Willard Van Orsdel King House, Fort Lauderdale
The Dr. Willard Van Orsdel King House, situated in Fort Lauderdale, stands as a significant historical residence. Erected in 1951, it epitomizes the architectural style of the Mid-century modern movement. The residence, featuring three bedrooms, was meticulously designed by William F. Bigoney to ensure a luminous yet refreshing ambiance amidst the subtropical climate. Notably, its focal point is a spacious central area adorned with expansive windows on two sides, reflecting the architectural ethos of the era. The construction of this house coincided with the onset of a post-war development surge in Fort Lauderdale.
This house represents one of the remaining legacies of William Francis Bigoney Jr. (1921-1996), a pioneering architect in Fort Lauderdale. Trained under the tutelage of Walter Gropius, the renowned architect and founder of the Bauhaus design school, Bigoney emerged as one of the city's prominent modernist architects. Not only did he contribute significantly to the architectural landscape, but he also played a pivotal role in civic affairs, notably in spearheading the Riverwalk project. In recognition of his contributions, the city bestowed upon him the title of "Honored Founder" in 2000.
Dr. King, the owner of the residence, garnered international acclaim as an Entomologist, specializing in mosquito control. Having obtained his Doctorate from Tulane University in 1915, Dr. King is celebrated for pioneering aerial spraying techniques to combat mosquito-borne diseases. His leadership at the Orlando Lab and his significant contributions earned him the Legion of Merit for distinguished service.
The historical significance of the Dr. Willard Van Orsdel King House was formally recognized when it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
This house represents one of the remaining legacies of William Francis Bigoney Jr. (1921-1996), a pioneering architect in Fort Lauderdale. Trained under the tutelage of Walter Gropius, the renowned architect and founder of the Bauhaus design school, Bigoney emerged as one of the city's prominent modernist architects. Not only did he contribute significantly to the architectural landscape, but he also played a pivotal role in civic affairs, notably in spearheading the Riverwalk project. In recognition of his contributions, the city bestowed upon him the title of "Honored Founder" in 2000.
Dr. King, the owner of the residence, garnered international acclaim as an Entomologist, specializing in mosquito control. Having obtained his Doctorate from Tulane University in 1915, Dr. King is celebrated for pioneering aerial spraying techniques to combat mosquito-borne diseases. His leadership at the Orlando Lab and his significant contributions earned him the Legion of Merit for distinguished service.
The historical significance of the Dr. Willard Van Orsdel King House was formally recognized when it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
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Willard Van Orsdel King House on Map
Sight Name: Willard Van Orsdel King House
Sight Location: Fort Lauderdale, USA (See walking tours in Fort Lauderdale)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fort Lauderdale, USA (See walking tours in Fort Lauderdale)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Fort Lauderdale
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fort Lauderdale is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Walking Tour
For decades, Fort Lauderdale Beach has been known primarily as a destination for raucous college students to celebrate Spring Break. Today, although a bit calmer and less chaotic than before, this neighborhood still boasts a wealth of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment.
One of the notable local attractions is the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. This historic estate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
One of the notable local attractions is the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. This historic estate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Downtown Historical Buildings
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is home to three designated historic districts: The Sailboat Bend, The Himmarshee, and The Stranahan House. Each holds a range of houses and buildings from the mid-19th and 20th centuries that together tell the fascinating story of Fort Lauderdale's evolution over the years.
One such notable institution, preserving the city's heritage, is the Fort Lauderdale... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
One such notable institution, preserving the city's heritage, is the Fort Lauderdale... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fort Lauderdale Downtown Walking Tour
Fort Lauderdale is known for beautiful beaches and tourism. As part of the Miami metropolitan area, Fort Lauderdale offers the advantage of city culture and convenience along with warm weather, sand and sea.
Fort Lauderdale was originally inhabited by the Tequesta. Like many other native people, they faced disease and expulsion when European explorers made their way to the Florida shores.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Fort Lauderdale was originally inhabited by the Tequesta. Like many other native people, they faced disease and expulsion when European explorers made their way to the Florida shores.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles