While this may not be the result we intended, it did put the Lubbe House in the public discussion. As Commissioner Sheehan stated, staff had admitted to her that concepts for the Lake Eola Southwest gateway was to demolish the Lubbe House. Apparently staff had not shared this with the Mayor. There was no previous public declaration to save the house until she made it public. Though it is encouraging to hear Mayor Dyer state 'the Lubbe House will not be demolished', the door is left open for the CRA's structural assessment. Their printed response keeps mentioning the possibility of "asbestos" without any substantiation. It is important to note that asbestos was not widely common until the 1940s, in particular in residential application. Should the CRA's hired inspection agency's finding determine any threats the CRA can apply for immediate demolition without any public review. This would be similar to what happened to the historic McCrory's/Woolworth Building on Orange Ave where the Plaza now sits.
It is ironic that the Mayor and Council would leave the potential for millions of dollars in state and private grants on the table while claiming 'high costs' for rehabilitating the structure. There are currently no plans that support their claim.
Until the plans for the Gateway are final it is important for the public to stay involved. Commissioner Sheehan was able to have 2 public comment meetings included in the design phase. Once the dates are determined we will publish them so you may participate.
Additionally OPT has applied for consideration to the 2026 Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's list of Florida's 11 to Save. Determination will be in June.
A big THANK YOU to all who contacted the Mayor, Commissioners and planning staff and to those who attended the preservation board and city council meetings.
Orlando Preservation Board Voted Unanimously to forward Lubbe House Landmark Request to City council
On March 4th the Orlando preservation board voted unanimously to forward the landmark application to City Council. The City Council will hear the application on Monday March 16 first at the agenda review at 1pm followed by the council meeting at 2pm. All public comments were unanimous in support. Several members of the public including family and previous residents spoke.
It is important that we keep the momentum by communicain with elected officials.
Lubbe House Application for Landmark Designation by Orlando Historic Preservation Board being Heard March 4, 4pm
The Orlando HPB will hear Wednesday March 4th, 4pm in City Council chambers. This agenda item had been deferred from February’s agenda so that the planning department could prepare their response. Should the HPB approve the application it will then be sent to Orlando City Council on March 16th. At that meeting Orlando Mayor and City Council will vote to move the application forward for a full HPB discussion.
Mayor Dyer has publicly stated the ‘Lubbe House will not be demolished’ but that he opposes landmark status due to additional expenses during rehabilitation. The inclusion of the Lubbe House is incumbent on a structural evaluation by the hired construction firm Turner Construction.
The City Clerk has posted the agenda item on line which can be accessed at the following link
https://tinyurl.com/3ndremcv
Lubbe House Nominated for Orlando Landmark Possibly Threatened by Demolition
Orange Preservation Trust, OPT, has nominated
the Lubbe House located at 215 E Central Blvd
in downtown Orlando to the City of Orlando’s
Landmark list. The city has acquired the
property at the southwest corner of Lake Eola
Park and is planning a gateway entrance. The
Lubbe House, (pictured), was constructed on the
site in 1930 and sites near the corner. According
to research done by Dr. Tana Porter, PhD
History, the undeveloped property has been
owned by several notable Orlandoans, most
notably Jacob Summerlin and Hobart Sperry.
Prior to development of the area much of the land was later sold to James Thornton. It was
Thornton, who is associated with what is now enjoyed as Thornton Park, that subdivided the area
and sold the parcel to the Lubbes to build their home.
The newspaper, Orlando Evening Star, reported the sale including Lubbe’s announcement that
he planned to build a residence on Central Avenue overlooking Lake Eola, a house that “would
be in keeping with the Florida setting but would be something different in tropical architecture.”
The newspaper followed its January twenty-third- announcement of the sale with a comment two
days later extolling the beauties of the property, calling it “one of the best purchases that have
been made in the history of Orlando. This is one of the most desirable locations in the city.
Orlando’s growth in commercial importance, in domestic enjoyment and in physical
beautification, will make the possibilities of the Lubbe location incomparable.”
The Lubbes took possession of their completed house in mid-November, 1930. On November
19, 1930, the Evening Star again described “one of the outstanding homes of Orlando,” and its
“Beautiful grounds with stately trees and artistic landscaping,” The “rich tint” of the stucco
exterior came from Chicago, and the “hurricane proof tiles, interlocking and overlapping to
prevent being torn off by storm,” came from Holland. “Solar heaters” and a new kind of a gas
furnace came from California. “Bird baths, unique urns, and garden furnishings” decorated the
lawns. Its Moorish architectural style framed by palm trees, the house fronted on Lake Eola. It
had three large bedrooms and two tile bathrooms, two sun porches and a balcony overlooking
Eola Park and its rose garden. Most of the furnishings were custom built for the house. Needlessto say this was meant as a building of place and permanence. The Lubbe House is the last
remaining home that was built on Lake Eola.
The city’s goal of place making benefits both residents and visitors alike by improving the
quality of life and economic interests of the community. Landmarking the Lubbe House will
work well with the city’s initiatives by recognizing the historic past and established sense of
place that creates a unique destination and also bridges our past with our future as the
surrounding park is enhanced. Landmarking the Lubbe House does not prevent the city from
changing the use of the building, modifying the building with additions to increase usable space
or minor adjustments to its position. Preservation and development are not mutually exclusive,
there are many examples globally that with creative design have produced celebrated spaces.
Over the past year Commissioner Sheehan had been going to speaking appearances at
neighborhood associations with assurances from Mayor Dyer that the Lubbe House was to be
included in redevelopment of the park. However, to her surprise and anger she has since been
advised that the house is to be deleted from plans. In her discussions with city planners she has
been told that the house needs to be demolished due to the high cost of restoration. When asked
for substantiation on their claim they were unable to provide any. She also asked why there has
not been any public inclusion in the design concept. During community events sponsored by the
Downtown Development Board, DDB, discussing 5 major initiatives downtown, when asked
about the inclusion of the Lubbe House, their reply was ‘there is no final decision’. Actual public
media of a suggested design entry gateway, the Lubbe House is clearly in the background.
On February 4th the Historic Preservation Board will hear the landmark request. Public presence
at the meeting would be invaluable. For those unable able to attend, letters in support are equally
helpful. If the request for landmarking is approved by HPB it will be sent to City council for
recommendation or denial at an expedited reading at the end of February. Those who have been
in Orlando for quite a while may remember the McCrory’s Five and Dime on Orange Avenue
request for historic protection. Under pressure from a developer the request was denied by
Mayor Dyer and the city council and demolition began immediately after the meeting and
continued all the through the night leaving a pile of rubble the next day. The Mayor and
Council’s action along with the immediate demolition denied any due process and opportunity
for the public to appeal their decision. It has happened before and it can happen again.
OPT is asking for support in approving this Landmark designation and keeping the Lubbe House
in any final park plans. We ask any organizations or by individual interested persons to send
letters/emails indicating your support. Communications can be sent to the City of Orlando
Preservation office as well as the Mayor and commissioners at the following email addresses. In
reference to the landmark request, it can be identified as either 215 E Central Blvd, Lubbe House
or HPB2025-10297
May is Historic Preservation Month
May is Historic Preservation Month. It’s a great time to renew your membership in preservation organizations such as the National Trust, Florida Trust and Orange Preservation Trust. Consider using their travel guides when making vacation plans this summer. Some of these memberships include discounts on accommodations, as well as entry fees to attractions and museums. Memberships also great make great gifts.
2023 Private Gardens of Historic Orlando, featuring the Lake Eola Heights Historic District, Sunday March 26 noon until 5pm
The “Private Gardens of Historic Orlando”, this year features the Lake Eola Heights Historic District. What started as a bi-annual tour of this neighborhood has become a yearly event featuring other historic neighborhoods throughout Orlando. You may begin the tour wherever you wish. The 8 gardens are identified by colorful banners in the parkway at each location. Visit as many as you wish. The tour begins at noon and ends at 5:00 pm. Garden Central will be at E. Amelia St and Broadway Ave in front of the Broadway United Methodist Church.
All of the Gardens on the tour offer something special, which may inspire you with ideas for your own garden or may simply provide you with an enjoyable day in a beautiful setting. Stroll along beautiful brick streets dappled by sunlight that has been filtered through a veil of oak boughs and Spanish moss. Downtown homes often have small back yards. Some of the gardens highlighted on today’s tour are wonderful examples of how to turn these spaces into beautiful outdoor rooms. Other gardens are included because of the creative way various elements have been incorporated into the garden. There are also wonderful examples of how to bring the calming and recuperative effects of water into the garden ranging from fountains to swimming pools! It is from her own garden that neighborhood artist Diane Martens found the inspiration for this year’s featured painting. The artwork has been incorporated into the tour’s posters and brochure. You can see more of Diane’s artwork at www.dianemartens.com. You are also encouraged to visit Garden Central at E. Amelia St at Broadway Ave. in front of Broadway United Methodist Church. There will be vendors as well as informational tables about garden and historic preservation.
Tickets are $25 day of the tour or advance purchased are $20 on-line at the link provided or at tour partner Eola General at 522 E Amelia St.
Broadway United Methodist Church 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Orlando, FL
ALL OUR WELCOME!
APRIL 24 TH , 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
· 10:00 am – 11:00 am Introduction to photo exhibits & historical displays
· 11:00 – 12:00 Remembrance sharing in the Sanctuary
· 12:00 – 3:00 pm Return to the photo exhibits & historical displays
Call or text Val Mobley 407-648-1134 for information or questions.
The History
Broadway United Methodist Church, on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Amelia Street in the Lake Eola Heights Historic District Orlando, FL, will be celebrating 100 years on APRIL 24, 2022. Experience the church’s past in pictures, historical displays and hear remembrances. The original church building was not on the corner of North Lake Street (as it was known in 1922) but on the lot next door to the corner lot. The wood frame, single story building was erected in 1922 by the men of the congregation in a single day.
Since over 100 people joined the new church at its first service, everyone realized that a larger building would be needed. Plans were made almost immediately to build a bigger church. The original name of the new church was North Lake Street Methodist Church, South.
In 1925 Rev. J. L. Criswell was appointed as pastor. He was the planner, architect and builder of the church as it stands today. The new building was to be built on the corner lot next door to the original building. The city changed the name of the street to Broadway in 1927, so the church changed its name then to Broadway Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
The original wood frame building was torn down when construction began on the new building. A basement was dug (with the help of horses from a traveling circus that was in town) and the lumber from the original building was used to provide a roof for this new basement. That way the church would be dry while holding services until the 2 upper stories were completed in 1927. In December of that year a cornerstone was laid with a time capsule inside. Placed in the time capsule were a Bible, membership roster, list of building committee members and copies of the local newspapers.
As time marched on an elevator was installed as well as A/C in 1956. Hurricane Donna in 1960 was the first time that services were not held – the basement flooded. The church withstood Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jean in 2004 without needing to close. However, the pandemic of 2020 caused closures.
In January 1980 a fire in the sanctuary caused extensive damage. The stained-glass windows survived the fire intact due to the heroic efforts of the Orlando Fire Department. The congregation shared space with the Concord United Methodist Church for almost a year until the repairs were completed.
The Lake Eola Heights Community Garden was built in 2016 on the grounds of the church. It is the only community garden in the city of Orlando on private property.
Lancaster House Gets Positive Support in Belle Isle Council Vote!
The fate of the historic Lancaster House has been in the balance for nearly five years. Lancaster House sits on the corner of City of Belle Isle property that Cornerstone Academy leases. School board officials want to remove the house so that they may increase the property for non-specific use. The challenge to save the house has been going on for nearly 5 years.
During the recent Belle Isle City Council meeting at the beginning of March, Belle Isle City council, with the exception of one council member, voted to appropriate money to save and move the structure to a nearby location.
This could not have happened without the continued efforts by local elected officials, preservation groups and the public’s support. Students at Cornerstone Academy as well as residents and visitors to Belle Isle will be guaranteed a historic resource that will celebrate and educate what makes this community so special.
Historic Orlando House Threatened
By Tana Mosier Porter
One of Orlando’s oldest and most elegant houses meets nearly all eligibility criteria for both the National Register of Historic Places and the list of Orlando Historic Landmarks, yet the S. A. Robinson house, built in 1885 on the east side of North Magnolia Avenue near Livingston Street, appears on neither one. With no protection from demolition, which would come with recognition as an Orlando Historic Landmark, the magnificent house is now endangered by encroaching modern development.
Samuel Austin Robinson, one of the city’s earliest residents, came to Orlando from Michigan in 1876 to help his brother set out a citrus grove in what is now Lake Eola Heights. Sam Robinson soon distinguished himself as one of Orlando’s most illustrious citizens. A civil engineer, he established a surveying practice in Central Florida and worked for seventeen years as Orange County’s surveyor. He also served as tax assessor and tax collector, alderman, school trustee, and city surveyor, in addition to two terms in the state Legislature. Robinson laid out Orlando’s downtown streets, and with J. Otto Fries, he surveyed the new Greenwood Cemetery.
“One of the best in Orlando”
In 1885 Sam Robinson built one of the first houses in the Lake Eola Heights area. The Orange County Reporterannounced in December 1884 that Robinson would soon start construction of his house, noting that he would “have one of the best and most substantial houses in Orlando, having taken great pains to secure the finest grades of rare native lumber for the inside finish.”
According to Orlando historian Eve Bacon, Sam Robinson’s large Colonial-style frame residence “featured a gable and widow’s walk. It had famous plate-glass windows that puzzled the town because of their near invisibility. The only running water in the home was through a hose in the bathroom off the ground-floor master bedroom, which connected to the faucet on the back porch. At the time, its installation was considered almost grotesque modernity on the part of Mr. Robinson. Following a November 1890 fire at the “magnificent residence of S. A. Robinson, at Orlando,” the Pensacola News Sun confirmed that, “It was finished throughout on the inside with the finest of curly yellow pine.” The house was reportedly insured for $10,000.
Robinson obviously reconstructed whatever damage the fire had done, for the house today features the same widow’s walk, which he said he had built for stargazing with his daughters, and most probably the same footprint. The front façade, though, was changed at some time, possibly after the fire. An early, undated photograph shows the house with what appears to be the same front portico roof, covering at that time verandahs across the fronts of both stories, where now the roof is supported by four elegant columns, with a small balcony above the front door.
A colonial atmosphere
Sam Robinson sold the house in 1900. In 1920, T. C. Brannon, a citrus inspector, conductor on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, realtor, and prominent Orlandoan, bought it and opened a boarding house, advertised as “The Magnolia.” The Broadway United Methodist Church was organized at a meeting in the house in 1922. Renamed “The Colonial,” it continued as a boarding house after Brannon sold it in 1934. In 1936, the Colonial Tea Room advertised in the Winter Park Topics: lunches, dinners, special parties, and rooms by the day or the week. The Orlando Sentinel society column praised the colonial atmosphere, furnishings, and architecture, and noted “the particular charm” of the house. A new owner in 1948 planned to open a twelve-room tourist hotel to be called “Magnolia Manor.” Offices and other agencies occupied the Robinson House after W. O. Daley bought it in 1954. The Daley family sold the house in 2015, and it is again listed for sale.
Today, Sam Robinson’s substantial residence, which fronted a vast orange grove in 1885, has become an imposing four-columned mansion on a heavily traveled downtown street. The oak trees that Robinson planted are all gone in this section of Magnolia Avenue, and many Orlandoans who pass every day have perhaps never noticed the beautiful and historically important house at 419 North Magnolia Avenue.
Historian Tana Mosier Porter is based in Orlando.
Orlando Land Trust Seeks to Preserve Lake Eola Park Greenspace
Southwest Corner of Rosalind Ave and Central Blvd Orlando,FL
Orlando is fortunate to have great world class public gathering places, often referred to as “venues”, The Dr. Phillips Center, The Amway Arena and the Camping World Stadium. Both public and private money goes into these facilities to support and promote them. In reality, there are 4 venues, the fourth being the regional Lake Eola Park. Unlike the “big 3”, Lake Eola Park has a far smaller budget. Ironically it is open every day, longer hours, hosts as many if not more than some of the other venues and most definitely handles more visitors annually than some of the other venues. Lake Eola Park is historically the most attended public space in the region. Sadly, the success of the park has put economic pressure on surrounding land by developers who want to capitalize on its success.
Many of you may recall the last attempt by developers to build a high rise on the east side of Lake Eola Park and the resulting resistance from the community. This activism is telling of how the Orlando region feels about the importance of Lake Eola Park. Public action resulted in the City of Orlando’s purchase and greenspace restoration of the east side of Lake Eola Park. However, recently there has been an attempt by out of state developers to encroach into the park on the southwest corner with a high rise tower.
Several months ago a few women approached Orange Preservation Trust, OPT, with the idea of preserving available greenspace around Lake Eola Park. While most people think of historic preservation as the built environment it also includes park space and landscapes. OPT agreed that their idea of restoring property to its historic greenspace state is definitely in line with the goals of preservation.
Impressively, Lynn Long and Eugenia Sefcik founded Orlando Land Trust in a matter of months. Being Orlando natives from several generations back motivated a group of supporters to join the board of Orlando Land Trust upon their request. What is interesting of the composition of their board is that it not only includes old Orlando families but “newcomers” as well. The National Trust for Public Land will act as the local land trust’s agent and facilitate the $3.5 million transaction until their non-profit status is completed. What follows will be the fund raising to complete the sale and then deed transfer to the City of Orlando.
What can you do to help you might ask? Check out their website, watch for upcoming events, become a volunteer and most importantly be come a donor! Share their web page with your local as well as out of state Orlandoans who share the passion to grow back Lake Eola Park. Go to www.orlandolandtrust.org
Let’s join these “little old ladies” and show them and civic leaders that Orlando is with them!