The Wellborn

The Wellborn is a group of three buildings from different periods dating back to 1883. Altogether, The Wellborn was built together as a furniture store in 1926; now used for multiple events and features. It has been a 20-room hotel since the 1940s and is a prime example of authentic Art Deco in Orlando, Florida. The buildings are sat around a fountain considered a "turn-of-the-century," created with old brick dating back from a hotel in the late 1800s. The Wellborn has been used for storage, sales, housing soldiers and families, art, and much more. Overall, The Wellborn has become a monumental piece of history and has helped shape Orlando for decades.

The Wellborn in Orlando, FL, was originally built in 1926 as a furniture store and warehouse. It has since been repurposed into a multi-use event venue, serving as a popular location for weddings, corporate events, and other social gatherings. The building's unique architecture, including a large rooftop terrace and ornate brickwork, has made it a beloved landmark in the city. In recent years, the venue has undergone significant renovations, including updates to the lighting and sound systems and the addition of new event spaces. These renovations have allowed The Wellborn to continue to thrive as a premier event venue in Orlando.

The Wellborn's history began in the early 20th century when the area surrounding Orlando was experiencing rapid growth and development. In 1926, a local businessman named John M. Cheney commissioned the construction of a new building that would serve as a furniture store and warehouse. The building was designed by a prominent local architect named James Gamble Rogers, known for his work on several other notable buildings in the Orlando area.

The building was completed later that year and quickly became a fixture in the local business community. Cheney's furniture store was a popular destination for locals who were looking for high-quality furnishings at reasonable prices, and the building's warehouse provided ample space for storing and displaying his inventory.

Over the years, the building changed hands several times and was repurposed for various other uses. In the 1940s, it was used as a USO center for soldiers who were stationed in the Orlando area during World War II. Later, it was used as a car dealership, an office building, and other commercial spaces.

In the 1980s, the building was purchased by a local businessman named Richard C. Kessler, who recognized its potential as an event venue. Kessler oversaw a significant renovation of the building, which included the addition of a large rooftop terrace that became a signature feature of The Wellborn. The building's ornate brickwork and unique architectural details were also preserved and restored.

The Wellborn's impact on the city of Orlando cannot be overstated. Over the years, it has served as a gathering place for locals and visitors, hosting weddings, corporate events, and other social gatherings. Its distinctive rooftop terrace has become an iconic feature of the Orlando skyline, and its ornate brickwork is a testament to the craftsmanship of its original builders.

In recent years, The Wellborn has undergone further renovations to update its facilities and maintain its status as a top-tier event venue in the city. In 2013, the building was designated a historic landmark by the City of Orlando, a testament to its enduring cultural significance.

One of the most significant renovations that The Wellborn has undergone recently was installing new lighting and sound systems. These updates have made the building more versatile and adaptable, allowing it to host a broader range of events and providing a better experience for guests.

Other updates have included adding new event spaces, including a ballroom and a lounge area. These spaces have been designed to complement the building's historic features while providing modern amenities and conveniences.

Despite these changes, The Wellborn remains a beloved destination for visitors and locals alike. Its rich history and unique architecture continue to draw people from all over the city, and its status as a premier event venue ensures that it will remain an essential part of Orlando's cultural scene for many years.

In conclusion, The Wellborn in Orlando, Florida is a historic building that has significantly impacted the city's cultural life. Its rich history, unique architecture, and stunning features have made it a beloved landmark and a popular destination for weddings, corporate events, and other social gatherings. Its recent renovations have updated its facilities while preserving its historic character, ensuring that it will remain an essential part of Orlando's cultural landscape for generations.

Staff, Bungalower. Wellborn Hotel Getting Big Makeover from Mather's Owners., June 17th, 2019. Accessed March 30th, 2023. https://bungalower.com/2019/06/17/wellborn-hotel-getting-big-makeover-from-mathers-owners/.

This article talks about the improvements made to The Wellborn as time went on. Initially, the article begins with how the Wellborn sits on a small lot containing three buildings including one of the oldest homes registered at City Hall, the I.W. Phillips buildings. The Mawardi brothers have reservations about renovating interior rooms, adding a coffee shop, a full kitchen, and a bar/club on the second floor.

Tejera, Margot. Exploring the New Wellborn Boutique Hotel - Downtown Orlando, The Wandering Maven. July 15th, 2019. Accessed March 30th, 2023. https://www.thewanderingmaven.com/cityexploringguides/2019/8/15/5t64ii9c2zerastgyfhy5co60gfoip#:~:text=The%20owners%20of%20the%20estate,most%20well%20known%20young%20entrepreneurs.

This article begins by talking about the newest owners of The Wellborn, the Mawardi brothers. The Mawardi brothers are some of “Orlando’s most well-known” entrepreneurs. They have made additions to The Wellborn including coffee machines, public Wi-Fi, and hotel rooms ranging from $120 - $150 per night. Eventually, the Mawardi brothers plan to create a complete restaurant that provides banquet services, allowing reservations. One of their recent additions to The Wellborn is an old antique car that was turned into an outdoor bar.

The Wellborn. Where It All Started, The Wellborn Orlando: Our History. 2019. Accessed March 30th, 2023. https://www.thewellbornorlando.com/our-history.

The article on this website was written by the owners of The Wellborn, providing a brief description of their history. The author explains how The Wellborn combines three historic buildings, each from separate periods. The Wellborn is a 20-Room hotel that began in the 1940s, serving as one of Orlando’s Art Deco architectures. The Wellborn includes the Norment-Parry House, Orlando’s oldest residence, built-in 1883, and the I.W. Phillips House, built in 1917.

Sonder Holdings Inc. Wellborn, Sonder - Wellborn. 2023. Accessed March 30th, 2023. https://www.sonder.com/destinations/orlando/wellborn/c31513?sleeps=1&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=18352438774.

Regarding the history of The Wellborn Hotel, the website briefly mentions that the building was initially constructed in 1926 and was an iconic landmark in Orlando for many years. The website notes that the building has been "restored and renewed," preserving many of its historic features while incorporating modern amenities.

Sun-Sentinel. Stay at the Inn at Wellborn, B%B complex has history and charm. May 2nd, 1999. Accessed March 30th, 2023. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/travel/sfl-orlandoinnmay02-story.html.

This is an article from the Sun-Sentinel, a daily newspaper based in South Florida. The article reviews the Inn at Wellborn, the original name of the Wellborn Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The review provides details about the hotel's amenities and services, as well as its history and significance as a historic landmark in Orlando. The article also includes photographs of the hotel and its surroundings and information about nearby attractions and activities.