
Before and after: Attorney Sam Houghton wants to transform the vacant 1950s-era Vito’s restaurant building (left) on Florida Avenue in Dixieland into a law office (right). He plans to retain the landmark Vito’s sign but move it and change the wording. In case you were wondering, Houghton plans to keep the words “air conditioning” on the sign, his architect, Brad Lunz, said. Lakeland’s Historic Design Review Committee approved the plan today, qualifying the project for a facade improvement grant from the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency.