From Main Street Apopka
In a significant move blending heritage preservation with entrepreneurial vision, the Rowley Family Enterprises has officially acquired the historic Apopka Seaboard Airline Railway Station, located at 36 East Station Street, from longtime steward Matt Jordan. This transition marks a new chapter for the beloved local landmark, with plans to restore the station into a vibrant hub for community engagement and small business innovation.
Related: Main Street Apopka opens a part-time executive assistant role as the organization expands its leadership team.
The Jordan family has deep roots in Apopka, with a legacy spanning generations. Matt Jordan, an Apopka native, has been instrumental in preserving the historical assets. His family's commitment to the community is evident through their involvement in local organizations and dedication to maintaining the city's rich heritage.
Reflecting on the transition, Jordan shared, “This station has been a part of Apopka’s story for over a century, and it's been an honor to be its caretaker. I’m incredibly proud to pass the torch to the Rowley family. Their passion for community and vision for creating a space that supports local entrepreneurs and brings people together is exactly what Apopka needs. I’m excited to see how they bring new life to this historic site.”
The Rowley family has called Apopka home for over 26 years, deeply embedding themselves in the life and spirit of the community. Their newest venture, True Coffee, located next door to the Seaboard Station, is a specialty coffee shop quickly becoming a local favorite. Their decision to invest in Station Street reflects not just a love for great coffee and community spaces, but a long-standing dedication to the growth and enrichment of their hometown.
In addition to their business ventures, the Rowley family leads Truth Church of Apopka, located at 8125 Gilliam Road. Established in 1992, the church has been a spiritual home for many in the community, emphasizing faith, fellowship, and service. Their leadership at Truth Church reflects their deep commitment to fostering community connections and supporting local residents.
The Rowleys envision transforming the historic station into a multi-functional space that honors its past while serving contemporary needs. Plans include restoring the building's architectural integrity and repurposing it as a small business collective, mercantile, and event space.
Spencer Rowley, co-owner of True Coffee and a partner in the family enterprise, shared, “We’ve spent more than two decades in Apopka, pouring into this community and (Apopka) means everything to us. We believe in the future of this town and want to be part of building a beautiful, walkable downtown. Restoring the Seaboard Station is not just about saving a building—it’s about honoring the past and creating space for Apopka’s next chapter.”
Main Street Apopka, a nonprofit revitalization organization, has played a key role in guiding the Rowley family through the preservation and visioning process. With its expertise in historic preservation, grant writing, and architectural design support, Main Street Apopka has helped ensure that the Rowleys’ plans honor the station’s heritage while aligning with broader goals for downtown revitalization and economic growth.
President of Main Street Apopka Caitlin Kasheta expressed excitement for the collaboration: “The Seaboard Station is one of the crown jewels of Apopka’s historic assets, and we are thrilled to be part of its next chapter. Rowley's energy, respect for history, and bold vision for this space align perfectly with our mission, and it’s a joy to help guide this process.”
Both the Rowleys and Main Street Apopka encourage the community to share in their excitement while being patient for transformation. The restoration process will be long and tedious, including intense architectural planning, federal grant seeking, and delicate contractor selection. In the meantime, True Coffee is open weekly, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., where all are welcome to meet the Rowleys and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
True Coffee is also hosting a “Christmas In July” event on July 18th from 6pm-9pm.
Main Street Apopka is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Apopka's historic downtown. Through initiatives like facade improvements, community events, and business support services, the organization strives to create a vibrant and economically sustainable downtown district.
