Three Retro Orlando Icons That Are No More

To start a new series of 2016 posts here is a look at recent historic sites that are now memories. Orlando Retro Blog has shared the history of this town since 2013 and in that time, three locations covered have met the bulldozer.

1. Minute Maid Headquarters

(Original Post) This corner of Orange Blossom Trail and Colonial Drive was once the site of the headquarters for Minute Maid juices. Now part of Coca-Cola, Minute Maid long ago left its OBT home.

Like many lots past their prime in Central Florida, the building was torn down and Wawa sprouted up. Today you can buy a Minute Maid drink right on the spot where the whole Minute Maid company once operated.

A busy corner replaced the vacant office building.

The Round Building

(Original Post) The Round Building (American Federal Savings and Loan Association building) was already slated to be a goner when its story was told here in May 2013. Constructed with only two stories in the early 1960’s, the bank building later grew floors and became a small office tower. In 1993, The Round Building had a brief cameo appearance in Lethal Weapon 3.

The bris de soleil panels surrounding the structure were carefully removed three years ago, and The Round Building was demolished. The site is now part of the lawn leading into the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

A clear view without The Round Building (Source: Instagram @mattpeacock78)

Tinker Field

(Original Post) Tinker Field was the most significant historical loss in recent years. Not only was Tinker Field a reminder that years ago Orlando was a baseball town, but it also played a role in the civil rights movement. When Martin Luther King, Jr visited Orlando in 1963, he gave a speech on the field. At the time, the Minnesota Twins held spring training here and was controversially the last major league team to not provide their players with racially integrated accommodations. (Retro Link)

Tinker Field was removed to make room for Orlando Citrus Bowl renovations. The City has plans to add a memorial to recognize the site’s history.