Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum

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Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum Casa Feliz is the signature residential work of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II.
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MERRYWOOD UPDATE: More time for preservation talks.Last night, the Winter Park City Commission voted unanimously to post...
10/15/2026

MERRYWOOD UPDATE: More time for preservation talks.

Last night, the Winter Park City Commission voted unanimously to postpone its decision on Merrywood’s proposed lot split until November 11. Owner Steve Lockwood plans to consult an architect about what portions of the James Gamble Rogers II home could be preserved.

Merrywood’s future remains uncertain. No binding preservation agreement has been reached, and proposals discussed last night included saving only a small portion of the house.

Matt Morgan has also renewed his interest in purchasing and restoring Merrywood, reaffirming his willingness to undertake its preservation.

We appreciate the additional time for discussion and remain hopeful that a meaningful preservation solution can be found. Friends of Casa Feliz welcomes continued conversation with Mr. Lockwood.

Thank you to everyone who signed our letter, attended the meeting, and shared your concern for this remarkable home. We’ll keep you informed updated as discussions continue.

Read Beth Kassab’s full report in Winter Park Voice linked in the comments.

Thanks to Winter Park Voice for this synopsis of today’s commission meeting. Stay tuned for the full story.
10/15/2026

Thanks to Winter Park Voice for this synopsis of today’s commission meeting. Stay tuned for the full story.

How did a few animal friends help save Casa Feliz? Discover the story at our community celebration, Casa Feliz at 25: Th...
10/14/2026

How did a few animal friends help save Casa Feliz? Discover the story at our community celebration, Casa Feliz at 25: The House that Moved Winter Park!

Join architect Jack Rogers, son of Casa Feliz architect James Gamble Rogers II, as he shares “The Animal Friends that Saved Casa Feliz.” This lively storytelling experience will delight children and adults of all ages.

Storytelling sessions: 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm

Bring your family and friends for a festive day of music, storytelling, history, children’s activities, food, and celebration as we mark 25 years since the move that helped preserve this Winter Park landmark.

Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
Sunday, October 25, 2026
11:00 am–3:00 pm

The event is free and open to the public. Check out the link in the comments for more event details!

Thank you to everyone who cares about preserving Merrywood! So far, 258 Winter Park residents and friends have added the...
10/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who cares about preserving Merrywood! So far, 258 Winter Park residents and friends have added their names to our call to protect this important piece of our city's history.

We delivered our letter to the Mayor and City Commission today and look forward to a productive discussion at Wednesday evening's Commission meeting. We encourage you to attend and make your voice heard!

There's still time to add your name! We'll continue collecting signatures through Wednesday evening and will deliver an updated letter with additional signatures to the Commission in person. Just click on the link in the comments.

Twenty-five years ago this fall, the people of Winter Park raised their voices and saved Casa Feliz. Together, let's make preservation history once again!

Music at the Casa is this Thursday, and a few tickets are still available!Join us October 15 for an evening with the Joe...
10/12/2026

Music at the Casa is this Thursday, and a few tickets are still available!

Join us October 15 for an evening with the Joe Fritz Klezmer Trio, featuring acclaimed Hungarian clarinetist Joe Fritz. Inspired by the legendary Benny Goodman, Joe brings warmth, artistry, and an infectious sense of swing to American jazz standards, Hungarian melodies, and original compositions.

Thursday, October 15
6:30–8:30 pm
Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum

Enjoy w**e and b**r by The Good Pour and light snacks available for purchase.

Spend an evening surrounded by music and the charm of Casa Feliz. Reserve your tickets at the link in the comments!

MERRYWOOD UPDATE: Please Sign Our Letter Today!With the Winter Park City Commission scheduled to vote on the proposed Me...
10/09/2026

MERRYWOOD UPDATE: Please Sign Our Letter Today!

With the Winter Park City Commission scheduled to vote on the proposed Merrywood lot split next Wednesday, October 14, we are asking our community to sign our open letter urging commissioners NOT to approve the split without legally binding assurances that this historic James Gamble Rogers II home will be preserved.

We are encouraged by recent conversations with Merrywood's new owner, Steve Lockwood, and sincerely appreciate his openness to our ideas and willingness to explore solutions that could accommodate his plans for the property while preserving this architectural treasure. We hope to continue that constructive dialogue and work together toward an outcome that benefits both the owner and the community.

As things stand, however, approving a lot split without reasonable, enforceable assurances of Merrywood's preservation is simply not enough. Any exception to Winter Park's Comprehensive Plan should be accompanied by a meaningful public benefit—one secured through historic designation, not merely good intentions.

We believe there is an opportunity for a win-win solution. But until that solution is legally assured, we urge commissioners to withhold approval.

Please sign our letter and show your support for Merrywood, historic preservation, and the integrity of Winter Park's Comprehensive Plan.

✍️ LETTER LINKED IN COMMENTS. Please sign and share!

Read more about Merrywood's new owner and the ongoing discussions in the Winter Park Voice .

If you were a building, and decided to speak for the first time in your 93 years, whom would you choose to speak to?In C...
10/06/2026

If you were a building, and decided to speak for the first time in your 93 years, whom would you choose to speak to?

In Casa Feliz’s case, the historic home made a wise choice: she confided her innermost thoughts to America’s favorite poet, Billy Collins — who also happens to be a Winter Park resident.

The former U.S. Poet Laureate (2001–2003) and bestselling author will recite, for the very first time, his new poem, “An Interview with Casa Feliz,” during our Community Anniversary Celebration on October 25.

Join us for the 11:30 a.m. ceremony — and a full day of family-friendly festivities from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Full details at the link in comments.

10/03/2026

Ms. Feliz is honored to be this season’s “Cover Girl.” Grateful to artist Don Sondag for the spectacular closeup and Randy Noles and Winter Park Magazine for the spotlight. Hope to see you all October 25 for the old gal’s celebration of 25 years in her “new” home.

Twenty-five years ago, the Winter Park community came together to save Casa Feliz. This week, our Parlor Series brought ...
10/02/2026

Twenty-five years ago, the Winter Park community came together to save Casa Feliz. This week, our Parlor Series brought that remarkable story to life through the memories of those who helped make it happen. From nesting bald eagles and a looming wrecking ball to closed streets and packed bleachers, the evening revisited the extraordinary effort to preserve “the house that moved Winter Park.”

Special thanks to our panelists—Jack Rogers, Lindsey Hayes, Phil Eschbach, Stephen Pategas, and Mason Chickonski—each of whom played a significant role in saving Casa Feliz from demolition and relocating it 25 years ago. Thank you to Beth Kassab of Winter Park Voice for moderating, and to our event sponsor, Commerce Bank & Trust, for supporting this special evening.

This event officially kicked off our 25th anniversary celebration! We hope you’ll join us on October 25 for Casa Feliz at 25, our community celebration. Mark your calendar and visit our website to learn more!

09/30/2026

Cheers to 25 years! Casa Feliz is celebrating, and you’re invited! Hear from some of Casa’s biggest boosters, and join us for our community celebration.

October 25 | 11 am–3 pm
Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum

Address

656 Park Avenue N
Winter Park, FL
32789

Telephone

(407) 628-8200

Website

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