Oakland Art & History Center construction to start by summer

Bob Miller, of R. Miller Architecture Inc., attended the May 9 Oakland Town Commission to provide the elected officials with more details regarding Oakland's proposed art and history center. This addition to the town center will be built on the site of the former Little White House at 126 Petris Ave., just off the West Orange Trail.

The building will have a capacity of 248.

It will be painted dove gray with white trim and bricks around the base, and its features will make the building look like it was built in 1920. Metal railings will line the porch.

Commemorative bricks purchased by residents in the 1990s will be incorporated.

The design includes Grace Park — named for the legendary Grace Mather-Smith, once a resident of the town — on the southwest corner of the project. This area will include a vending machine area and a small store with trail supplies.

Covered tables dot the perimeter.

On the east end, wide doors open up to a porch that the town can utilize for events such as Santa Day. Carriage lights will enhance the exterior.

Inside, a wide, open room will allow for multiple display options, and large windows can bring in natural light. The entire ceiling will be clad in wood to resemble an old-fashioned packinghouse.

A designer has been working on curved panels to be used in display. A large-screen television will share the history of Oakland.

The town is looking for artifacts to help tell the story of Oakland. Residents with interesting pieces of the town's past are being encouraged to call Town Hall at (407) 656-1117 to inquire about lending or donating an item.

The designer's presentation video can be viewed on the “Town of Oakland, Florida” Facebook page so residents can get a glimpse of what's coming.

Contact Amy Quesinberry at [email protected].