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BACKGROUND
Designated
a local historic district in 1981, the Lake Cherokee Historic
District consists of 16 square blocks of residences and two
schools. Building activity around the lake, formerly known as Lake
Minnie, began in the late 1870s. Five 1880s homes along the west
shoreline were built by newlyweds. The small enclave became known
as "Honeymoon Row."
A
number of houses from the Victorian era remain in the district.
Two homes from Honeymoon Row remain - the large Queen Anne style Poyntz-O’Neal
House (1887) at 614 South Lake and the Gunby House (1887) at 709 Euclid Avenue. Along with
the eclectic Shingle/Neoclassical style Peleg Peckham-Dr.
Phillips House (1893) at 135 North Lucerne Circle East, these
homes offer an impressive representation of the early architecture
of the City.
The
first two decades of the 20th century are also well represented by
vernacular houses north of the lake. The house at 536 Lake Avenue
is a traditional Southern form with a central hallway, a broad
sweeping pyramidal roof and wraparound porch.
During
the 1920s Florida land boom, a variety of architectural styles,
including Craftsman style bungalows and Mediterranean, Tudor and
Colonial Revivals, were constructed in the district. Some of the
district’s distinctive homes were built in the bungalow style
including those at Hovey’s Court (1913-19) at 545 Delaney
Avenue. Its nine bungalows formerly served as guest cottages
for visitors to the city. The bungalows have now been adaptively
re-used as offices. Cherokee School (1926) at 525 South Eola
Avenue is the district’s most architecturally significant
institution.
The Mediterranean Revival School is highlighted by decorative and
colorful terra cotta ornamentation. The building is still used as
a public school.
From
1930 through the 1940s, Art Deco was popular. The streamlined Wellborn
Apartments (1947) at 203 North Lucerne Circle East contrast
with the traditional architecture of the district. |
 Poyntz-O’Neal House 614 South Lake
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PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS
Before
you make any exterior changes to your property, a
Certificate
of Appropriateness must first be issued by the
Historic
Preservation Board.
Exterior changes that will minimally impact the appearance of a structure, such as painting, re-roofing and repair with matching materials can be expedited by the Minor Review Committee of the Board in 2 to 10 days. Major modifications that significantly impact a property, such as alterations, additions, new construction, relocation and demolition require a hearing of the Board for approval. Expect approximately seven weeks from the closing date until the Certificate of Appropriateness is issued. The City charges no fee for design consultation or Board review.
INCENTIVES
The
City has recognized the importance of offering incentives to
property owners choosing to rehabilitate buildings in the Lake
Cherokee Historic District. Two preservation incentives are
currently available for the contributing buildings in the
district--a federal tax credit and a property tax exemption.
In
1982, the district was specially certified by the U.S. Secretary
of the Interior for the purpose of allowing property owners to
pursue the
Federal Investment Tax Credit. This
certification may allow you to qualify for the credit for the
rehabilitation of historic income producing buildings. The credit
is based on 20% of the qualified expenditures necessary for the
substantial rehabilitation of a certified historic property. For
more information on this program, contact the
State Historic
Preservation Office.
The
City also offers a property tax exemption to property
owners for the substantial rehabilitation of contributing
structures in the district. This 10 year exemption applies to 100%
of the City’s portion of the property taxes attributed to the
increase in property value due to rehabilitation. The exemption
period remains intact with the sale of the property.
INFORMATION
For
further information regarding the Lake Cherokee Historic District
or questions regarding modifications to structures or property
within the district, contact the Historic Preservation Officer at
(407) 246-3350, or the Historic Preservation Board recording
secretary at 407.246.3416. Permitting, located on the ground floor
of City Hall, can assist you with questions regarding the
necessary permit(s) for your project. Contact Permitting at (407)
246-2271.
Lake Cherokee District Ordinance
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Map
of Lake Cherokee Historic District
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2003
HPB Calendar Showcasing Lake Cherokee Historic District
(PDF)
