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Built in 1886 by Englishman Gordon Rogers and investors, the Rogers Building is one of the few surviving Victorian structures in the city and downtown. Today, the building is home to monthly curated art exhibits, artist talks, movie series and more.
The one stipulation is that for the next 20 years, the building must be used for its current purpose: the arts.
“The city has worked hard to incorporate arts into everything we do as a community and to increase these types of cultural offerings for our residents and visitors,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We are grateful for this generous donation from Ford and how it will continue to further our efforts growing our burgeoning arts and culture scene.”
As part of the acquisition of the property, the building has been officially renamed in honor of the donation as the Rogers Kiene Building.
“The Rogers Building represented an opportunity to reawaken and restore a piece of downtown history,” said Ford Kiene, Chairman of City Beverages. “It is with much enjoyment and pleasure that I yield ownership to the City of Orlando, as they have such a deep commitment to the arts as well as historic preservation. It will be a gathering place for the arts in Orlando.”
As part of the acquisition of the property, the building has been officially renamed in honor of the donation as the Rogers Kiene Building.
“The Rogers Building represented an opportunity to reawaken and restore a piece of downtown history,” said Ford Kiene, Chairman of City Beverages. “It is with much enjoyment and pleasure that I yield ownership to the City of Orlando, as they have such a deep commitment to the arts as well as historic preservation. It will be a gathering place for the arts in Orlando.”