foot traffic and economic activity in the city center.

CEO John Corbett emphasized the importance of the move:

“This new downtown office building provides our team with the modern environment they need to continue serving our clients with excellence, while staying in Winter Haven. There is a unique, vibrant energy in this downtown district. We want our team to be an active part of that atmosphere, and we are thrilled to deepen our presence in a place we call home.”
John Corbett, SouthState Bank

The relocation is expected to have a ripple effect—supporting local businesses, restaurants, and retailers while reinforcing downtown as a destination for both commerce and community.

A Strategic Investment in Economic Development

As the largest Florida-based bank and the 29th largest in the United States, SouthState’s commitment to downtown Winter Haven underscores confidence in the area’s long-term growth.

Local leaders are optimistic about the broader economic impact. Bruce Lyon, president of the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, highlighted the benefits of adding a high-wage workforce to the city center, noting that these employees will actively support surrounding businesses.

Similarly, City Manager T. Michael Stavres described the project as a “tipping-point moment” that solidifies downtown Winter Haven as a premier business destination.

Bud Strang, CEO of Six/Ten LLC, called the project “very good news” for the community, emphasizing that SouthState’s decision to invest downtown demonstrates a deep commitment to employees, customers, and the region as a whole.

By anchoring a major employer in the heart of the city, the project aligns with broader efforts to create a more walkable, connected, and economically vibrant downtown.

A Defining Moment for Winter Haven’s Future

This announcement represents more than just a new building. For the city of Winter Haven, SouthState’s move signifies a strategic investment in downtown revitalization, workforce concentration, and long-term economic resilience.

“Retaining a major employer like SouthState Bank in our community — and specifically within the downtown core — is incredibly important to the long-term economic vitality of Winter Haven,” said Sean Malott, President & CEO of the Central Florida Development Council.

These are high-quality jobs that bring increased activity to the city core, and contribute to the kind of vibrant, walkable downtown environment that attracts additional investment. SouthState’s commitment to downtown Winter Haven is a strong statement about the future of our community.
Sean Malott, Central Florida Development Council

As construction moves forward, the project is poised to become a defining feature of Winter Haven’s skyline and a catalyst for continued growth in the region’s urban core.