If you look at a photograph of Orlando’s skyline five years ago and compare it with today, you wouldn’t recognize it. So much construction is taking place that downtown Orlando has been fully transformed — and for the better according to Orlando Architectural Photographer Antonio Cuellar
With more high-rise condominiums being built, more people have moved back into the city, and that has encouraged more businesses, restaurants, shops, and theaters to cater to them. Many fine old buildings have been protected and restored. Greater Orlando, however, is really a city of separate communities, and many of these have buildings that are architectural gems. Images by Orlando Architectural Photographer Antonio Cuellar)
The best view of Greater Orlando is seen from the top of SeaWorld Orlando’s Sky Tower. The passenger capsule takes six minutes to climb to the top of the 400-foot landmark. As it ascends, the capsule also rotates slowly to show its passengers a complete bird’s eye view.
The Old Orlando Railroad Depot is a historic U.S. depot in Orlando, Florida. It is located at Depot Place and West Church Street. The station was originally built in 1889 by the South Florida Railroad, and also served the Tavares, Orlando, and Atlantic Railroad and Orlando and Winter Park Railway. It also served as an Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station unitl 1927. On April 22, 1976, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The building has become part of the Church Street Station commercial development. (Images by Orlando Architectural Photographer Antonio Cuellar)
The Old orange County Courthouse: Constructed in 1927, the Courthouse stands in the vicinity of a number of previous judicial buildings. An earlier courthouse was built in 1892 and demolished in 1957. A Courthouse Annex was also constructed in 1960.It’s the finest example of Beaux Arts architecture in the city. Rumor states that the building is home for two ghosts — an 8-year-old girl who died close by and a prisoner who killed himself while being held in a jail cell awaiting his criminal sentenc.(Images by Orlando Architectural Photographer Antonio Cuellar)
The Well’s Built Museum of African American History formerly called the Wells Built Hotel. Dr. William Wells, Orlando’s first African-American physician, built the hotel in 1926 to provide lodging to African Americans during segregation, and famous former guests include Duke Ellington and Ray Charles. Currently, the museum features over 6,000 square feet of display space. It retains the original hotel facade, a guestroom featuring authentic furniture, beading and decorations of the 1930′s, and also bears an original interior wall reflecting important architectural elements and designs unique to the period. Exhibition material collected for display include: official hotel documents, an original Negro League baseball jersey, photographs, artifacts, books, multi-media exhibits, slave records and other items of historic significance.
The Historic Waterhouse Residence Museum located in Maitland, just off Hwy 17-92, overlooking Lake Lily. The fully restored Victorian home was originally built in 1884 by William H. Waterhouse for his family. The home demonstrates what life was like for a middle class family over 100 years ago. Through its furnishings, mementos and clothing, this two story home exhibits the class and customs of the people of the day. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Children under the age of 5 are free.
Next to the home you will find the Waterhouse Carpentry Shop Museum which displays tools used by craftsmen of the late 19th century. Constructed around 1883, this is where Mr. Waterhouse ran his woodworking and construction business. Tour guides will demonstrate the use of select tools and tell visitors about woodworking and carpentry practices of the late 1800s.
Stay tuned as Orlando architectural photographer Antonio Cuellar Expands on his journey through the city.
