Warehouses of history: Jacksonville then and now

[thelakelander]

Jacksonville's historic warehouses and industrial buildings tell the story of a city shaped by railroads, shipping, manufacturing and commerce. From coffee roasting plants and wholesale grocery warehouses to bottling operations and distribution centers, these buildings once formed the backbone of Jacksonville's working economy. Some continue to serve industrial purposes, while others have been adapted for offices, apartments and small businesses, or simply await their next chapter. Through historic and present-day photographs, this collection explores how these landmarks have changed while preserving visible connections to Jacksonville's industrial past.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/warehouses-of-history-jacksonville-then-and-now/

[Charles Hunter]

More good history!

[Jax_Developer]

Lake, sorry if you already did an article on this, but do you have any links to the history of 155 East 21st Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206?

It was the old HQ of Florida Rock. Only reason I bring this up, is because they had a 6-story office tower there.. which just seems so odd. Of course, all demolished as of 2018.

[thelakelander]

Here's a super old photo tour of Brentwood from the Metro Jacksonville days. The old headquarters was still standing back then:



https://archive.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-apr-urban-neighborhoods-brentwood

[Jax_Developer]

Wow, thank you! In my opinion, the most oddly unique building that used to be in Jacksonville.

Is the photo tour a separate link in that page? Tried clicking on it but got a 404 error. Perhaps it was lost during the archive?

[jaxlongtimer]

I have a faded memory that this building or one near it was used by Volkswagen at one time. Ennis, can you shed light on that.  Am I imagining things?  Thanks.

[jaxlongtimer]

Yep, my faded memory was right! Here is the building in its original form when it was built as the regional office for Volkswagen of America.  Great example of mid-century modern.  Another great building demolished in Jax to become just a dirt lot.

[thelakelander]

Wow, thank you! In my opinion, the most oddly unique building that used to be in Jacksonville.

Is the photo tour a separate link in that page? Tried clicking on it but got a 404 error. Perhaps it was lost during the archive?

Weird. The link works for me. Is anyone else having this issue?

Its time for an updated version, so I'll put this article/photo tour on the list.

[thelakelander]

Yep, my faded memory was right! Here is the building in its original form when it was built as the regional office for Volkswagen of America.  Great example of mid-century modern.  Another great building demolished in Jax to become just a dirt lot.

Yes, it was originally built for Volkswagen. That area was economically sound back during that era. Like the old Brewster Hospital, the building was demolished without much of a public fight from local preservationist. It was sad to see it gone. The dirt lot looks pretty bad today.

[Jax_Developer]

Possibly just me - the link itself worked but could not click anything beyond that.

I did some digging & wow.. there is a lot here. It was built for Brundage Motors of Jacksonville (regional distributor of VW at the time). VW quickly absorbed Brundage Motors because of the death of Mr. Brundage in 1965... the building commenced in 1963. Yes, the same man who created the Brumos... They had moved the HQ from Miami to Jacksonville just recently. 

Another crazy bit of history here is that Mr. Haskell was the project manager for this building. William Morgan was the owner's rep.