There exists a superb arena of hidden history surrounding historic buildings in Orlando to thrill local residents and travellers alike. Legends of long-forgotten hidden treasures and haunted occurrences have endured for many years in these buildings in Orlando, all waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers.
The Veranda Bed and Breakfast
The Veranda B-and-B is close to well known and significant Thornton Park. More than a few Victorian buildings have been rennovated and restored to their original Euro-style glory from the bygone days of the early 1900's. The B&B rooms all have private baths and unique themes. A private cottage offers quiet privacy to enjoy the lavishly landscaped Victorian-era gardens and atmosphere. Ghostly apparitions of a young Victorian girl are rumored to walk the gardens.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens has an extensively entrancing history going back to 1855, with the first of its four owners. Successful businessman Harry P. Leu acquired the simple, columned-white house picturesquely overlooking Lake Rowena in 1936. He deeded the house with its nearly 40 surrounding acres of landscaped gardens featuring winding trails of exotic and indigenous plants to Orlando in 1961. This treasure is now noted on the National Register of Historical Places. Harry Leu and his wife Mary, now rumored to haunt the gardens, spook visitors with mysterious chilled spots in warm rooms, and make occasional surprise visible appearances.
The Citrus Center
The Citrus Center sometimes called the Republic Bank on Orange Avenue is said to have both apparitions and lost treasure long losthidden and forgotten. Multitudes of visitors and former employees have reported bizarre occurrences of misty vapors floating by, doors mysteriously opening and closing on their own, resounding footfalls stepping on and off elevators or on vacant floors.
Kress Building
The often overlooked Kress Building at 15 West Church in the middle of Orlando is a marvel to witness. The national chain of nickel and dime stores were owned and operated by the Samuel H. Kress Corporation. Mr. Samuel Kress wanted the building to be artistic as well as a functional part of the community in which it resided and served. He fired the first chosen architectural designer George Mackay to hire the more flamboyantly creative designer Edward Sibbert. Architect Edward Sibbert used the Art Deco style with terra cotta and pastel-colored elaborations in the development of the Kress building in 1935. The store speedily opened in 1936 to become a unique locally known distinguished Orlando landmark.
The Angebilt Hotel
The Angebilt Hotel built by Joseph Ange at a gigantic $1 million bucks in 1923. The Angebilt was Mr. Ange's reaction to the Vanderbilt's glamorous hotels and design. Located on 37 North Orange Avenue in Orlando's historic downtown district, this unique structure is a shining example of the 20th Century "commercial architecture" style pioneered by architect Murray King in 1923. He was also Florida's first officially registered architect in the state.
Orlando Bank & Trust Company
Also constructed in the 20th Century commercial style is the famous skyscraper Orlando Bank & Trust Company. This large skyscraper is found at 100 South Orange Avenue still stand surrounded by its modern architecturally symmetrical brothers. It is not hard to see the harsh contrast in the clean modern lines that contrast the more artist decorations on the Orlando Bank and Trust. Walking tours conducted by the Orlando Downtown Historical Society grant up close and personal accounts of other buildings in Orlando of historical fascination.
The Veranda Bed and Breakfast
The Veranda B-and-B is close to well known and significant Thornton Park. More than a few Victorian buildings have been rennovated and restored to their original Euro-style glory from the bygone days of the early 1900's. The B&B rooms all have private baths and unique themes. A private cottage offers quiet privacy to enjoy the lavishly landscaped Victorian-era gardens and atmosphere. Ghostly apparitions of a young Victorian girl are rumored to walk the gardens.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens has an extensively entrancing history going back to 1855, with the first of its four owners. Successful businessman Harry P. Leu acquired the simple, columned-white house picturesquely overlooking Lake Rowena in 1936. He deeded the house with its nearly 40 surrounding acres of landscaped gardens featuring winding trails of exotic and indigenous plants to Orlando in 1961. This treasure is now noted on the National Register of Historical Places. Harry Leu and his wife Mary, now rumored to haunt the gardens, spook visitors with mysterious chilled spots in warm rooms, and make occasional surprise visible appearances.
The Citrus Center
The Citrus Center sometimes called the Republic Bank on Orange Avenue is said to have both apparitions and lost treasure long losthidden and forgotten. Multitudes of visitors and former employees have reported bizarre occurrences of misty vapors floating by, doors mysteriously opening and closing on their own, resounding footfalls stepping on and off elevators or on vacant floors.
Kress Building
The often overlooked Kress Building at 15 West Church in the middle of Orlando is a marvel to witness. The national chain of nickel and dime stores were owned and operated by the Samuel H. Kress Corporation. Mr. Samuel Kress wanted the building to be artistic as well as a functional part of the community in which it resided and served. He fired the first chosen architectural designer George Mackay to hire the more flamboyantly creative designer Edward Sibbert. Architect Edward Sibbert used the Art Deco style with terra cotta and pastel-colored elaborations in the development of the Kress building in 1935. The store speedily opened in 1936 to become a unique locally known distinguished Orlando landmark.
The Angebilt Hotel
The Angebilt Hotel built by Joseph Ange at a gigantic $1 million bucks in 1923. The Angebilt was Mr. Ange's reaction to the Vanderbilt's glamorous hotels and design. Located on 37 North Orange Avenue in Orlando's historic downtown district, this unique structure is a shining example of the 20th Century "commercial architecture" style pioneered by architect Murray King in 1923. He was also Florida's first officially registered architect in the state.
Orlando Bank & Trust Company
Also constructed in the 20th Century commercial style is the famous skyscraper Orlando Bank & Trust Company. This large skyscraper is found at 100 South Orange Avenue still stand surrounded by its modern architecturally symmetrical brothers. It is not hard to see the harsh contrast in the clean modern lines that contrast the more artist decorations on the Orlando Bank and Trust. Walking tours conducted by the Orlando Downtown Historical Society grant up close and personal accounts of other buildings in Orlando of historical fascination.
About the Author:
Mellanie Hermin has been interested in historic buildings in Orlando for several years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For some more info, please click here.
No comments :
Post a Comment