Letter to the editor

What an innovative approach to solving the Capen House dilemma.

But, what will the name of the next house be? And what will the innovative approach be to move that house? And the one after that? And the one after that?

That's the problem with crisis management that doesn't include a long-term solution to the root cause of Winter Park's problem.

We need a Preservation Foundation of Winter Park, and we need to set aside a room in the Capen House as the temporary headquarters of that foundation. Here's why that room would eventually be viewed as Winter Park's most valuable room...

Do you know what Palm Beachers rave about? Winter Park. Palm Beachers fight to protect their unique scenic quality, historic character, and architectural heritage. We actually have deep-pocketed interests that fight against those things. But, it's the historic districts, landmarking, etc., that allows Palm Beachers to attract multimillions for their properties! Winter Park will continue to be targeted by those with deep pockets and unfulfilled narcissistic stucco dreams until we have the guts to put real teeth in our preservation rules backed by a preservation foundation as the watchdog. We're determined to become like everywhere else. That will really increase your property value, let me tell you.

We devalue our town for all citizens when we allow individuals to view historic architecture as dirt, which is real estate parlance for a teardown candidate. Winter Park residents need to protect the crown jewels of the town. Not on a case-by-case basis as with Casa Feliz and the Capen House, but with preservation protection enacted by the Winter Park City Commissioners ahead of time. Not after the fact.

The historic designation of a building shouldn't be determined by a bank. Citizens shouldn't have to cough up $650,000 to move a house that never should have been viewed as a teardown candidate and stripped of its historic designation in the first place.

But, if the Capen House ends up floating across Lake Osceola in halves to a new home, please insist on a silver lining.

When the two halves of the Capen House are joined together, make one room the temporary headquarters of the Preservation Foundation of Winter Park.

That way, the sum of the parts will far exceed the whole.

Will Graves

Founder

Friends of Winter Park