Historic Rehabilitation and Housing

Considering the majority of the residents in Mount Dora are aged 48 and older, most housing options revolve around apartments, condos, villas and homes. There are also many 55 and older communities and assisted living options, which are provided through similar apartment, condo, and villa setups. Other residents that are younger than the average median aged resident tend to have the same options unless they live below the poverty line.

Although this is not such a troubling issue in Mount Dora and the town surroundings, there are affordable housing options (although not historic rehabilitations), one in town, and the others on the outskirts of town. There is not a real need or desire from the residents for affordable housing. Historic homes are already rehabilitated for the most part to comply with unique needs or growing families. If Mount Dora was a larger town, perhaps with more diverse age groups looking for affordable housing, and if the local Historic Board was more approving of these endeavors, then this could be further explored and realized.

If the issue is to become a problem and the Historic Board decides to change their perspective, then there are a few historic properties around that could be considered, given that they are available on the market at that time. One historic structure, located at 301-399 E. 4th Avenue (Fig. 1), is currently a doctor’s office, but could be turned into affordable housing units. Another complex located two blocks north at 525 N. Tremain Street (Fig. 2), is currently an apartment building that could possibly be switched over to affordable housing. Yet another building, located one block north at 610 N. Tremain Street (Fig. 3), is another example of a historic building that could be retrofitted for affordable housing. Given the availabilities, options and needs at the time, these historic buildings could be transformed into affordable housing if the Historic Board decides the need for affordable housing trumps their current opposition. Keeping in mind that Mount Dora is not a metropolis like Orlando, Miami, or Tampa, it is understandable that there is not a dire need for affordable housing, given that most residents are retirees.