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Mt. Dora in Lake County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Mount Dora Community Building

 
 
Mount Dora Community Building Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
1. Mount Dora Community Building Marker
Inscription.
After a fire destroyed the community’s Town Hall in 1922, Mount Dora was in need of an auditorium for public assemblies. Despite the hard economic times, construction of the Mount Dora Community Building began in 1929 with funds raised by the residents. Construction costs were $35,000 for the building and $5000 for the lot. The impressive Mediterranean-style structure was built in 4 months with reinforced concrete, steel, stone tile and heated with steam. The auditorium seating capacity was 800, one seat for every adult resident. Former United States President Calvin Coolidge and his wife were staying at the Lakeside Inn and attended the dedication ceremony of the Community Building on January 30, 1930.

The Community Building received a $3 million renovation that was completed in 2010. While maintaining its historic and architectural appeal, the renovations included many upgrades such as expanding the lobby, community meeting room, concession area, art exhibit space, new auditorium seating, expanded restrooms, private dressing rooms, upgraded sound, lighting, acoustics, electrical systems,, enhanced stage area, ADA accessibility throughout the building , and a new industrial air conditioning system.

The building has always had strong community roots and the renovations significantly impact the quality of life
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today and into the future. It provides a cultural and social gathering place for all generations. This multi-purpose facility attracts and hosts concerts, theatrical performances, social functions, meetings, lectures, health and fitness classes, and a multitude of other special events and community programs.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #30 Calvin Coolidge series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1930.
 
Location. 28° 48.073′ N, 81° 38.617′ W. Marker is in Mt. Dora, Florida, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of North Baker Street and East 6th Avenue, on the left when traveling south on North Baker Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 520 N Baker St, Mount Dora FL 32757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Orlando and in Central Florida. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The World War (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter D. Patton (within shouting distance of this marker); Annie Donnelly Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lakes and Hills Realty Company (about 400 feet away); John P. Donnelly House (about 400 feet away); Monroe Vann Simpson Building
Mount Dora Community Building Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
2. Mount Dora Community Building Marker
(about 400 feet away); First City Firehouse & Jail (about 500 feet away); First National Bank of Mount Dora (about 500 feet away).
 
Also see . . .  History of Mount Dora. City website entry (Submitted on February 20, 2020.) 
 
Photo Insert Top Left: image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
3. Photo Insert Top Left:
Former President Calvin Coolidge and his wife
Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge at the building’s
dedication ceremony.
Photo Insert Bottom Left: image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
4. Photo Insert Bottom Left:
Former President Calvin Coolidge and his wife
Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge at the building’s
dedication ceremony.
Photo Insert Right: image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
5. Photo Insert Right:
Mount Dora Socialites gather for a photo
in front of the Community Building
(Year Unknown)
Mount Dora Community Building image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
6. Mount Dora Community Building
Mount Dora Community Building image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Craig Baker
7. Mount Dora Community Building
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 18, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.   7. submitted on February 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 21, 2026