From the historic Donnelly House to informative markers throughout its classic, colorful downtown, Mount Dora has become a standard-bearer for preservation.
So much so, the city was recently recognized by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation with a 2026 Florida Preservation Award for its Historic Design Standards update project.
According to a media release from the city, the Florida Preservation Awards recognize achievements in historic preservation throughout the state and are presented annually during the Preserve Florida conference.
A jury of preservation professionals from across Florida makes the nominations following a public nomination process.
The city’s award-winning project involved modernizing its historic preservation standards that guide development within Mount Dora.
In fact, Mount Dora’s entire historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, roughly bounded by Third Avenue, 11th Avenue, Clayton Street, and Helen Street, comprising a sizable collection of early 20th-century residential, commercial, and public buildings.
Several individual properties within Mount Dora are also independently listed on the register, including the Lakeside Inn, Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel.
What attracted the recognition? A project funded through a preservation grant. The city hired a professional preservation consultant to help develop updated, user-friendly standards for property owners, designers, contractors, and city staff involved in the construction, renovation, and rehabilitation projects in Mount Dora’s historic area.
“Mount Dora’s historic character is one of the qualities that make our community so special,” said City Manager Vince Sandersfeld.
“These updated design standards help ensure we preserve the integrity of our historic district while also providing clear guidance that supports thoughtful investment and long-term stewardship of our community’s heritage.”
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Mount Dora earns state award for historic standards
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
