A historic gem in downtown Orlando.
Have you ever noticed the striking green building with red accents in downtown Orlando?
Nestled at the northeast corner of East Pine Street and South Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando, the Rogers Kiene Building stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural innovation. Built in 1886, this two-story commercial structure has witnessed over a century of transformation while retaining much of its original character. Its historical significance, unique construction, and storied past make it one of the most distinctive landmarks in Central Florida.
Architectural Marvel: Pressed Zinc Cladding
One of the most striking features of the Rogers Kiene Building is its exterior cladding of pressed zinc metal, a rarity in building construction. This material covers the entire facade, with intricate high-relief designs that highlight its neo-classical inspiration. The cladding on the main building is likely original, while an addition to the north wall, constructed before 1892, features similar but subtly different detailing. The smooth horizontal and vertical zinc-coated tin members are contrasted with pressed zinc ornamentation, showcasing elaborate floral motifs, anthemia, and guilloche patterns.
The bold cornice with modillions and rosettes, a conical roof atop an octagonal oriel window, and a pediment adorned with the building’s name add grandeur to the structure. These decorative elements are not only visually captivating but also reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail of late 19th-century architecture.
A Multifaceted History
Originally commissioned by Gordon Rogers, an English businessman and real estate developer, the building’s ground floor housed Rogers, Martyn & Company, a wholesale and retail grocery enterprise. The second floor was home to the English Club, a social hub for Orlando’s English immigrants. Photographs from the 1890s depict a lively clubroom complete with billiard tables, a service bar, and chandeliers, highlighting its role as a community gathering place.
Over the decades, the building has adapted to various uses, including housing the South Florida Sentinel, a predecessor of the Orlando Sentinel, and serving as the Virginia Hotel and the Landmark Restaurant. Its evolution mirrors Orlando’s growth from a small frontier town to a bustling metropolitan center.
Today, the Rogers Building is home to the Downtown Arts District. The Downtown Arts District provides funding support, manages, and operates CityArts—a multi-use arts and cultural destination where visual and performing arts co-exist inside the Roger’s Building. Visited by more than 100,000 people annually, CityArts showcases an infusion of local and international works of art and is home to six independently operated art galleries as well as the art collective, Red Tape.
Historical Significance
The Rogers Kiene Building is not only architecturally significant but also historically important. Its association with prominent figures like Gordon Rogers and its role in Orlando’s early commercial and social life underscore its value to the community. The building’s English-manufactured zinc cladding further distinguishes it, making it a rare example of sheet-metal construction in Florida. Described in contemporary accounts as resembling stone due to its design, the building’s cladding reflects innovative construction techniques of the period.
Preservation and Legacy
Despite modifications, including the addition of storefronts in the 1960s and renovations in 1983-84, the Rogers Kiene Building has retained much of its original integrity. Its pressed zinc elements, neo-classical details, and historic associations make it a cherished landmark. The building’s enduring presence offers a glimpse into Orlando’s past, serving as a reminder of the city’s early ambitions and the diverse influences that shaped its identity.
Today, the Rogers Kiene Building stands as a monument to the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit of the late 19th century. Its preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate this unique piece of Orlando’s history, celebrating its role in shaping the city’s cultural and architectural landscape.
The Rogers Kiene Building is one of many featured in The Architectural Guide to Central Florida. We invite you to dive deeper into our community's architecture to uncover its hidden tales. Support OFA and buy the book today!
Architecture 101: Understanding the terms behind the design.
Anthemia - An ornamental design of alternating motifs resembling clusters of narrow leaves or honeysuckle petals.
Cladding - Cladding is a layer of material that covers the outside of a building, protecting it from the elements and enhancing its appearance. It's also known as siding in the United States. Cladding can be used for both interior and exterior applications, depending on the material's properties and the desired aesthetic.
Cornice - A cornice is a decorative, horizontal molding that sits along the top of a wall, around a doorway, or above a window, typically projecting slightly outwards, used to protect the wall face, add visual interest, and sometimes help direct water away from the building.
Guilloche - A decorative engraving technique that creates intricate, repetitive patterns on a surface. The technique has roots in the idea of infinity, representing an endless intertwining.
Modillion - A modillion is an ornate bracket, more horizontal in shape and less imposing than a corbel. They are often seen underneath a cornice which helps to support them.
Oriel Window - a form of bay window that protrudes from the main wall of a building but does not reach the ground. It is supported by corbels, brackets, or similar cantilevers.
Pediment - A triangular gable, usually found above a doorway or portico, that forms the top of a classical building, typically supported by columns and often decorated with sculptures within the triangular space called the tympanum. It is a key element of Greek and Roman architecture, and is considered a decorative feature in Neoclassical styles as well.
Rosette - A circular, stylized ornament commonly associated with Classical architecture, often used to decorate walls, ceilings, floors, and more. They are often carved from wood or stone and can be painted or molded.
Zinc Metal Cladding - Zinc metal cladding" is solely made from zinc metal, while "metal cladding" can be made from various metals. Zinc metal cladding develops a distinctive patina (a natural weathering process) that gives it a bluish-grey appearance and is considered highly durable due to its self-healing properties and corrosion resistance, making it a good choice for exterior applications.
References:
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places Inventory
State of Florida Department of State, Division of Archives, History and Records Management
Eve Bacon, Orlando, A Centennial History, (Chuluota, Florida: Mickler House Publishers, 1977), 1, pp. 142, 157.
Birds-eye View of Orlando, 1892, held at Orange County Historical Society Museum, Orlando, Florida.