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CRA approves façade grant for Joseph Land/’Joseph Land Building’ restoration
Summary
The CRA approved a Historic Restoration Façade Grant for Robert L. Gibson Jr. (Joseph Land Building), citing extensive exterior work already completed and the grant program’s intent to incentivize downtown restoration.
The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency approved a Historic Restoration Façade Grant for property owner Robert L. Gibson Jr. for exterior restoration work on the building historically known as the Joseph Land Building on Park Avenue.
Ronnie Wood and board members described the project as an “exemplary restoration” that returned the storefronts to the original three‑bay configuration, repaired brickwork and installed new structural supports after prior mid‑century alterations had stuccoed over historic features. Wood said invoices submitted for exterior work exceeded $400,000 and that the owner requested $50,000 under the façade grant program; she described recent interior progress, including appliances delivered for four upstairs apartments.
Chair Robin Gibson recused himself from his seat earlier in the meeting when the item directly affected him; the board discussed the application and noted prior board approvals for the façade program. After discussion, a motion to approve the grant was made and passed by voice vote.
At the meeting, the owner (Chair Gibson) thanked the board and said he aimed to hold a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce on May 27. Board members praised the restoration and emphasized the project as a model for downtown investment.
