Masonic Temple of Citrus Lodge No. 118, F. and A.M. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Masonic Temple of Citrus Lodge No. 118, F. and A.M.
|
|
The former Masonic Temple, as seen from across Old Main Street(formerly West Main Street)
|
|
 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 111 West Main Street and 95 South Pine Avenue, Inverness, Florida |
|---|---|
| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | W.B Talley |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000387 |
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 2010 |
The Masonic Temple of Citrus Lodge No. 118, F. and A.M. is a historic three-story building. It was designed by a famous Florida architect named Wilbur B. Talley. This building was built in 1910 in Inverness, Citrus County, Florida. You can find it at the corner of Old Main Street and South Pine Avenue. People also call it the Inverness Masonic Temple.
Contents
A Look Inside: How the Building Was Used
When it was first built, the Masonic Temple had different uses on each floor. This was common for Masonic buildings back then.
Ground Floor Shops
The first floor was usually home to various retail stores. You could find shops selling different goods there.
Offices and City Services
The second floor was used for professional offices. Over time, it even housed the city hall for a while. There was also a movie theater on this floor!
Masonic Lodge Hall
The third floor was special. It was used as the lodge hall for the Masons. This is where they held their meetings and other activities.
Changes Over the Years
The building saw many changes and events throughout its history.
Fire and New Beginnings
In 1963, lightning struck the building, causing fire damage. After repairs, the Citrus Lodge decided to move. They built a new building in 1965 and left this historic one.
New Owners and Tenants
After the Masons moved out, the building was sold to private owners. In 1990, the County Commissioners rented the third floor for a few years. Today, the building has many different businesses. You can find offices for bookkeepers, lawyers, and therapists there.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
The Masonic Temple is recognized for its important history and architecture.
Early Recognition
In 1989, the building was featured in a book about Florida's historic buildings. The City of Inverness also placed a special plaque on it in 2000. This plaque celebrates its history.
Restoration and Renovation
A company called the Drywell Group bought the building in 2006. They worked hard to restore it. They fixed the wood floors and windows. They also added old-style furniture, lighting, and art. The outside brick was repaired, and the metal decorations were restored.
National Historic Status
During the restoration, an application was sent to the state of Florida. They wanted the building to be recognized as historic. On June 23, 2010, the building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historic site!
The Masonic Business Center Today
Today, the building is known as the "Masonic Business Center." The first floor still has retail shops. One of the shops is a Subway sandwich shop. It continues to be a busy and important part of Inverness.
