Cocoa Village

Cocoa Village has been hailed by many as among the most successful and prosperous downtown redevelopment projects in Florida. At one time, the former hub of the City of Cocoa was the target of wrecking balls that would have destroyed historic buildings and decades of memories. But thanks to vigorous efforts to revive the old city center, the area has been revitalized completely.

Among the many structures spared from demolition was the Cocoa Village Playhouse, which was originally the Italian Renaissance style Aladdin Theatre built in 1924. Restored to its original splendor, today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and once again offers evening performances that draw crowds to the downtown area.

Similarly, the stately 1916 Porcher House was acquired by the city and renovated in 2007. Its ground floor was reopened as a rental venue for special occasions, while the rooms on the second floor are now leased as private offices. Other historic buildings in the village include the 1888 Sur Le Parc building, which is the oldest wooden commercial structure in the area, and the three-story brick Masonic Building built in 1919, also known as the Village Tower.

Riverfront Park and additional public spaces total some 10 acres in Cocoa Village. They provide recreational facilities for residents, such as a playground for children, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, a public fountain, and an elevated boardwalk offering views of the Indian River. Worth of note, the Florida Historical Society and the Library of Florida History are now both headquartered in Cocoa Village.