The one-of-a-kind butterfly roofs on these homes redirect rainwater so it drains off the sides of the roofs. | Photo by Thomas Lutz, Higher Image LLC
Two new-construction, modern homes are now complete in the Paul A. Diggs neighborhood, and you won’t find any others like them in Lakeland. We got a first look at these unique properties when they were first under construction. Now, peek inside to see the finished products as they go on the market.
Developed by True Investors Development in conjunction with Elon Wright Residences, the houses are located next door to each other at 716 W. 14th St. and 720 W. 14th St. Both have three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and are 1280-sqft. They’re hard to miss — just look for the butterfly roofs that slope downward to a point in the center.
High ceilings + natural light add to the modern feel in the living area and entryway.
Photo by LALtoday
The roof design by architect Victor Prebor is just one of the features that developer + owner Franklin Cruz says were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, who had a big impact on Lakeland architecture. “These homes are deeply inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian principles,” said Cruz, “a vision of modern, beautiful, and attainable homes for the working class.”
You’ll also find Wright-influenced, geometric finishes throughout the residences, plus areas of compression + decompression — like compact entryways that open to soaring, 22-ft ceilings. Both include a one-car garage, built-in wine fridge, spacious laundry room, and plenty of natural light from north- and south-facing windows.
Finishes were thoughtfully chosen to align with Wright’s mid-century modern style, from shower tile to light fixtures.
Photo by Thomas Lutz, Higher Image LLC
The houses are very similar in design, but the one at 720 W. 14th St. has more high-end finishes, like quartz waterfall countertops in the kitchen + a more intricate tile pattern in the primary bathroom’s shower.
If you’re all about curb appeal, you’re in luck — the exteriors had enough to win the City of Lakeland’s March Residential Beautification Award.
Which feature has you booking a tour for yourself? Do your best HGTV host impression and let us know below.
Asked
Asked
Which feature has you booking a tour?
A. Butterfly roofs B. Soaring ceilings C. Wright-inspired finishes D. Curb appeal
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo | Friday, March 14-Saturday, March 15 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $8+ | Quilters will find everything they need for their craft with three days of exhibits, cutting-edge classes, and shopping.
Gallery Perspectives | 12-1 p.m. | Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Guest curator + ceramic artist Andrew Coombs will discuss the exhibition “Surface, Service, and Splendor: Decorating History in Clay.”
Wonderland Tea Jubilee | 12-2 p.m. | Medulla Resource Center | Free | Don’t be late for this very important “Alice in Wonderland"-themed tea party for families with children under the age of 12.
Lakeland’s Biggest Baddest St. Paddy’s Day Party | Saturday, March 15-Monday, March 17 | Times vary | The Brass Tap | Free+ | There’s no cover to enter this three-day party with drink specials, live music, and games.
Bungalow Birthday Celebration and Fashion Show | 2 p.m. | Bungalow Boutique & Gifts | Free+ | Celebrate the anniversary of this boutique by shopping specials and enjoying a spring fashion show at 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 16
Paradise Market | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville | Free+ | You don’t have to be a resort guest to shop this market packed with local small businesses.
St. Patty’s Day at Brew Hub | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free+ | Brunch, bellinis, and beer await, plus live music by Jay Whealton.
Stillness Through Sound | 5-6 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $35 | Rest and recharge for the week ahead in this immersive sound bath experience.
Lakeland ranked No. 4 among US metro areas with the largest home price drops in 2024, coming in just below Tampa. Prices changed -3.13% in 2024, and the median price at the start of this year was $310,000 — that’s $180.25 per square foot. (Tradingpedia)
Coming Soon
Lakeside Village keeps growing, with Waxing the City set to join the shopping center this summer next to Journeys. This studio specializes in facial + body waxing, plus services like brow tinting, lash lifts, and skin treatments.
Today Is
Holi. Celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colors with music and family activities at the Holi Festival Celebration at Jennings Middle School in Seffner. It’s happening tomorrow, March 15, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Number
250.8 million. That’s how many streams Southeastern University’s campus band SEU Worship received as of December. The band, made up of students, staff, and alumni, is currently touring with WinterJam as opening artists for its second year.
Quoted
“A lot of people think that SALO is just fun, games, and pizza, but it’s much more than that,” said Melvin Thompson, Director of Polk State College’s Student Activities & Leadership Organization. He won national recognition for his work overseeing 30+ clubs that drew 14,000 attendees last school year.
Seasonal
Fancy Farms is bringing back strawberry U-pick for two more days. Head to the Plant City farm this Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 to pick your own berries from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s $4 per 2-pound container — cash only.
Small Biz
Own a small business in town? Let us highlight you in our Small Business Week coverage from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. Plus, you can offer a deal, a limited menu item, or host a special event for our readers to enjoy. Join us by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Edu
Need a showstopper for your table that’s edible and incredible? Steven Twiss from George Jenkins High School is your go-to. Twiss won third place in the Edible Centerpiece category at the statewide ProStart Culinary Team Competition. The GJHS team also tied for fifth place overall. (WFLA)
Award
Greg Ruthven, Chairman and CEO of The Ruthvens, received the Soaring Eagle award from Scouting America, the organization behind the Boy Scouts of America. Ruthven was chosen for the award based on his dedication to scouting values + the Lakeland community.
Plan Ahead
Are you ready to rock? The Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market will return for its 10th event at Swan Brewing on Sunday, March 30, 12-6 p.m. Headbang along with bands like Bully for You and The Kutoffs, and shop everything from art to skateboards from dozens of vendors.
Try This
Combine art and cuisine at Plates & Palettes, coming up on Sunday, March 23, 4-7 p.m. at Union Hall. This collaborative event will feature a painting class by Vintful Dream and a three-course meal by Plates On Deck. Pro tip: Upgrade your meal with the VIP experience.
Kids
Young actors, it’s your time to shine — and to register for summer camps at Lakeland Community Theatre. Sign up for the elementary school “Broadway Show Stopper” Camp in June, or the middle + high school “Show in Two Weeks” camp from late July to early August.
Active
Put down the messy powders.HONA Athlete Gummies deliver clean, fast-absorbing performance support to help you go further. Get 50% off for a limited time.*
Category
Today Is
🥧 Grab a slice of Pi Day
No need to be a mathematician to enjoy this heavenly holiday. | Photo by @reececliff.diner
Today is Pi Day and, luckily for you, we have just the place to celebrate: Reececliff Diner.
Pi Day occurs annually on March 14 to celebrate the mathematical constant π (pi), which starts with 3.14 — but let’s skip the math and get straight to the good stuff.
With more than 75 years of operation under its belt, Reececliff is hailed as Lakeland’s longest running restaurant. While the menu covers classics from country fried steak to liver and onions, the pies are often what keep people coming back.
Crafted by the same expert for 50+ years, Reececliff’s pies include a wide variety of flavors, including apple, chocolate cream, and cherry. City Editor Amelia’s personal favorite is the peanut butter pie, whereas Connor’s is coconut cream.
If you still want to get in on the celebration but sweets aren’t your thing, there are plenty of pies in our local pizza guide.
The Buy
The Buy
These best-selling no-show socks. A staple for any sock drawer, this no-show variety pairs well with sneakers, Oxfords, and business shoes.
All this talk of pie has me reminiscing about the old Village Inn that used to be at Lakeside Village. As a college student, I lived for Free Pie Wednesdays where I could get a slice of strawberry-rhubarb on the house. Were you a fan too?
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