Jacksonville Architecture

This building had its formal opening on August 26, 1926, at the peak of Jacksonville's construction boom. The intersection of Adams and Laura Streets was at the heart of the city's growth. The Barnett Bank was rising to completion as Florida's tallest building, the twelve-story Carling Hotel had just been completed next door to the Elks Club, and construction of the twelve-story Greenleaf & Crosby Building was about to begin across the street. Designed by architect Roy Benjamin as a mixed-use facility, the Elks' building consists of retail space on the lower floor, while the upper floor is occupied by meeting and banquet rooms for the Elks Club. Founded in 1891, Lodge 221 is the oldest Elks lodge in Florida and has occupied this building continuously since 1926. The architecture reflects the Mediterranean Revival style that was popular in the 1920's. Highlighted by an ornate cast-concrete entrance on the first floor facade with a recessed arcaded gallery above it, the facade of the Elks Club Building contributes a pleasant texture to the ambiance of Laura Street. This is the third Elks lodge on this site. The first was destroyed by the 1901 Fire, and the second was razed in 1925 before construction of the present building.