After a fire destroyed Mount Dora’s Town Hall in 1922, the community needed an auditorium for public assemblies. Despite hard economic times, residents raised funds and began construction of the Mount Dora Community Building in 1929. The Mediterranean-style structure, built in four months with reinforced concrete, steel, stone tile, and steam heat, cost $35,000 for the building and $5000 for the lot. Its auditorium seated 800, one seat for every adult resident. Former United States President Calvin Coolidge and his wife, who were staying at the Lakeside Inn, attended the building’s dedication on January 30, 1930. A $3 million renovation completed in 2010 preserved its historic and architectural appeal while adding an expanded lobby, community meeting room, concession area, art exhibit space, new auditorium seating, expanded restrooms, private dressing rooms, upgraded sound, lighting, acoustics, and electrical systems, an enhanced stage area, ADA accessibility throughout, and a new industrial air conditioning system. The building has remained a cultural and social gathering place for all generations, hosting concerts, theatrical performances, social functions, meetings, lectures, health and fitness classes, and many other special events and community programs.