There is a glorious world of hidden history surrounding history filled buildings in Orlando to thrill indigenous residents and travellers alike. Legends of long-forgotten mysterious treasures and haunted events have been known for centuries in these buildings in Orlando, all waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers.
The Veranda Bed and Breakfast
The Veranda B and B is close to famous and significant Thornton Park. More than a few Victorian buildings have been revived to their original European-styled glory from the bygone days of the early 1900s. The rooms all have private baths and unique themes. A private cottage offers quiet privacy to enjoy the extravagantly landscaped Victorian-era gardens and atmosphere. Ghostly apparitions of a young Victorian girl are said to walk the gardens at night.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens has an extensively entrancing history stemming back to 1855, with the first of its four owners. Successful businessman Harry P. Leu acquired the straightforward, columned-white house picturesquely overlooking Lake Rowena in 1936. Harry P. Leu deeded the house with its almost 40 surrounding acres of landscaped gardens featuring winding trails of exotic and local plants to Orlando in 1961. This treasure is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Harry Leu and his wife Mary, now rumored to haunt the gardens, frigthen visitors with unaccountable chilled spots in warm rooms, and make occasional surprise tangible appearances.
The Citrus Center
The Citrus Center sometimes called the Republic Bank on Orange Avenue is said to have both spooks and lost treasure long lostconcealed and forgotten. Multitudes of visitors and former staff have reported bizarre happenings of mysterious vapors floating by, doors mysteriously opening and shutting themselves, powerful steps stepping off of elevators or on empty floors.
Kress Building
The typically overlooked Kress Building at 15 West Church in the middle of Orlando is a wonder to witness. The national chain of nickel and dime stores were controlled by the Samuel H. Kress Corporation. Mr. Samuel Kress wanted the building to be inventive as well as a functional part of the community in which it resided and served. He fired the first decided upon designer George Mackay to hire the more flamboyantly creative architect Edward Sibbert. Designer Edward Sibbert used the Art Deco style with terra cotta and pastel-colored embellishments in the construction of the Kress building in 1935. The store quickly opened in 1936 to become a unique hereabouts known distinguished landmark in Orlando.
The Angebilt Hotel
The Angebilt Hotel built by Joseph Ange at a whopping $1 million greenbacks in 1923. The Angebilt was Mr. Ange's reply to the Vanderbilt's glamorous hotels and design. Situated on 37 North Orange Avenue in Orlando's historic downtown district, this unique structure is a shining example of the 20th Century "commercial architecture" style pioneered by architect Murray King in 1923. He was also Florida's pioneering and first officially registered architect in the state.
Orlando Bank & Trust Company
Also made in the 20th Century commercial style is the famous skyscraper Orlando Bank & Trust Company. This gigantic skyscraper is situated at 100 South Orange Avenue still stand surrounded by its modern architecturally symmetrical counterparts. It is easy to see the bleak contrast in the clean modern lines versus the more artist decorations on the Orlando Bank and Trust. Walking tours conducted by the Orlando Downtown Historical Society grant face to face accounts of other buildings in Orlando of historic historical or architectural value.
The Veranda Bed and Breakfast
The Veranda B and B is close to famous and significant Thornton Park. More than a few Victorian buildings have been revived to their original European-styled glory from the bygone days of the early 1900s. The rooms all have private baths and unique themes. A private cottage offers quiet privacy to enjoy the extravagantly landscaped Victorian-era gardens and atmosphere. Ghostly apparitions of a young Victorian girl are said to walk the gardens at night.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens has an extensively entrancing history stemming back to 1855, with the first of its four owners. Successful businessman Harry P. Leu acquired the straightforward, columned-white house picturesquely overlooking Lake Rowena in 1936. Harry P. Leu deeded the house with its almost 40 surrounding acres of landscaped gardens featuring winding trails of exotic and local plants to Orlando in 1961. This treasure is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Harry Leu and his wife Mary, now rumored to haunt the gardens, frigthen visitors with unaccountable chilled spots in warm rooms, and make occasional surprise tangible appearances.
The Citrus Center
The Citrus Center sometimes called the Republic Bank on Orange Avenue is said to have both spooks and lost treasure long lostconcealed and forgotten. Multitudes of visitors and former staff have reported bizarre happenings of mysterious vapors floating by, doors mysteriously opening and shutting themselves, powerful steps stepping off of elevators or on empty floors.
Kress Building
The typically overlooked Kress Building at 15 West Church in the middle of Orlando is a wonder to witness. The national chain of nickel and dime stores were controlled by the Samuel H. Kress Corporation. Mr. Samuel Kress wanted the building to be inventive as well as a functional part of the community in which it resided and served. He fired the first decided upon designer George Mackay to hire the more flamboyantly creative architect Edward Sibbert. Designer Edward Sibbert used the Art Deco style with terra cotta and pastel-colored embellishments in the construction of the Kress building in 1935. The store quickly opened in 1936 to become a unique hereabouts known distinguished landmark in Orlando.
The Angebilt Hotel
The Angebilt Hotel built by Joseph Ange at a whopping $1 million greenbacks in 1923. The Angebilt was Mr. Ange's reply to the Vanderbilt's glamorous hotels and design. Situated on 37 North Orange Avenue in Orlando's historic downtown district, this unique structure is a shining example of the 20th Century "commercial architecture" style pioneered by architect Murray King in 1923. He was also Florida's pioneering and first officially registered architect in the state.
Orlando Bank & Trust Company
Also made in the 20th Century commercial style is the famous skyscraper Orlando Bank & Trust Company. This gigantic skyscraper is situated at 100 South Orange Avenue still stand surrounded by its modern architecturally symmetrical counterparts. It is easy to see the bleak contrast in the clean modern lines versus the more artist decorations on the Orlando Bank and Trust. Walking tours conducted by the Orlando Downtown Historical Society grant face to face accounts of other buildings in Orlando of historic historical or architectural value.
About the Author:
Mellanie Hermin has had an interest in consequential buildings in Orlando for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information, please click here.


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