ORLANDO, Fla. – Eight people were displaced after a historic building in the Parramore neighborhood was condemned on Friday, according to city officials.
Orlando District 5 City Commissioner Shan Rose posted on social media saying the building located at 319 South Parramore Ave. was condemned due to a gas line leak and poor living conditions on the second floor.
Recommended Videos
The art deco Hawkins Building was built in 1947 by Dr. Isaiah Sylvester Hankins and served “as one of the first Black-owned and operated professional establishments catering to Black doctors and lawyers,” according to The Historic Parramore District website. The building also served as home to the Orlando Chapter of the NAACP as well as a dentist office, tailor shop and beauty salon.
Rose originally said that 19 people were displaced, but officials with the Christian Service Center said the number was actually eight.
All residents were accepted into shelter with the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, officials said.
Orlando police and the Christian Service Center were onsite meeting with residents.
“A couple of our case managers helped determine and arrange best options for them. O.P.D. provided the transportation to the shelter,” said Bryan Hampton with the Christian Service Center.
My office received several calls about 319 S. Parramore Ave. Please note the property was condemned due to a gas line...
Posted by District 5, City of Orlando on Tuesday, September 9, 2025
No other information about the property was released.