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Lake Copeland Historic District

Map | Ordinance | 2009 HPB Calendar

The Lake Copeland Historic Neighborhood, located just south of downtown is one of the city's older residential neighborhoods filled with a mixture of architectural styles such as Colonial, Mediterranean and Tudor Revival style houses. Many Bungalows and Minimal Traditional forms can also be found among the approximately 100 residences. Celebrated local architects, including James Gamble Rogers II, designed many of the City's fine homes in this neighborhood during the early Twentieth Century.

BACKGROUND

The Lake Copeland Historic District was designated as a local historic district in 1984 and contains approximately 110 residences. Located east of Orange Avenue and south of Gore Street, the neighborhood initially attracted residents desirous of living away from Orlando’s burgeoning downtown. By the Great Depression, the area was almost entirely developed. The oldest remaining home in the district is the McRae-Raehn House (1880s) located at 414 East Miller Street. The structure was originally a farmhouse for the property that was bounded by Kaley, Orange, Briercliff and Ferncreek.

Most of the houses in the district represent a wide variety of styles from the first half of the 20th century. Popular influences of that era include the Colonial, Mediterranean and Tudor Revival styles, as well as the bungalow and Minimal Traditional forms. The arrival of the 1920s saw construction of many of the neighborhood’s most magnificent homes, including the S.J. Sligh House (1925) at 239 East Copeland Drive. Built for the wealthy citrus magnate at a then staggering sum of $25,000, it is among Orlando’s most distinctive homes and is a textbook example of Neoclassical Revival.

Celebrated local architects, including James Gamble Rogers II, designed many of the city’s finest homes during the early part of the century. Rogers left his mark on the Lake Copeland Historic District with his design of the Claybaugh House (1927). Located at 205 East Copeland, its tiled roof of varying pitches, decorative windows and mock bell tower create a charming variation of the Mediterranean Revival style.

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McRae-Raehn House 
414 East Miller Street


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S.J. Sligh House 
 239 East Copeland Drive


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Claybaugh House 
 205 East Copeland

PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS

Before you make certain 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 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 would 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 a $50 fee for a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Exceptions

There are exceptions to these requirements. Approval does not have to be obtained for any alteration which does not require a building permit from the City; alterations to any structure built after January 1, 1940; paint and roof color; alterations to exterior features which are not subject to view from one or more public streets or parks; signs not greater than one square foot in area; and emergency repair that will not change the exterior design.

INCENTIVES

The City offers a property tax exemption to property owners for the substantial rehabilitation of locally designated historic property. 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 remains intact with the sale of the property.

INFORMATION

For further information regarding the Lake Copeland Historic District or questions concerning 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.

| Historic Preservation Main |

Communications, City Hall 2nd Floor. 400 S. Orange Ave. PO Box 4990 Orlando Fl 32808