Flamboyant 1920s art deco
The majestic Terrace Hotel, located on scenic Lake Mirror in Lakeland, Florida, opened its doors in 1924 with a grand festive Gala. Since that time, it has served as a place of celebration for local business gatherings, family wedding receptions, and destination travelers. Recently, Sims Patrick Studio worked with Bryan Ashley to completely refurbish the hotel creating a 2021 state-of-the-art hotel while respecting the existing architectural detailing throughout the property.
Taking cues from its flamboyant 1920s art deco history, the elegant lines of the Lake Mirror swans, and color palette inspiration from the lush vibrant gardens and citrus groves nearby, the hotel has been completely renovated. New finishes, local artwork, and a mix of eclectic furnishings tie together old-world glamour with modern sophistication. This magnificent property once again maintains and glorifies its role in Lakeland as the “Living Room of the City” while appealing to all generations as a special place to celebrate.
Swan “Lake”land
The dominant feature in Lakeland is the city's many lakes thus its namesake. Within these abundant bodies of water, swans are one of the most visible features. However, in the 1950s, the swan population in Lakeland was slowly decreasing in number due to various illnesses and alligator predators. Finally, in 1953, the last pair of birds quietly disappeared, and both travelers and locals immediately felt the lakes looked empty without the beautiful swans.
After a couple from the United Kingdom heard of the news, they decided to write a letter to Queen Elizabeth asking if she’d lend a pair of her royal swans to the city. Unbelievably, she replied with a note that said she would indeed donate two of the royal swans to Lakeland. Finally, in 1957, the birds arrived and were placed in Lake Morton. From there, Lakeland’s royal swan family grew and the city was able to once again be known as “swan city.”
