As towns and cities across the U.S. begin to mirror one another in look and feel, we lose the unique character that once defined them. This post explores the impact of globalization, suburban sprawl, and unchecked development on historic identity and community cohesion—urging us to rethink how we preserve not just buildings, but the soul of our towns.
Tag Archives: Florida
What Makes the Ramsey-Donnelly Building Worth Saving?
A cornerstone of Mount Dora’s historic downtown, the Ramsey-Donnelly Building reflects early commercial development and ongoing preservation efforts. Its prominent corner location, cast-iron balcony, and thoughtful integration with the streetscape highlight the importance of maintaining architectural character while supporting the town’s unique sense of place.
Stained Glass Condition Survey: United Church of Christ, Tavares, Florida
The United Church of Christ in Tavares, Florida, built in 1888, houses original stained glass windows in excellent condition. Despite no maintenance plan in place, the glass has remained intact, with only protective screens added. Concerns about nearby construction vibrations threatening its integrity highlight the need for proper preservation efforts to ensure its longevity.
ACL Railroad Station, Mount Dora, Florida
The Old Mount Dora A.C.L. Railroad Station, built in 1915, was the town’s third depot. Constructed for $8,000, it served the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. After passenger service ended in 1950, freight continued until 1973. Now housing the Chamber of Commerce, it was added to the National Register in 1992.
Condition Survey: Simpson Building, Mount Dora, Florida
The Simpson Building is a historic, brick building located in downtown Mount Dora, Florida. Built in 1925 it originally served as a hotel; current day the four storefront spaces on the main level are rented to four different business owners, with each store operating a separate HVAC system. From the exterior, the building appears toContinue reading “Condition Survey: Simpson Building, Mount Dora, Florida”
Condition Survey: 535 Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Florida
The Donnelly House was built in 1893 in Mount Dora, Florida, by John P. Donnelly, originally of Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Donnelly had moved from Pittsburgh to Mount Dora in 1879 and became the town’s first mayor. This house was built years later and was designed by the architect George Franklin Barber, as a mail orderContinue reading “Condition Survey: 535 Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, Florida”
Interior Assessment: the Shamrock Building and the Renaissance Building, Mount Dora, Florida
The two buildings that documented were the Shamrock Building and the Renaissance Building. Both of these buildings are important buildings in the downtown historic district of Mount Dora, as they were usefully implemented additions to the area. Since their original construction, they have been modified to provide better functionality for their new uses throughout theContinue reading “Interior Assessment: the Shamrock Building and the Renaissance Building, Mount Dora, Florida”
Mass-Produced Copies and Hyper-Developed Skeletons of Our Once Quaint Towns and Cities
I believe our cities and towns have lost a lot of their uniqueness, making it difficult to distinguish between one place and another. Every town has similar big box retailers, food chains, shopping malls, and the like, which eventually turn into vacant areas once suburban sprawl shifts into another direction. Originally every town had somethingContinue reading “Mass-Produced Copies and Hyper-Developed Skeletons of Our Once Quaint Towns and Cities”
Overview of Mount Dora, Florida
The city of Mount Dora, Florida, is an older town that was settled in the late 1800s, and as the majority of the original buildings are still in existence they greatly add to the town’s historical significance. Some of the earliest buildings were erected anywhere from the late 1800s to the early 1900s (Fig. 1)Continue reading “Overview of Mount Dora, Florida”
What Makes the Ramsey-Donnelly Building Worth Saving?
The Ramsey-Donnelly Building was an early addition to the downtown commercial district of Mount Dora (Fig. 1) and has played an important role in town as it has been host to many of the area’s integral businesses. The building’s position on the corner of the main thoroughfares through town, both Fifth Avenue and Donnelly Street,Continue reading “What Makes the Ramsey-Donnelly Building Worth Saving?”
Heritage Matters 