When I first arrived this semester, I was eager and excited to have my own space in the Sutton Place Apartments—only to find out that just about everyone had something negative to say about my new residence.
During orientation and the weeks that followed, I learned that one of the first things you ask about a fellow student is the dormitory they live in, and that anyone who had previously lived in Sutton was not a huge fan of it. Outdated, run-down, secluded, ‘not as good as Lakeside’. I couldn’t understand it. Yes, it is far away from the heart of campus. Yes, it is an old building. And yes, you are likely to have a roommate. But what about all the benefits of living in a place with such a rich history?
Sutton has a long-winded backstory. Originally, the land was owned by the Batchelor family in the 1800s, who capitalized on the water-front property by building a large two-story mansion (one of the first houses built in Winter Park). The Batchelor House even served as a girls-only dormitory for Rollins in 1957, foreshadowing the collegiate future of the property. Only three years later, the Batchelor House was demolished for the Sutton Place Apartments to be constructed. Contrary to popular belief, the apartment complex was not actually a senior living facility. Instead, it served the Winter Park community as a traditional apartment building for many years after its construction in 1964, until Rollins purchased the apartment complex in 2001 and swiftly transformed it into upperclassman dormitories.
Sutton still retains much of its 1960s charm. From the razor blade slots in the medicine cabinets to the mid-century General Electric kitchen appliances, Sutton is full of character and history. As someone who is obsessed with all things vintage, I instantly became enamored with my overtly brown kitchen and yellowed, marbled vanity. The long walk from Sutton to literally any classroom on campus seemed like such a small concession for the old Florida ambience.
But was I the only one content with my living arrangements? These interactions made me wonder what current Sutton residents thought about living here. I sat down with Darcy Gonzalez (‘28), a Sutton RA, and discovered that I was not the only one who thinks Sutton deserves a little more credit.
Gonzalez said, “It’s meant to be homey, it’s definitely meant to be lived in […] which is nice, because it has the storage, it has a full kitchen […] I love it.” There is something vastly different about living in a place designed with the intention of being a long-term residence rather than a place you stay for only a year. The multitude of closets, the size of each room, and the coveted balcony are just a few details that make the place feel less like a temporary residence and more like a home away from home.
Sutton resident Kelsey Krebs (‘29) agreed. She said, “I like the old Florida, condo aesthetic. […] It’s like when you go on vacation in one of those small beach towns.” As a born and raised Floridian, I could not agree with that sentiment more. Sutton carries echoes of the Florida that I experienced as a kid; trips to Cocoa Beach, staycations in St. Pete, constantly surrounded by the remnants of the post-war Florida development. After decades of hurricanes, demolitions, rebuilding, and gentrification, that old Florida charm is hard to come by nowadays.
The Sutton Place Apartments have a lot more to offer than most people assume. It’s a perfect place for those who like the independence that comes with a full apartment, the kitschy charm of mid-century Florida, and some good old peace and quiet. Sutton even has some of its own special amenities, with a private pool and easy access to Dinky Dock. So, perhaps we should all be a little kinder to such an aged and historic property and appreciate the nostalgic comfort it brings to the residents that call it home.
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur or Rollins College. Have any additional tips or opinions? Send us your response. We want to hear your voice.
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