1011 Peninsular Place
Built in 1917, it overlooked Riverside Park before construction of the I-95/I-10 interchange isolated the building, which has a neo-classical portico supported by colossal Doric columns. Vacant since 1960, the building has been threatened by demolition many times even though it has been declared a historic landmark. Owned by a private foundation, most recent plans were to build senior housing on the site but retain the building's facade.
915 W. Monroe St.
Built in 1885, it was the first hospital and nursing school for blacks in Jacksonville. Severely deteriorated, it is now owned by the city, which has allocated $1.2 million in local funds for its restoration. Additional funds are being sought from the state for the project.
424 N. Hogan St.
Built in 1923-24 and designed by Henrietta Dozier, this was the first structure built for the Federal Reserve Bank in Jacksonville. Its exterior has remained virtually unchanged, but much of it is hidden by the Skyway Express. Privately owned.
347 Riverside Ave.
Built in 1910 to house "two pieces of apparatus, five horses and 14 men." Still operating 97 years later but threatened by surrounding development. City recently sold the property to Fidelity National Financial, a neighbor, but the city retained the right to move the structure off the property before Fidelity has it demolished. City is researching cost of move, new location and new public use for the structure. Area will be provided fire and rescue service from a new station yet to be built on Forest Street.
218 W. Church St.
Built in 1924-25, this was the last downtown office building designed by Henry Klutho. It was the first building of its kind in the nation for a state Baptist organization. Privately owned.
Wambolt Street at the St. Johns River
The Ford Motor Company's assembly plant is best viewed while riding westward over the Mathews Bridge and looking down to the right near the end of the bridge. Built in 1924, it is situated on a long quay that protrudes out into the river and is supported by 8,000 piles. This is one of over 1,000 buildings designed for Henry Ford by Albert Kahn, an internationally recognized industrial architect. Among the building's most striking features are its enormous skylight panels, which extend several hundred feet in length and provide natural lighting and heat to the interior. Also, the sides of the building are made largely of glass. The Ford Motor Company occupied this site until the late 1960's, and it is in deteriorated condition. Private ownership.
Southbank
Designed by architect Taylor Hardwick and built in 1964 by the old city government, the fountain in the park became the symbol for the Bold New City of the South, as Jacksonville was called after the birth of its consolidated government in 1968. It is frequently shown when events such as football games are nationally televised. But the fountain is in need of repair and its riverfront location is tempting to developers should the city decide to sell. There are no current plans to either repair the fountain or demolish it, but there could be development around the fountain that the city said would complement the fountain.
4517 Irving Road
Built in 1880, it is the oldest surviving tourist-related building in Duval County.
Although it is privately owned, it is available for acquisition and restoration. The city has been in discussions with the Jacksonville Historical Society about possibly moving the building across the St. Johns River to the Reddie Point area of Arlington for some sort of historical or maritime use.
101 E. Bay St.
Built in 1902, this structure is a classic example of early 20th-century bank architecture. Privately owned, the vacant building has its windows boarded and painted as if a giant jaguar were inside. It is threatened because of structural deterioration.
122 N. Ocean St.
Built in 1964, the society said the building, which the city recently sold to a private developer, is among the best examples of eclectic 1960s architecture. It was designed by architect Taylor Hardwick. While the new owner plans a mixed-use project, it is uncertain if the design features of the building will survive the redevelopment.
Corner
of Laura and Foryth Streets
The Bisbee Building (right), designed by architect H.J. Klutho, was Florida's first skyscraper in 1908. The Florida Life Building (left) was also designed by Klutho 3 years later, and is one of the most elegant skyscrapers in the South. The two Klutho high-rise office building frame the classical "Marble Bank," making this one of the most unique architectural groupings in Florida. In 2002 the City of Jacksonville purchased both the Florida Life and Bisbee buildings, as well as the “Marble Bank”. All three buildings are in deplorable condion. The three buildings known as "The Laura Street Trio" have passed into private hands, and preservationists are hopeful that these important buildings will be restored.
The Bisbee Building (right), designed by architect H.J. Klutho, was Florida's first skyscraper in 1908. The Florida Life Building (left) was also designed by Klutho 3 years later, and is one of the most elegant skyscrapers in the South. The two Klutho high-rise office building frame the classical "Marble Bank," making this one of the most unique architectural groupings in Florida. In 2002 the City of Jacksonville purchased both the Florida Life and Bisbee buildings, as well as the “Marble Bank”. All three buildings are in deplorable condion. The three buildings known as "The Laura Street Trio" have passed into private hands, and preservationists are hopeful that these important buildings will be restored.
580 Lawton Ave.
Built in 1916 as the Panama Park School, it was one of architect Henry Klutho's last great Prairie-style designs. The building is highlighted by two central towers surmounted by terra cotta eagles. They have been covered in plastic as the towers were leaking rain. The school will be vacant after the 2007-08 school year as Culver merges with North Shore in a new building. The School Board is working with a preservation consultant and the community on a plan to preserve and protect the building for a suitable reuse.
400 N. Hogan St.
Built in 1902-03, this was Jacksonville's oldest social club for men and the seventh oldest in the United States. Teddy Roosevelt made a campaign speech from the front porch. The privately owned, vacant building is across from Hemming Plaza, City Hall and the new U.S. Federal Courthouse.
311 W. Monroe St.
Built in 1932-33, much of the interior of the building retains its original Art Deco ornamentation.
Owned by the city, the building is being renovated for use by the State Attorney's Office as part of the new county courthouse complex.
