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
