NORTH BREVARD Titusville’s past elegance revived with Walker Hotel restoration

BY FLORA REIGADA

The historic Walker Hotel in Downtown Titusville was once a go-to destination in its heyday.

Chances are the Spanish Colonial Revival style structure will regain some of that status. This is thanks to Red Canyon Software’s restoration of the hotel into the Launch Now Apartments, also referred to as Launch Pads.

“Red Canyon Software has a proven track record,” said Jeff Thamert, who co-owns The Downtown Art Gallery with his wife, Heidi. “It’s great that they are investing in the city. They will bring business downtown. We’re excited about that. The apartments will be a great addition.”

The adjacent former Bank of Titusville and Trust Company, built in neo-classical revival style, is likewise making a grand entrance into the 21st Century, while maintaining its historic charm with its renovation.

In the hotel’s glory days, northern tourists traded snow shoveling for lounging in the sun while sipping mint juleps on the hotel’s sprawling secondfloor balcony.

Locals patronized stores and businesses on the sidewalk level, shaded by an arcade the length of the building.

Built in 1924 by Miami businessman George Walker, the hotel contained 13 apartments and 12 hotel rooms on the second and third floors.

In addition to its steep staircase, the historic Walker Hotel, renamed the Launch Now Apartments, has the added convenience of an elevator.

It has been listed in the National Register of Historic places, as is the bank, also built in 1924.

Its winding, grand stairway, accented by a massive crystal chandelier, was once a popular site for bridal pictures.

However, as Titusville expanded, businesses relocated and the buildings were left vacant.

The late Titusville journalist and historian Bob Hudson once said that part of the reason for the hotel’s decline was its beautiful, but steep and

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A new elevator has now been installed, along with restored handrails, new wallpaper and light fixtures.

The properties boast original Merritt Island Pine hardwood floors, historic molding and original details.

Twelve one-bedroom apartments and eight studios promote Titusville’s past, combining the old with the new. A penthouse apartment features an original fireplace.

For information call, 720-689-9388, or go to launchnow.space SL