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Discover 8 historical gems near Lake Eola
Just steps from Lake Eola, downtown Orlando’s history hides in plain sight. Walk a few blocks and you’ll find a former depot that sparked an economic boom, a sanctuary that changed hands, and the city’s oldest commercial building. Each one tells part of our story and they’re all close enough to explore on foot.
1. First Church of Christ Scientist
In 1928, the First Church of Christ Scientist was built in downtown Orlando. The building was designed by architect George Foote Dunham following a Classical Revival architectural style. The structure, now occupied by St. George Orthodox Church, is located across the street from Lake Eola and adjacent to The Orlando Public Library.
Photo by Ella Snyder/The Orlando Life
2. Baptist Terrace Apartments
The 14-story tall Baptist Terrace Apartments were built in 1969 by First Baptist Housing. Their goal was to provide affordable living for seniors in the community. Although the apartments are now called The Roberts, and are owned by the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, they still serve the same purpose. The building is about a five minute walk from Lake Eola.
3. Rogers-Kiene Building
Constructed in 1886, Rogers-Kiene is downtown Orlando’s oldest commercial building. Built with neo-classical architecture in mind, this bright structure stands out. The Rogers-Kiene building has served multiple purposes over the years. Originally, the bottom floor was a grocery store, and the second story was a gathering place for English immigrants. Now, the building is home to CityArts, featuring a rotating art gallery and a café only a seven minute walk from Lake Eola.
4. Tinker Building
In 1925, manager of the Orlando Tigers and former baseball player Joseph B. Tinker constructed the Tinker building to house his real estate offices. Since then, the Tinker Building has been home to a variety of businesses such as the Singer Sewing Machine Company, the Orlando Magic, and the Orlando Weekly. Now, Chronic Guru Dispensary & Lounge occupies the space. Located on West Pine Street, the building is about a ten minute walk or a three minute drive from Lake Eola.
5. Old Orlando Railroad Depot
The Orlando Railroad Depot was built in 1880 as a way to connect Orlando to Sanford. An 1883 extension to the railroad resulted in an increase in trade and a boom in the city’s economy. In 1926, the Old Orlando Railroad Depot was phased out, but the structure still stands beside the current SunRail stop. The depot and station are about a thirteen minute walk or a four minute drive from Lake Eola.
6. Dr. Phillips House
In 1893, Colonel Peleg Peckham built a home on Lucerne Circle for his daughter. Dr. Philip Phillips purchased the home in 1912 and lived there for the remainder of his life until 1959. Now, the house functions as a banquet hall, hosting luxurious events. The Dr. Phillips house is about a five minute drive or a seventeen minute walk from Lake Eola.
7. Orlando Utilities Commission Administration Building
The Orlando Utilities Commission Administration Building, designed by Richard Boone Rodgers, was constructed in 1967. The commission operated in this building during a time where production levels were high due to Walt Disney World and the University of Central Florida. Now, the building is owned by the hotel Aloft Orlando Downtown. The hotel is about a five minute drive or eighteen minute walk to Lake Eola.
8. Wells’ Built Hotel
In 1926, Dr. William Monrow Wells built a hotel as a place for African Americans visiting Orlando to stay. Entertainers, such as Ella Fitzgerlad, spent the night at the Wells’ Built Hotel before performing at the nearby Dr. Wells’ South Street Casino. The building now serves as a museum of African American history and culture. The museum is about a five minute drive or twenty-two minute walk from Lake Eola.
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