Orlando’s Historic Wells House to Add Retail & Office with $250,000 Expansion

Wells House and MuseumThere are details emerging about the Wells’ Built expansion. Senator Geraldine Thompson successfully obtained a $250,000 legislative grant from the State of Florida for improvements to the Wells House in Parramore. The Wells’ House is a listed Orlando historic landmark.

According to city records, the plan is to open a retail store on the first floor and an office upstairs. Apparently the legislative funds could not be used for the museum next door or the casino, based on records from the City. Senator Thompson saved the Wells’ Built Hotel (and house) from Mayor Buddy Dyer’s demolition threat during the Amway Center construction and turned it into the museum.

Rhodes+Brito is named as the lead designer for the Wells House improvements. The architects have worked on several City of Orlando projects in the past, including design work on the Citrus Bowl, Nap Ford Charter School, Orlando Skate Park, Rosemont Community Center and others.

Dr. William Monroe Wells built this Foursquare style house and was known as one of Orlando’s longest practicing African-American doctors. He was involved in the commercial and cultural life of the community with the Wells’ Built Hotel and the South Street Casino.

The Wells House is also featured on the official Downtown Orlando Historic District walking tour.

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