What was Thornton Park like 15 - 20 years ago? (condos, houses)

[Pete C]

I am curious...I see a lot of very old, sometimes tattered homes sitting next to nicer homes around Thornton Park. I also see some homes that look downright out of place. Seems like a patchwork mix. There is still a lot of undeveloped land around the South Eola area...just open lots with overgrown grass where condo projects were planned but never panned out.

[williecpt]

Originally Posted by Pete C

I am curious...I see a lot of very old, sometimes tattered homes sitting next to nicer homes around Thornton Park. I also see some homes that look downright out of place. Seems like a patchwork mix. There is still a lot of undeveloped land around the South Eola area...just open lots with overgrown grass where condo projects were planned but never panned out.

Good Question, I was just wondering the same thing a few weeks back. Maybe someone has some historical facts or pics. Thanks

[Crane's Rooster]

most of the lots with overgrown grass used to have older homes on them. The developers bought the homes, razed them, but than never built the condos.

[congocat]

I have lived in Thornton Park for 26 years and it has changed from a low- to medium-income family area to an expensive higher income area inhabited by mostly adults. There are, of course, some of the older, lower-cost homes still left here. This diversity is what makes it an interesting location, perfect for people- watching and walking to the park for the large variety of festivals and art shows. Part of the city atmosphere is that they also feed the homeless in Lake Eola Park. If it were not for the different, totally diverse people and activities, it would just be a dull, small town like it used to be.

[johnatl]

I used to live on East Washington with a bunch of roomies back in the mid 80's. The neighborhood has always had good bones, but the changes to me are nothing short of amazing.

The 7-11 on Summerlin back then was sketchy as hell. The little commercial district where the fountain is in the center of the street was dominated by a questionable bar - populated mostly by lowlifes, a cheesy storefront church and a laundromat. There were quite a few rooming houses, homes that needed a lot of work, etc. It was never really that scary or dangerous, but it was light years away from what we see now. Of course, there have always been very nice houses scattered around the neighborhood, but nothing approaching today's level.

As a pretty well-traveled guy, I personally consider it to be one of THE most successful turnaround stories of an urban neighborhood in the U.S.