I appreciate architecture.
Not because buildings are old, but because they tell a story.
When I walk through a historic district or stand in front of a century-old building, I can’t help but wonder who built it, who walked through its doors, what families lived there, and what history unfolded within those walls. You simply can’t recreate that with glass skyscrapers and modern construction.
That’s why I was disappointed to read that Orlando is suspending part of its historic preservation review process for the next three years in hopes of encouraging downtown development.
I understand that cities need to grow. I understand developers want a simpler, faster approval process. Economic growth is important.
But growth should never come at the expense of our history.
Once a historic building is demolished, it is gone forever.
You cannot rebuild authenticity.
You cannot recreate craftsmanship from the late 1800s or early 1900s.
You cannot replace the stories that lived within those walls.
One of the things I admire most about many countries throughout Europe and Asia is how they embrace their history. Ancient buildings, churches, castles, bridges, town squares, and neighborhoods are preserved while modern buildings are built around them. They understand that preserving history isn’t standing in the way of progress—it’s part of progress.
Unfortunately, too often in America, we seem to think the answer is to tear everything down and start over.
Every time we demolish a historic home, courthouse, bridge, church, railroad depot, or downtown storefront, we lose another piece of our identity. Before long, every city begins to look exactly the same.
Historic buildings aren’t simply old structures.
They are landmarks.
They are works of art.
They are reminders of the people who built our communities long before we arrived.
They attract tourism, strengthen local economies, give communities character, and teach future generations where they came from.
Orlando has a rich history that deserves to be protected. Its historic downtown isn’t just valuable because of the buildings themselves; it’s valuable because those buildings tell the story of Orlando’s beginnings. Once that history is erased, it can never truly be recovered.
I hope the City of Orlando carefully considers the long-term consequences of weakening historic preservation. Development and preservation should not be enemies. We can revitalize older buildings, encourage investment, and still protect the architectural heritage that makes a city unique.
This isn’t just about Orlando.
It’s about communities across America.
If we continue tearing down our past, what will we leave for future generations?
Photographs?
History books?
Computer renderings of buildings that no longer exist?
I don’t want my grandchildren to only read about history.
I want them to experience it.
I want them to walk across historic bridges, visit century-old buildings, admire beautiful architecture, and understand that the past matters.
History isn’t standing in the way of progress.
History is the foundation upon which progress should be built.
I encourage Orlando residents, historians, architects, preservation organizations, business owners, and anyone who values our heritage to make your voices heard. Attend City Council meetings. Contact your elected officials. Support organizations dedicated to preserving our historic landmarks.
Because once the wrecking ball swings…
There is no second chance.
Let’s preserve Orlando’s history before it becomes another story of what used to be.
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