The City of Sanford’s central downtown is undergoing a healthy re-development. One benefit being the surge of new eateries that are re-claiming many of the forgotten brick-front buildings. The process of creating the new out of the old has opened up creative experiences for visitors to explore. The Old Sanford Jailhouse is one such establishment (website).
The Jailhouse presents as an upscale restaurant, one where you are enclosed by weathered brick walls and iron grates, are gently lit by cut crystal chandeliers, and welcomed by a casual but well-appointed menu (view menu).
Rustic architectural details allow diners to engage with the building’s storied past.
The building’s successful transformation was the determination of The Sirica Family, owners of The Old Jailhouse. Their well-planned design and their dedication to preserving the original architecture kept the initial intent of the building intact, earning them the Historic Preservation Award by the Sanford Historic Trust.
We visited The Old Jailhouse for dinner on a Wednesday evening. Streetside parking and seating were plentiful.
After dinner, we headed out on foot a few blocks down to the marina (website).
We took in the view and were greeted by sailboats, houseboats, and even a steamboat (website).
We closed the day under the swaying palms at Veteran’s Park (website).
Even though the evening started out in jail, this ordinary Wednesday night turned out to be another day well spent in Florida.
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