A Tailor-Made Legacy: Rutland's Ruled Downtown

Good morning, Orlando. Want a birthday shout-out in the Orlando Signal? Easy-peasy. You’ll run into the details as you scroll through the issue.

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👇 In today’s issue: 👇

• When Rutland’s ruled

• Orlando’s Silk Road

• In love with Stasio’s

• ….and much more

If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
A Tailor-Made Legacy: Rutland's Ruled Downtown

The year was 1940 in downtown Orlando, where Joseph Rutland eyed potential in a modest corner gas station. This savvy businessman dreamed of an elegant men’s clothing store on that lot, so he bought the land for $78,000 and hired hometown architect F. Earl Deloe to design a sleek new Art Moderne building.

As Rutland’s opened, Orlando buzzed about the fine suits and attentive service inside its elegant two stories. Salesmen like young Mel Martinez, a Cuban immigrant who would one day become a US Senator, treated each shopper like esteemed guests.

In the booming 1950s, when demand exceeded space, three more floors were added for expanded retail and offices. Now bustling gentlemen could view custom tailoring on the 2nd floor, relax with a shoe shine on the 4th, or conduct business far above the downtown streets.

For over 30 golden years, Rutland’s multi-story emporium shined as a downtown jewel renowned for quality goods and impeccable hospitality. Shoppers spent freely on $500 suits, trusting Rutland’s staff to exceed expectations.

But time catches all, and commerce shifted outward. Rutland’s surrendered its corner to become one store of many before cheap chains won the race to the bottom. The last location shuttered in 1998, a local legend mourned but fondly remembered.

The expanded building still stands, now offices and a bank. But one can imagine gentlemen being fitted for vests inside, waited upon by the likes of Martinez - who started as a humble salesman before rising to national esteem, representing Florida in the hallowed halls of the Senate.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Dreaded Bird Flu Targets Lake Eola Royalty

I don’t cover crime and murders, but this is one exception….

A silent killer stalks Orlando’s beloved Lake Eola swans. Avian influenza has arrived, and over two weeks it has already claimed four victims - a Royal Mute, an Australian Black and two majestic Black-Necked birds.

Tests confirmed the virus in the first two corpses found lifeless along the shore. Foul play may also be at work; police are investigating one recent case.

Lake Eola is home to over 60 swans across 5 species. While rare human cases cause flu-like symptoms, for swans the virus is virtually 100% fatal.

According to Florida wildlife authorities, it will likely run its course within a month as some survivors may develop immunity. In the meantime, the City has urgently disinfected surfaces to curb contamination and advised staffers to take safety precautions.

Spokeswoman Ashley Papagni strongly urges people to avoid contact with the swans during this crisis. Tragically, two of the adorable offspring belonging to beloved Black-Neck resident Queenie have already perished.

In 2019, Queenie charmed Orlando when she sought a mate. Residents anxiously hope she and others can endure until the grim grip of the virus passes and Lake Eola’s waters still once more.

Where Cowboys Meet the Silk Road

For 140 years, Makison Hardware stood as a pillar of Kissimmee’s pioneer-era downtown, where cowboys once roamed.

After the storied shop shuttered in 2021, local architect Ray Parsons swooped in with a bold vision: transforming this slice of Old Florida into a cultural crossroads.

Parsons converted Makison's 1884 digs, with their original wood floors and exposed brick walls, into 1881 Restaurant & Bar.

The wooden saloon doors now welcome locals into a lively watering hole filled with remnants of Kissimmee’s past: tannery artifacts, miscut keys from the old key-making machine, billing receipts from frontier land deals.

But alongside these cowboy-era exhibits is something unexpected: the exotic spices of Uzbekistan. Owner Shukhrat "Sascha" Kasimov and chef Akram Ismov dish up Silk Road fare from scratch, from crispy meat pies to yogurt-soaked manti dumplings to piping-hot kebabs, fused with classic pub grub in this novel Florida saloon.

At 1881, Kissimmee’s rugged roots mingle deliciously with the flavors of Central Asia. Stop by this lasting link to Florida's frontier era to see where the cultural trails intersect over finger-licking good fare. Just don’t forget your cowboy hat!

Buds of Innovation Sprout at Orlando’s Farm of the Future

An oasis of sustainable agriculture is rising from the Florida soil at 4Roots Farm Campus. Located in Orlando’s Packing District, the visionary project has completed phase 1 construction, with final touches on earth-friendly infrastructure like a solar-powered education center.

The crown jewel - a state-of-the-art greenhouse with nine growing systems straight from the cutting edge farms of Israel.

Head farmer Josh Taylor’s inspiration to invigorate youth and provide produce access, phase two focuses outward to neighbors. Community is cultivated through plans for a performance stage, lively greenspace, farm-to-table cafe, and a 300-guest event center.

The final phase will see a Discovery Center take root, documenting Florida's rich agricultural history while envisioning its high-tech future.

As spring takes hold, the first greenhouse crops are nearly ready for planting. Taylor and his team have grown a sustainable oasis, proving the future of farming is sure to bear fruit for generations.

The buddings of innovation at 4Roots signify much about agriculture’s trajectory - technology and sustainability coming together to nourish both land and community.

Breathing New Life into Dormant Downtown Gems

Downtown Orlando may soon see $20 million in strategic investment to spur transformation. The city's Community Redevelopment Agency has unveiled plans to purchase four properties to open up Lake Eola Park and inject new life into dormant spaces.

For over 15 years, two aging buildings along Central Boulevard have obstructed public access and flow between Lake Eola and surrounding downtown areas. By acquiring and removing these structures, city leaders hope to integrate the crown jewel park into a wider pedestrian grid.

Additionally, the long-vacant lot at 30 S. Orange Ave would develop into a vibrant pocket park under the city's plans.

Most ambitiously, the century-old former State Bank building at 1 N. Orange Ave would undergo full restoration - its grand interior potentially housing an iconic restaurant, while upper floors convert to affordable housing units.

According to CRA Executive Director David Barilla, these initial chess moves aim to catalyze downtown's future growth.

As the city evaluates the acquisition deals, larger visions percolate with a forthcoming updated Downtown Master Plan later this year to set broader strategy.

For now, change lies in purchasing power.

ORLANDO DIGS: DISCOVERING THE AREAS TOP PROPERTIES 🏠
One Last Big Play: Judon's Decked-Out Domain Goes for $3.5M

Nestled within Winter Garden's verdant 1.6 acres, the luxurious custom estate at 900 W. Plant St is now on the market for $3.575 million.

This sprawling 8,000 square foot sanctuary was recently home to NFL star linebacker Matthew Judon of the New England Patriots. After a standout career with the Baltimore Ravens, Judon joined the Patriots in 2021 and ranked 33rd on the NFL's Top 100 Players list in 2023.

The resort-style amenities are perfect for both entertaining and peaceful solitude. Vaulted ceilings and ample natural light fill the interior featuring custom cabinetry and spa-worthy master baths.

Outdoors, overlook the saltwater pool from the 50-foot covered lanai and adjacent summer kitchen. The half basketball court offers friendly competition while the three-bedroom casita provides flexible entertaining space.

Whether you envision relaxation or your own championship celebrations, this sublime 1.6-acre retreat offers resort-style amenities just beyond your back door.

Curious (or nosey like me)?👇

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

Mochi Japanese Donuts

📷 via @winterparksocial  |📍East End Market

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Stasio’s Italian Deli

📍210 N. Bumby ave, Orlando Fl. 32803, or map to this location, right here.

In the bustling streets (N. Bumby ave. to be exact) of Orlando lies a hidden gem, one that had eluded my culinary radar until just last week: Stasio's Italian Deli. Oh, what a discovery it was! With a twinge of regret for the time lost, I stepped into this haven of Italian flavors, accompanied by my dear family. And from that moment on, I knew I would never underestimate its allure again.

Allow me to regale you with our culinary escapade. I, daring and eager to embrace the essence of Stasio's, opted for "The Stasio" sandwich. A symphony of flavors danced upon my palate with each bite! Meanwhile, my beloved wife indulged in the Chicken Cutlet sandwich, a choice that earned her nods of approval between satisfied bites.

But it's not just about the food at Stasio's; it's about the experience. A family-owned business, their warmth and passion infuse every morsel they serve. It's evident in the smiles that greet you at the door, in the care with which they craft each dish, and in the way they make you feel like part of their extended family.

Nom nom nom! 👇

stasiositaliandeli

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MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> The City of Orlando is looking for an Interactive Media Coordinator and a Lead Student Advocate to join the team.

> The Central Florida Fair is running wild while serving up deep-fried Snickers now through March 10th at the central Florida Fairgrounds.

> The Kerouac Project of Orlando is now accepting applications for new writers to be a part of its residency program.

> Take a Chocolate Kingdom Factory Tour this Tuesday through Thursday.

> Join Cooking With Collette for a spring brunch picnic in Winter Park on Wednesday.

> Japanese concept Sorekara is finally open in Baldwin Park at 4979 New Broad St.

> Parlor Doughnuts is now serving up its signature layered doughnuts and homey atmosphere in Orlando. The new shop is now open at 2912 Edgewater Drive in College Park

> Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive is coming Thursday to the Dr. Phillips Center

> Funks Vintage Clothing Store “By the Pound” just opened at 2615 E South St. in the Milk District

> Renowned chef, Peter Song, is hosting a dumpling-making class at KungFu Kitchen on Wednesday at 8466 Palm Pkwy.

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Monday

80🌡️ 63 | 🌦️ | Periods of clouds and sunshine with a couple of showers in the afternoon

Tuesday

81🌡️ 65 | 🌧️ | Mainly cloudy with a couple of showers in the afternoon

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 67 | ⛈️ | Rather cloudy; a couple of morning showers followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon

THANKS! 🙏

I appreciate your attention and interest! We’ll see you again on Thursday for the weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal