Casa Feliz was saved, relocated, and restored with a combination of private funds and a state grant.

When the property was first threatened in 2000, a “friends” group formed to raise funds. Thanks to endangered eagles nesting next door to the property, there was time to “battle plan” and fundraise while waiting for the baby eagles to fledge.

Time and local passion were on the side of the preservationists as they insisted that the house could be moved and successfully operated. Money was raised through direct solicitation, tee shirt, hat, card and brick sales (bricks with a Casa Feliz plaque).

The money raised was used as a match to request a Special Category grant from the state Division of Historical Resources. The son of the original architect, Jack Rogers, offered his services for free to coordinate the restoration and also sought donated engineering and other services.

A local contractor, Frank Roark, donated his services for the project. As almost always happens, the restoration cost more than initially thought, so private fundraising continued along with an awareness campaign and celebrations for the move and initial restoration. The City of Winter Park contributed unused land adjoining the golf course as a new site for the hourse.

The city paid legal fees and some costs associated with halting demolition and coordinating road closures for the move of the house.

Continuing costs are covered through rental fees for social events. Weddings are very popular at Casa Feliz. Private fundraising continues, with a goal of increasing public access to the house.