Dear Fellow Preservation Enthusiasts;
OPT has been working with the City of Belle Isle and Orange County leaders as well as area historic groups since mid 2020 to find a creative solution to help prevent the demolition of the historic Lancaster House. The house has sat in its original corner lot location since the late 1800s. It is one of the oldest remaining properties in Orange County. Cornerstone Charter Academy leases the surrounding property from the City of Belle Isle and has requested that the city clear the house from its location so that it may expand the campus surface area. While several options have been investigated, leaving the structure in its original location provides the best economic solution as it would be eligible for national preservation grants, provide income producing potential as well as provide building trade skills through rehabilitation and reduce landfill debris.
You are encouraged to write city officials via the hot link provided below and urge city officials to carve out the parcel from the school's lease and protect the oldest remaining house in this community.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Raymond Cox, president OPT