Waddell House Owners to Replace Porches
December 10, 2019 / by Geri Throne
Facing a daily city fine of $250, owners of Winter Park’s historic Waddell House told the city this week they plan to replace the rotted porches of the Victorian-styled structure.
“We want to work with the city not argue with the city,” David and Deborah Dunaway wrote in a letter dated December 9.
Last week, the city’s code compliance board ruled that the Dunaways violated the city’s historic preservation ordinance in July when they removed the home’s intricate two-story porch without a permit. It ordered the Dunaways to submit restoration plans in seven days or face a $250 fine for each day they remained in violation.
The letter included two sketches, one of the frontage of the house and the other of porch detail. “This is the first rendering of our plans to replace the rotted porches on our house at 1331 Aloma Ave.,” the letter stated. The sketches were said to be based on the home’s original design, as found in historic photos in the city library, and did not include “the add on or additions.” Additional architectural drawing and another permit application were promised to be submitted by Wednesday or Thursday of this week.
The home is named after William Waddell, a city pioneer who first occupied it. In 2005, long-time owners of the home had it put on the Winter Park Register of Historic Places before selling it. At the time, dense foliage in front of the home kept it mostly screened from view on busy Aloma Avenue. The Dunaways bought it in February of this year for $480,000 without an inspection. After they had the porch removed in the summer, highly visible blue tarps put over the front came loose, followed by months of rainwater intrusion.
At the code enforcement hearing, the couple’s attorney, Kevin Donaghy, asserted the house was structurally unsound. The Dunaways have “reached an impasse where they cannot afford to repair the entire home.” The Dunaways letter did not address how those structural issues would be addressed. Donaghy could not be reached for comment.
At a city commission meeting Monday, City Commissioner Todd Weaver and Mayor Steve Leary both praised city staff and the city Historic Preservation Board for their efforts toward preserving the structure.
I am so grateful to the City Compliance Board staff and the city Historic Preservation Board for all their efforts toward preserving this essential landmark of Winter Park’s History! Please continue to work with the Dunaways to ensure this historical landmark is properly preserved and restored to it’s original glory.Thank you all!!
Preserve the unique historical face of the city. Too many towns and cities, which I have lived in or visited, have brought in modern updates, mixed with the old, to the point that the city was no longer of interest. Winter Park, do not make the same mistake.
Good decision by the owners, and Kudos to City staff and board.
I have lived in this area since I was a little girl. Living in old WP I have seen my neighborhood change completely at least three times. The last change being directly across the street. A house was built that looks like an insurance building with a yard that looks like a golf course. It has been with great sadness to see so many of of the beautiful old homes being demolished or restored to the point of being unrecognizable especially in the Vias and on the Isle of Sicily.
I moved up here from Miami when still in elementary school. My Grandmother had an old Mediterranean house and we also lived near Coral Gables. It would be useful to take a look at how Coral Gables has been able to preserve the charming and historical nature that is still evident to this day.
My background is Architectural Design and and for many years I was involved in restoring and renovating Historical Homes in Tampa’s Hyde Park. I love my city and would be glad to help in any way I can.