Lake Mirror Tower, Lakeland, Florida

In the 1920s, Lake Mirror Tower was famous as The Florida, a 180-room hotel in the center of downtown Lakeland. Its bell tower and Spanish Revival-style architecture made it the city’s grandest structure. Inventor Thomas Edison and architect Frank Lloyd Wright were among the hotel’s illustrious guests, and Red Cross volunteers used the bell tower as a lookout for enemy planes during World War II. But the years took their toll, and the former landmark was turned into a nursing home before it was condemned in 1991.

Today this historic nine-story building has regained its landmark status following a multimillion-dollar renovation. Its rooftop sundeck provides some of the best views of downtown and Lake Mirror, and the property features a lap pool, fitness center, and business center. The reopening of The Florida as Lake Mirror Tower did more than revive a single building–it helped rejuvenate downtown Lakeland. Since the property’s 2005 opening, other apartment complexes have begun construction or are in the planning phase.

Development Details

A 1920s landmark building regained its former splendor and rejuvenated a city’s downtown area with luxury apartments.

Location:
128 S. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL

Number of Units:
76

Completion Date:
2005

Development Cost:
$10,325,000

Financing:
Permanent Debt $3,699,000
City of Lakeland $4,750,000
Historic Credits $1,876,000

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