UCF undergraduate history student Jayden Ocasio Caba was introduced to laser scanning while taking Dr. Jessica Robkin’s Laser Scanning America’s Past course. After completing the class, he sought an opportunity to apply its lessons to a real-world project.
In the spring of 2025, Jayden reached out to Dr. Robkin about potential scanning projects in the area. The Altamonte Chapel in Altamonte Springs was suggested due to its significance to Seminole County heritage and structural issues its bell tower was facing. At the time, the bell was in poor condition and urgently needed repairs. Without intervention, it risked further damaging the structure and compromising the original woodwork inside. It was temporarily removed, restored, and returned in May 2025.
The Altamonte Chapel is historically significant as one of the oldest structures in Seminole County, having recently celebrated its 140th anniversary. Completed in 1885, it was initially located near Lake Brantley as the Lake Brantley Union Church. Its Carpenter Gothic style reflects the New England roots of area settlers. In 1906, the chapel was relocated to Altamonte Springs just west of the current City of Altamonte Springs Municipal Complex, where it hosted weddings and seasonal sermons. In 1969, it was moved to its present location slightly east of that location.
In November 2025, Jayden worked with Drs. Robkin and Walters to scan the exterior of the chapel with the Leica RTC 360. While it appears to be a smaller structure, 35 scans were captured. The interior of the structure will be scanned with the Leica RTC 360 and BLK 360. A complete project page will be added to the ChronoPoints website once additional research and the interior scans are conducted.