Orange signs? All about historic preservation in Winter Park
May marks a time for awareness about historic properties and their value to communities like Winter Park
May 7, 2024
By Beth Kassab
Just as those election yard signs are disappearing, Winter Parkers might notice another sign popping up in yards across the city — Orange reminders of May as Historic Preservation Month.
Residents of historic homes are pulling out their signs as a visual reminder of the importance of preserving past architecture and charm to maintain the city’s vibrant character.
Winter Park’s Historic Register lists more than 120 homes and continues to grow each year.
Historic districts in the city include College Quarter, Virginia Heights East, Interlachen Avenue and the downtown area centered on Park Avenue.
Those in need of signs can contact the following: Sally Flynn: flynnlinks@aol.com; Stephen Pategas: spategas@hortusoasis.com or John Skolfield: john@skohomes.com
WinterParkVoiceEditor@gmail.com
“I told you so.” Will the hardliners who tried to cram mandatory neighborhood historic districts on everyone else with their 50% + 1 voting plan ever admit they were wrong? Voluntary preservation has proved to be very successful. No neighborhood wars. No politicking. Government leaving people alone.
Maybe the gas leaf blower ban folks (I’ll bet they supported mandatory historic districts, too) need to reflect and contemplate reasonable alternatives. We’ve been down this road before. Let’s avoid unnecessary confrontations/referendums and work for reasonable, voluntary standards. It seems to work well!