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BACKGROUND
The
variety of building styles and sizes reflects the history of
architecture and construction during that period. Most of the
earliest buildings are characteristic of the late Victorian era
with decorative brick detailing and cornices. The Elijah Hand
Building (1905) at 15-17 West Pine Street is one of the most
intact examples from this period. Into the 1920s, classical and
Mediterranean elements dominated the buildings of downtown. Also,
construction of taller buildings such as the Angebilt Hotel
(1923-24) at 37 North Orange Avenue and the Metcalf
Building (1924), at 100 South Orange Avenue, was possible due
to the advent of more affordable and reliable elevators. From the
late 1920s until the 1940s, several buildings were constructed in
the modernistic streamlined styles. The Kress Building (1935),
at 15-17 West Church Street, is an excellent example of the
Art Deco style. In 1982, most of 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. Several individual buildings have also been included on the National Register of Historic Places. They are the Rogers Building (1886) located at 37-39 South Magnolia Avenue, the Old Orlando Railroad Depot (1889) at 76-78 West Church Street and the Tinker Building (1925) at 18 West Pine Street. |
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PERMITTING
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 signs, paint color 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 no fee for design consultation or Board review.
INCENTIVES
The
City has recognized the importance of offering incentives to
businesses choosing to locate and rehabilitate buildings in the
Downtown Historic District. Two preservation incentives, a federal
tax credit and a property tax exemption, are currently offered for
historic properties in the district.
The
owner of a building located in the certified portion of the
district may qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit
for the rehabilitation of a historic commercial building
contributing to the district. The credit is based on 20% of the
qualified expenditures necessary for the substantial
rehabilitation of a commercial certified historic building. Many
downtown property owners have taken advantage of this credit in
the past. For more information on this program, contact the
State
Historic Preservation Office.
In 1994, the City adopted a property tax exemption for the substantial rehabilitation of locally designated historic property. The 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 property.
INFORMATION
For
further information regarding the Downtown Historic District or
questions concerning modifications to structures 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.
- Printable map of Downtown Historic District (PDF)
- Downtown Historic District Ordinance (PDF)
- Downtown Historic District Walking Tour (PDF)
- 2002 HPB Calendar Showcasing Downtown Historic District (PDF)
