Colonialtown South, which was designated a local Historic District in 2000 is generally located south of Hillcrest Street, north of East Robinson, east of Shine Avenue and west of Hampton Street. The neighborhood developed over six decades through a series of real estate boom and busts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The earliest subdivision was platted in the area in 1883, but the largest was developed and promoted by Carl Dann in 1913. Dann was a prominent developer who platted some sixty subdivisions in Orange County, including parts of College Park, Dubsdread, Lake Lawsona and Lake Eola Heights.

In Colonialtown South, the majority of residential construction occurred during the 1920’s Florida Land Boom. Houses generally were small to medium sized structures that were common for the middle class. The neighborhood experienced a second period of growth between the Depression and the start of World War II. The houses during this time were even smaller due to the financial constraints of the period. This neighborhood exemplifies these two periods of development. Colonialtown South is one of the most intact neighborhoods in the City that represents the final years of a traditional development pattern. This type of development, which occurred over many years, was typical until GI’s returning home from World War II created such a demand for new housing that large suburban neighborhoods began to be built all at once. These new housing developments were most often built by one single builder for resale.

The subdivision layouts, brick streets, steet trees and buildings of Colonialtown South are all physical reminders of the cultural, economic, social and historic heritage of the City of Orlando.