The city and Historic Lakeland Inc. recognized nearly a dozen home and business owners this week for saving pieces of the past or creating structures to blend in with an existing neighborhood. One special award recognized those who made the Lakeland History and Culture Center a reality.
The event was held in the historic Polk Theater, built in 1928 and one of the last remaining “atmospheric theaters” left in Florida.
Why it matters: Historic Lakeland Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting appreciation of Lakeland’s unique architectural history and ensuring the preservation of Lakeland’s landmarks and historic buildings.
Who won? Three business owners received awards for the preservation of commercial properties. Six homeowners received awards, with almost all saying they weren’t necessarily trying to save history, but wanted to spruce up the homes they love. And two properties won for compatible infill buildings homes built in existing neighborhoods that match the historic area’s aesthetic.
Commercial awards
The first commercial award was presented to Richard Razabdouski for the historic Walnut Street apartment building at 116 W. Walnut St.
“Any time you work on a historic building, it takes twice as long and costs three times as much,” Razabdouski said to the knowing laughter of the audience.
COhatch Lakeland and CRDV Lakeland LLC were recognized for renovating the historic Skipper Building at 211 E. Main St. COhatch is a shared office space.
The owners of The Terrace Hotel at 329 East Main St. — Todd Baylis, Will Henderson and John Greiger III — were awarded for their continued preservation of the hotel, originally built for winter tourists overlooking Lake Mirror in 1924. The hotel is celebrating its centennial later this year.
Homeowner awards
Ian Thomasson and Andrew Weaving were recognized for their work on the Rayburn and Fleenor Perry House at 2208 Woodbine Ave. It was the only midcentury modern structure recognized Monday evening.
Robert and Amy Laycock received an award for the Joseph and Lessie Archer House at 715 Park Hill Ave.
“We didn’t know there was an award for working on your house,” Robert Laycock said. “It was a pleasure to work on.”
Historic Lakeland Inc. recognized the mother-daughter team of Nancy Cockerham and Shannon Jones for the Claude and Beulah Young House at 513 W. Park St.
“I’ve always loved historic buildings, so when I saw this house, I had to buy it and save it,” Cockerham said.
Wesley and Maya Beck received an award for their home at 999 Lake Hollingsworth Drive.
Beck said he was hoping the renovation of his home would make up for him having to tear down the Lakeland Cash Feed Building on Lake Mirror after damage from Hurricane Irma made it structurally unsound. Lakeland Historic Preservation Specialist Emily Foster had hoped the exterior walls could be saved.
Christopher and Michelle Sylvester were recognized for the Edna Breed House at 1029 South Blvd.
John Partain and Scott Guira for the Harry and Marguerite Cole House at 929 Cumberland St.
“I think it’s important to take care of everything that’s here,” Guira said.
Compatible infill
Scott and Tonya Strausser for their new bungalow-style home at 127 W. Belmar St.
“To be able to find a lot in that central area is almost impossible,” Scott Strausser said.
Ryan and Sara Dowski for their home at 1829 Cherokee Trail.
Special recognition
Finally, all those who made the construction of the Lakeland History and Culture Center in the Lakeland Public Library a reality were recognized with a special award for excellence in advancing local history. That award is not given yearly and is reserved for people or an entity who have gone above and beyond.
Accepting the award on behalf of everyone involved:
- Former City Commissioner Phillip Walker, who proposed creating the center in 2018.
- Former Mayor Gow Fields and former City Commissioner Don Selvage — both major proponents and fundraisers for the project.
“I want to thank Commissioner Walker for hanging in there long enough for it to take hold — the commission came together in a special way,” Fields said. He noted that they had to do a lot of their fundraising via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There was a lot of concern we’d be able to raise the money.”
Walker said it was important to him that the city “know we’re inclusive.”
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