Sports in Downtown Orlando are dominated by big names like the Orlando Magic and the Orlando City Soccer Club, both with equally domineering spaces like the Amway Center–which can host upwards of 20,000 people–and Exploria Stadium four blocks away in the historic Parramore neighborhood. But an unassuming building at 16-18 West Pine Street, known as the Tinker Building, has an equally legendary status in the world of sports and in the history of our beloved city.
Nestled in the heart of Orlando, the Beacham Theater stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant entertainment history. Constructed in 1921 by Braxton Beacham Sr., this iconic venue has witnessed decades of performances, from vaudeville stars in the 1920s to iconic musicians like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and The Police. Today, operating as The Beacham, the venue has evolved into a thriving nightclub and live music destination. Its journey from a theater to a modern entertainment destination has been a rich tapestry of history and cultural significance.
Artisan’s Table: Where Culinary Excellence Meets a Thriving Downtown Experience Artisan’s Table, a downtown Orlando restaurant, has become a culinary destination known for its exceptional
The Angebilt Hotel at 37 N Orange Ave now houses The Bellhop and Parlay on the ground floor and has offices on its other floors. But it’s history is filled with drama: financial trouble, natural disasters, celebrities, and more. No wonder it has lasted in Orlando for 100 years.
The Metcalf Building on the southwest corner of Orange Ave and Pine St. has historic significance for Orlando and maintains its relevance today. The building was constructed in 1923 for the Orlando Federal Savings and Loan Association. It then housed the Orlando Bank & Trust Company, which failed in 1932 amidst the Great Depression. Real estate investor Henry W. Metcalf purchased the building in 1930 for $125,000.
Much of Orlando’s history has been shaped by immigrants and out-of-towners. Joseph Bumby, who started Orlando’s first hardware store, came from England. Gertrude Sweet was born in New Orleans, and a New Yorker was responsible for the city’s first public library. Joining the mix is Gordon Rogers, an Englishman who came to Orlando in 1886. Rogers was responsible for one of the most distinctive and iconic buildings in downtown Orlando–the Rogers-Kiene building.
