PHOTO VIA ORANGE PRESERVATION TRUST FACEBOOK PAGE
The future of the historic Lubbe House at Lake Eola is again uncertain as the City of Orlando moves forward with plans to expand a new gateway and add more to Lake Eola Park at its southwest corner.
The Lubbe House, built around 1930 and located at 215 E. Central Boulevard [GMap], sits at the southwest edge of Lake Eola Park, adjacent to the site of the Sperry Fountain replica (the original was moved to Greenwood Cemetery to fall apart in peace). The home was constructed on land sold to the Lubbe family by James Thornton, the developer behind Thornton Park and the surrounding neighborhood that still bears his name. Thornton was a key figure in early Orlando civic and commercial development, so it’s been seen as a historically significant site, though is not officially recognized as an Orlando Historic Landmark.
Designed in a Mediterranean style by architect Peter Samwell (who built the Park Plaza Hotel in Winter Park), the Lubbe House was constructed with high-quality materials, including roof tiles imported from Holland. Much of the original window glass and interior woodwork remains intact.
The Community Redevelopment Agency purchased the property in March 2025 for an estimated $2,538,337, according to the Orange County Property Appraiser, along with the adjacent City Centre property, to construct a proposed gateway and park expansion project to improve access and sightlines to Lake Eola. The City Centre is currently adorned by a large-scale mural called “Achromatic Aria Fresco – An Ode to Harmony” that was painted by Red Tape Orlando (Instagram), while it awaits demolition.
Early conceptual drawings included the Lubbe House as part of the design, and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan has said she was previously assured the home would be preserved. More recent discussions, however, suggest the house could be demolished to allow for a larger dining or commercial facility. No final decision has been announced at this time, though.
In response, the Orange Preservation Trust (Facebook | Website) has applied for City of Orlando Landmark Designation for the Lubbe House, arguing that landmark status would recognize the building’s architectural and historical significance while still allowing the city flexibility to work it into new park design. Landmark designation would not prohibit changes in use or modifications to increase square footage, but would require that alterations respect the building’s historic character.
Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board is scheduled to hear the landmark designation request on February 4 at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
