A century-old Lakeland building that’s fallen into trouble times is being granted a stay of execution: It is no longer slated to be demolished.
The two-story brick building at the corner of North Florida Avenue and East Myrtle Street stands alone. The last remaining structure on the block, 701 N. Florida Ave., was most recently home to Lakeland Pawn & Gun. Though it’s exact history is a little uncertain, Lakeland Developer Gregory Fancelli said he is currently under contract to purchase the building for an undisclosed sum with an anticipated closing date in approximately two weeks.
“The building shouldn’t cost that much ― but it’s about saving it,” Fancelli said.
History of 701 N. Florida Ave
A tilted mosaic along the ground at the front entrance the building reads “Traders,” speaking to the building’s history. It was constructed the 1920s for Traders Furniture Store by Luther and Stella Humphreys…