There is a superb arena of mysterious history surrounding historic buildings in Orlando to thrill indigenous residents and holiday makers alike. Legends of long-forgotten mysterious treasures and haunted events have persisted for centuries in these buildings in Orlando, all waiting to be discovered by intrepid visitors.
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 restored to their original Euro-style glory from the bygone days of the early 1900's. The rooms all have unique themes with private baths. A private cottage offers quiet privacy where visitors can enjoy the lavishly landscaped Victorian-era gardens and atmosphere. Ghostly apparitions of a young Victorian girl are rumoured to roam the gardens.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens has an at length entrancing history stemming back to 1855, with the first of its four owners. Successful businessperson Harry P. Leu bought the easy, 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 native plants to Orlando in 1961. This treasure is now mentioned on the National Register of Historic 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 visual 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 lostconcealed and forgotten. Multitudes of visitors and former employees have reported strange occurrences of foggy vapors floating by, doors mysteriously opening and closing themselves, resounding footfalls stepping off of the elevators or on empty floors.
Kress Building
The typically overlooked Kress Building at 15 West Church in the middle of Orlando is a wonder to witness. The nationwide chain of nickel and dime stores were owned and operated by the Samuel H. Kress Establishment. Mr. Samuel Kress wanted the building to be creative as well as a functional part of the community in which it resided and served. He fired the first chosen 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 hereabouts known distinguished landmark in Orlando.
The Angebilt Hotel
The Angebilt Hotel built by Joseph Ange at a gigantic $1 million bucks in 1923. The Angebilt was Mr. Ange's response to the Vanderbilt's glamorous hotels and design. Found 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 and designer Murray King in 1923. He was also Florida's first officially registered architect in the state.
Orlando Bank & Trust Company
Also made in the 20th Century commercial style is the infamous skyscraper Orlando Bank & Trust Company. This gigantic skyscraper is situated at 100 South Orange Avenue still stand encircled by its modern architecturally symmetrical counterparts. It is easy to see the bleak contrast in the clean modern lines versus the more artist decorations on the Orlando Bank and Trust. Walking tours conducted by the Orlando Downtown Historic Society grant face to face accounts of other buildings in Orlando of historic 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 restored to their original Euro-style glory from the bygone days of the early 1900's. The rooms all have unique themes with private baths. A private cottage offers quiet privacy where visitors can enjoy the lavishly landscaped Victorian-era gardens and atmosphere. Ghostly apparitions of a young Victorian girl are rumoured to roam the gardens.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens has an at length entrancing history stemming back to 1855, with the first of its four owners. Successful businessperson Harry P. Leu bought the easy, 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 native plants to Orlando in 1961. This treasure is now mentioned on the National Register of Historic 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 visual 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 lostconcealed and forgotten. Multitudes of visitors and former employees have reported strange occurrences of foggy vapors floating by, doors mysteriously opening and closing themselves, resounding footfalls stepping off of the elevators or on empty floors.
Kress Building
The typically overlooked Kress Building at 15 West Church in the middle of Orlando is a wonder to witness. The nationwide chain of nickel and dime stores were owned and operated by the Samuel H. Kress Establishment. Mr. Samuel Kress wanted the building to be creative as well as a functional part of the community in which it resided and served. He fired the first chosen 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 hereabouts known distinguished landmark in Orlando.
The Angebilt Hotel
The Angebilt Hotel built by Joseph Ange at a gigantic $1 million bucks in 1923. The Angebilt was Mr. Ange's response to the Vanderbilt's glamorous hotels and design. Found 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 and designer Murray King in 1923. He was also Florida's first officially registered architect in the state.
Orlando Bank & Trust Company
Also made in the 20th Century commercial style is the infamous skyscraper Orlando Bank & Trust Company. This gigantic skyscraper is situated at 100 South Orange Avenue still stand encircled by its modern architecturally symmetrical counterparts. It is easy to see the bleak contrast in the clean modern lines versus the more artist decorations on the Orlando Bank and Trust. Walking tours conducted by the Orlando Downtown Historic Society grant face to face accounts of other buildings in Orlando of historic fascination.
About the Author:
Mellanie Hermin has had an interest in consequential buildings in Orlando for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information, please click here.
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