Tag Archives: Historic Preservation

Conflicting Issues in Preservation: Solar Panels and Later Addition of Insulation Systems

The first conflicting issue within historic preservation and/or restoration projects is the use of solar panels with historic structures is an issue that most preservationists tend to agree diminish the integrity of a historic building. As many building owners look for ways and means to reduce their ‘footprint’, solar panels are one of the mostContinue reading “Conflicting Issues in Preservation: Solar Panels and Later Addition of Insulation Systems”

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?”

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 medianContinue reading “Historic Rehabilitation and Housing”

Driving Survey: Piglet's Pantry and The Drawer, Mount Dora, Florida

The area surveyed was that of the commercial downtown area of Mount Dora, Florida, which stretches from McDonald Street to Baker Street (a four-block stretch from west to east) and Fifth Avenue to Third Avenue (a three-block stretch from north to south). Within this area there are several historic buildings, although not all have beenContinue reading “Driving Survey: Piglet's Pantry and The Drawer, Mount Dora, Florida”

Mount Dora Trust & Bank Co., Mount Dora, Florida

Summary Paragraph The Mount Dora Bank & Trust Co. is an early 20th century bank building situated on the southeast corner to the entrance of the historic downtown and commercial district of Mount Dora, Florida. The building is located on the main corner of Donnelly Street (east façade) and Fifth Avenue (which is the mainContinue reading “Mount Dora Trust & Bank Co., Mount Dora, Florida”

Stained Glass Condition Survey: United Church of Christ, Tavares, Florida

For this project I visited the United Church of Christ in Tavares, Florida. It is one of the oldest churches in the area, built in 1888 on donated land from the founder of the town of Tavares. The church retains all of the original stained glass which was installed the same year. I was ableContinue reading “Stained Glass Condition Survey: United Church of Christ, Tavares, Florida”

Public Use Versus Eminent Domain

The concept of public use, while initially a great concept, has deteriorated to bureaucratic debacles. Progressive thought, especially from the 1920s has inadvertently provided governments (local, state and federal) with powers that can be manipulated for the good or the detriment of the people these laws were written to help. It is dependent upon theContinue reading “Public Use Versus Eminent Domain”