In addition to social and cultural activities, the Terrace Hotel offered a wide range of recreational opportunities. Guests could enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Mirror, tennis on the hotel’s courts, and promenades along landscaped paths. Golfers were attracted to nearby courses, while families enjoyed picnics, walking tours, and seasonal festi

The Terrace Hotel’s architecture embodies the Mediterranean Revival style, which became popular in Florida during the 1920s. Characterized by stucco walls, red-tile roofs, arched windows, and ornamental ironwork, the style was well-suited to Florida’s climate and aesthetic sensibilities. The hotel featured a three-story main building with expan

Introduction: A Beacon of Early 20th-Century Florida The Terrace Hotel, located in the heart of Lakeland, Florida, represents a quintessential example of early 20th-century Florida resort architecture and social culture. Founded during the height of Florida’s 1920s land boom, the hotel was conceived as a destination for tourists, seasonal resi

Introduction: Captiva Island’s Historical Resort Tween Waters Inn, established in 1931 on Captiva Island, Florida, combines beachfront luxury with historical charm. It reflects the evolution of barrier island tourism, Florida’s resort development, and the integration of natural beauty into hospitality. Chapter I: Founding and Early Vision