Image courtesy of Robert Egleston

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Building Name:                                              Orlando Chamber of Commerce

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Address:                                                         75 S. Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando FL 32804

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Link to location on Google Maps:               Click Here

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Year Built:                                                       1968

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Architect of Record:                                      Nils M. Schweizer

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Noteworthy Architectural Features:            The two office levels float above an open entry plaza, with a strong contrast between the solid buff color masonry and the open texture of the rust colored brise soleil which shades the glass wall from the sun.­­

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How to Visit:                                                   Closed and scheduled for demolition

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Architectural Style:                                         Modern

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Related Links:                                                

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Description:

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This brick 3 story office building features two stories raised above an outdoor entry level. Four heavy corner piers, canted on the diagonal are typical of many of Schweizer’s designs. The roof fascia appears to float above these piers because of a deep gap allowing views of the sky at the corners through that gap. These piers are further articulated by 45 degree extended foot and shoulder forms, echoing classical columns in an abstract way.

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The hanging glass curtainwall of the upper stories is shaded by bracketed metal slats which shade the interior from the strong Florida sun. This feature is often called “Brise Soleil” a term coined by French Modern architects.

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The architect Nils Schweizer was originally sent by Frank Lloyd Wright to oversee construction of the Florida Southern College buildings under construction in the 1950’s. He stayed, married and opened his own firm in Orlando after Wright’s death.