Orlando's Architecture (Lakeland, Daytona Beach, Winter Garden: city hall, chapel, hotels)

[theurbanfiles]

What, out of curiosity are some of your favorite/in your eyes, most impressive buildings in the Orlando area? This could be anything from landscape architecture, to postmodern, to 19th century, even the theme parks are fair game. Any particular interiors (or exteriors), that are worth seeing, just for the sake of seeing them? I have some ideas about places that I'd rank high, but was just curious about what some of your thoughts were.

[theurbanfiles]

These were the ones that were ranked by the AIA, 100 Years, 100 Places list.

8. Florida Southern College (in Lakeland, but that's within an hour of Orlando. Anyone who likes FLW would like it).
21. Cinderella Castle (I know it's kitschy, but for a building that's so modern, it does have a neat classical look).
24. Casa Feliz (Finallly, a somewhat "Orlando" one.. anyone ever toured this?)
34. Disney's Contemporary Resort (As far as atrium's go, not amazing now, but certainly ahead of it's time. Going in on the Monorail through it is pretty cool)
37. Swan and Dolphin Hotels (Am I missing something? I actually find Boardwalk to be more impressive)
43. Knowles Chapel Rollins College (Nice classical building, Rollins College as a whole is pretty nice.)
49. Daytona Beach Bandshell (One of those that is sort of but not really in Orlando, kind a niche one.)
60. Orlando Public Library. I'm sorry, but I hate it. But for those that do love brutalism, apparently it's renowned.
72. Orange County Convention Center: (This is pretty cool from a modern look.)

I could be wrong, but this seemed to cover all of ours on the list.

If I were to add a few, I'd say that from a historic perspective, the Orlando Trust Bank Building DT is nice, as is Church Street Station. I would also add that there are a few houses around town in historic areas that have charm, and that DT Winter Garden and Mount Dora have some pretty good historical integrity. From a modern perspective, I think there are a few buildings at UCF that have a claim, I'd also say Universal did a pretty good job with the decor on Harry Potter World. I'd also say that the Orlando Airport with that new atrium looks pretty good compared to a lot of airports now. Anyone else have some thoughts on places I didn't mention? Perhaps 55W Building or SunTrust downtown, though those may be a bit of a reach. I think it will continue to grow as time goes along, hopefully more futuristic looking trends will arise and be present around town, since the classical/order stuff leaves something to be desired. But, near city Orlando does have the most "Austin-Like" qualities of any of the major cities in FL, so I can't complain about that.

[theurbanfiles]

These were the ones that were ranked by the AIA, 100 Years, 100 Places list.

8. Florida Southern College (in Lakeland, but that's within an hour of Orlando. Anyone who likes FLW would like it).
21. Cinderella Castle (I know it's kitschy, but for a building that's so modern, it does have a neat classical look).
24. Casa Feliz (Finallly, a somewhat "Orlando" one.. anyone ever toured this?)
34. Disney's Contemporary Resort (As far as atrium's go, not amazing now, but certainly ahead of it's time. Going in on the Monorail through it is pretty cool)
37. Swan and Dolphin Hotels (Am I missing something? I actually find Boardwalk to be more impressive)
43. Knowles Chapel Rollins College (Nice classical building, Rollins College as a whole is pretty nice.)
49. Daytona Beach Bandshell (One of those that is sort of but not really in Orlando, kind a niche one.)
60. Orlando Public Library. I'm sorry, but I hate it. But for those that do love brutalism, apparently it's renowned.
72. Orange County Convention Center: (This is pretty cool from a modern look.)

I could be wrong, but this seemed to cover all of ours on the list.

If I were to add a few, I'd say that from a historic perspective, the Orlando Trust Bank Building DT is nice, as is Church Street Station. I would also add that there are a few houses around town in historic areas that have charm, and that DT Winter Garden and Mount Dora have some pretty good historical integrity. From a modern perspective, I think there are a few buildings at UCF that have a claim, I'd also say Universal did a pretty good job with the decor on Harry Potter World. I'd also say that the Orlando Airport with that new atrium looks pretty good compared to a lot of airports now. Anyone else have some thoughts on places I didn't mention? Perhaps 55W Building or SunTrust downtown, though those may be a bit of a reach. I think it will continue to grow as time goes along, hopefully more futuristic looking trends will arise and be present around town, since the classical/order stuff leaves something to be desired. But, near city Orlando does have the most "Austin-Like" qualities of any of the major cities in FL, so I can't complain about that.

[Crane's Rooster]

By far i think the most icon building in Orlando is the art deco Suntrust tower downtown also our tallest building.

[theurbanfiles]

That would make sense. Are any of the interiors downtown accessible to just walk in during daytime? I know you can go into City Hall or Public Library but those aren't super noteworthy. Can you go into the lobby of SunTrust Tower?

[Crane's Rooster]

You can go into the lobby of the Suntrust and Bank of America building, nothing too spectacular. I actually think going into the Greek Orthodox church across from Lake Eola is kind of cool.

[theurbanfiles]

Oh, and also, just any styles or things that you wouldn't necessarily expect to find in Orlando? Specifically, I can be fascinated by industrial stuff, based on where I'm from, I know you aren't gonna find that on a large scale here, but are there any areas in Orlando (or anywhere in Florida, for that matter), where that is somewhat present? Or like, I hate calling it this, but ruin porn?

Oh also, I'd say Amway, and possibly DP deserve a look from a postmodern perspective.

[MrKnight]

Some noteworthy ones are following:

Church Street Station (especially the Ballroom)
Orange County Regional History Center (Historic Courthouse)
Orlando Amtrak Station (Historic)
Rollins College Campus (Knowles Chapel and Original Buildings)
St. James Catholic Cathedral
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orange County Convention Center (North/South Concourse)
Orange County Courthouse
The Grand Bohemian Hotel

[theurbanfiles]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

You can go into the lobby of the Suntrust and Bank of America building, nothing too spectacular. I actually think going into the Greek Orthodox church across from Lake Eola is kind of cool.

Thanks.

[theurbanfiles]

Originally Posted by MrKnight

Some noteworthy ones are following:

Church Street Station (especially the Ballroom)
Orange County Regional History Center (Historic Courthouse)
Orlando Amtrak Station (Historic)
Rollins College Campus (Knowles Chapel and Original Buildings)
St. James Catholic Cathedral
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orange County Convention Center (North/South Concourse)
Orange County Courthouse
The Grand Bohemian Hotel

Good list!