On Monday, May 9th at Orlando’s City council meeting, Trinity Downtown was awarded the 2016 Historic Preservation Award – Outstanding Commercial Project, for its active role in preserving and protecting the integrity of the Lake Eola Heights Historic District through careful attention to historic detail in the design of the New Century Center! On site to receive the award were Matt Wheeler, Bob Blackwood and Maggie Bowles (not pictured).

award collage

Pictured in the photo from left to right are Mayor Buddy Dyer, Trinity Member/Project Architect Matt Wheeler, Trinity Member/Task Force Project Manager Bob Blackwood, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, and Historic Preservation Officer Richard Forbes.

Bob Blackwood shared what an honor it was to receive this award, noting that “when all parties work together on a project of this scale, the outcome can exceed the expectations of all involved. Trinity now has [in the Neighborhood] an ally and partner moving forward and this renewed relationship is Trinity’s opportunity to bring more people to Christ. I was humbled to accept this award on behalf of Trinity, Wren Aber and the leaders and our partners that had vision and initiative to carry this project out.”

Many thanks to Trinity member Maggie Bowles who, while working on grant writing for Trinity, discovered the opportunity to apply for this award with the City of Orlando. Maggie states that “this award also serves as a springboard to possible future funding for Trinity’s campus and facilities.”

Why are we working so diligently on campus revitalization and building relationships in our community? Because Trinity is a church on a mission; “Bringing people one step closer to Jesus.” Since it was founded in 1919, Trinity has added worship services, outreach programs & service opportunities. The K-8 school program was established in 1953 and we opened the Child Development Center in 1983 – because the need for quality Christian childcare and education in Downtown Orlando is huge.  We’ve just completed phase one of a multi-phase campus revitalization plan, opening the New Century Center, which houses the Child Development Center and includes space for additional outreach opportunities waiting to be developed as we make our way into Trinity’s second century! The ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church & School, known collectively as Trinity Downtown, have a far reaching impact in our community. We are honored to be a part of the Downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Heights Historic District communities and look forward to our many opportunities to work & serve together in the future. Thanks to all who made this award possible.