Beds
6
Baths
10
Sq Ft
8,480 sq ft
Year Built
1915
Lot Size
0.12 acres
Garage
—
About This Property
Truly rare opportunity to own a piece of Lake Wales History and the painstaking task of historic preservation has already been done! Built in 1915, the J.T. Rhodes Building was one of the first two brick-and-mortar buildings in Lake Wales. The City owes its origin to the building, where the villagers gathered upstairs in what was then the Masonic Hall on the night of April 27, 1917 to sign a petition to the Legislature for the issuance of a city charter. The Legislature responded by incorporating the City, whose charter was signed into law by Governor Sidney J. Catts on May 28, 1917. This amazing piece of architecture is home to one of the few mixed-use buildings in downtown. Downstairs are 2 commercial suites, with long term tenants in place! Upstairs you will find 4 well-appointed and thoughtfully designed apartments! All of the apartments have in unit laundry, modern kitchens with all new appliances, original hardwood flooring, timeless baths, spacious rooms and high ceilings... all while maintaining the historic character & charm! The completion of this building is perfectly timed with the revitalization of downtown Lake Wales, the property is positioned at the heart of the city's walkable new streetscape - complete with brick paved streets, lush park-like settings and a growing calendar of community events! The City is in the process of designating downtown Lake Wales an Arts, Cultural & Entertainment (ACE) District which will provide an environment welcoming growth and promoting prosperity! The investment in this renovation and historic preservation is unmatched, with no detail overlooked. The goal was to preserve this piece of history for the next 100 years and every decision was made with that long term vision.... An invaluable gift to the person lucky enough to be the new owner, entrusted with the legacy of the J. T. Rhodes building!
Property Overview
Interior Features
Exterior & Lot
Utilities
Parking
HOA & Community
Financial Details
Directions
From Hwy 27, turn east onto Central Ave, turn left onto Scenic Hwy, turn left onto Park Ave, second building on the left.
Location
244 E PARK AVENUE, LAKE WALES, FL 33853
Listing Information
Schedule a Showing
How to Buy This Home
Multiple financing options available for this $1,650,000 home in LAKE WALES.
🏛️
FHA Loan
$57,750 Down
Government-backed, low down payment. Credit scores as low as 580.
🎖️
VA Loan
$0 Down
Zero down for eligible veterans, active duty, and military families.
🏦
Conventional
$82,500 Down
Traditional financing. As low as 3-5% down with good credit.
🌾
USDA Loan
$0 Down
Zero down for eligible rural areas. Income limits apply.
Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs
You may qualify for up to $35,000 in assistance to cover your down payment and closing costs.
Florida Hometown Heroes
Up to $35,000
First-time buyers working in FL
FL Assist
Up to $10,000
FHA, VA, or USDA borrowers
FL HLP Second Mortgage
Up to $10,000
First-time buyers, 0% deferred
Polk County SHIP
Varies
Income-qualifying Polk residents
Can You Afford This Home?
Quick check based on the 28% debt-to-income rule. Not a guarantee — just a starting point.
Listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All measurements and data should be independently verified. This information is provided by the Stellar MLS. The listing broker's offer of compensation is made only to participants of the MLS where the listing is filed. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: February 23, 2026.