128-year-old Capen House to be demolished in Winter Park

WINTER PARK, Fla. — There's a fight to save a piece of history in Orange County.

A 128-year old house is set to be demolished next month in Winter Park.

The Capen House on Interlachen Avenue was on the historic registry until last year.

The house is part of Winter Park's original blueprint and was built in 1885.

In 2011, a plaque was put up to signify its place on the historic registry. Two years later, not only has the distinction been removed, but next month the house will be as well.

After changing hands several times and foreclosure proceedings, the Capen House has new owners with their own plans to tear it down and start fresh.

Donna Bundy sits on the board of the Central Florida Preservation Society.

"It really pulls at a person's heart to know they would tear that down. It's our history," Bundy said.

Back in 2000, Winter Park met widespread resistance for plans to demolish Casa Feliz.

The city finally stepped forward and provided land on Park Avenue so it could be saved.

This time, there are no such plans.

Residents in the well-to-do neighborhood have mixed feelings on Capen's fate.

As of now, the green light has been given to bring in the wrecking ball after June 13.

"Personally, I don't like the style but would keep it for the historical value," said resident John Hecken.

The new owners paid $2 million for the Capen House and have offered to donate the structure to anyone who wants to relocate it.

They've also offered up to $10,000 to help with that process.

WFTV