Downtown Orlando's private members club, The University Club of Orlando is now closed

The University Club of Orlando which has been apart of downtown Orlando since opening in 1926, has closed its doors forever.

What originally started on the 10th floor of the historic Angebilt Hotel in 1926, as a group of college graduates wanting to extend the camaraderie of fraternity life, The University Club of Orlando has become one of the cities oldest organizations.

For nearly 100 years, The University Club of Orlando has been an invitation only, private member club, a popular meeting place for the great and the good of Orlando.

Now in surprising news, the club, which has most recently been located at 150 East Central Blvd Orlando has closed it doors yesterday, Friday, September 15. 2023.

The news was shared by the member-owned, club president, Michael Lane in a message to members.

Lane cited the knock on effects of the club having to close during the Covid-19 pandemic as the main reason for the closure, together with a declining membership.

Lane commented, "Since the building opened, then closed because of Covid restrictions, then reopened, we have struggled to build the membership population we needed to operate. The lack of membership had a direct impact on our financial health and after a

long battle, we do not have the funds to operate."

The University Club moved into its current location at East Central Blvd as part of a deal that saw the club sell its original building at 125 E. Pine Street to a developer.

As part of the deal, they opened the current clubhouse in 2019, including full-service dining room and bar, sports courts, and a gym.

The facility is described in the club's website as a "4-story, world class club is not just a meeting space but a place for personal wellness, 5-star dining and a personal satellite workspace."