Casselberry Forum Showcases Possible Brightwater Renovation Plans

Casselberry residents met Wednesday evening at the recreational center near Secret Lake Park to hear proposed plans to re-purpose the James Gamble Rogers II Brightwater property situated near Queens mirror circle and lost Lake Lane.

Although the home evokes images of the White House or a stately southern residence of days gone by, the historic structure is relatively young– being built in the 1950s.

Gamble Rogers also constructed Winter Park's famous Casa Feliz in addition to the Florida Supreme Court building. The fifteen acre Casselberry property may soon transform into a luxury event center for weddings and banquets. Part of the proposed plans include a dining and seating area in the rear as well as gardens.

Formerly inhabited by John Casselberry, son of the city’s founder, Hibbard Casselberry, the house’s renovation will serve to further refine the city's image in the eyes of the public and increase the burgeoning interest in the town’s growth and development.

Wednesday’s event witnessed an extraordinarily high turn out, signaling a large swell of public support for such a project.

Further details will be discussed in coming weeks and months as the city commission begins to hone in on specifics.

A champion of the idea in years past, former Casselberry commissioner Sandra Solomon expressed excitement over phone to the The Orlando Local News at the prospect of the property’s re-purposement.

The project allows yet another piece of Casselberry history to be enjoyed by the public at large, joining the Concord Cemetery, Sunset Park (Fort Concord historic site), the Casselberry Golf Course and Evergreen Cemetery.

"The Brightwater Estate is an important part of Casselberry's history and Seminole County's greater cultural heritage," said Dr. Deborah L. Bauer, founder and president of the Society for Historic Society. "As the only site where a named founder for one of Seminole County's seven municipalities actually lived and where he passed away, Brightwater has strong historical significance. We know the city's restoration of the house and grounds will both preserve it and make it available for countless future generations to enjoy."

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