Bostwick Building To Be Demolished?

[sheclown]

photos:

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/photo-gallery.aspx?storyid=275853

[sheclown]

The Bostwick building is one step closer to landmark status.  The Historic Planning Commissioners determined that the landmark application was complete and put the matter on November 13th's agenda. 

[jcjohnpaint]

wonderful

[Timkin]

YaY!!!!!

[Tacachale]

Excellent. What else can we do to help?

[Timkin]

Is it possible to safely shore the building and put a temporary roof system on it, so as to prevent further decay or is the interior features completely non savable?

[Ocklawaha]

As this building is VERY HISTORIC and has a great meaning to Jacksonville history, I still hope for a municipal solution. I'd like to see the roof and debris removed, the walls reenforced, and dramatic lighting, seating and perhaps a fountain as the building becomes Bostwick Pocket Park and Historical Site. At night a couple of bright searchlight type beams could play in the sky above the building.

Here are a couple of examples.

Christ Church Greyfriars in London, today it still stands as a burnt out shell a reminder of the German Blitz, commonly known locally as "the bombed- out church", and its churchyard is a public park.





Renderings of the Bethel Church Park planned for Houston, TX.















A similar treatment was used on the burned out remains of the original Jacksonville Terminal which today forms an outside wall to the Prime Osborn's 'courtyard.'






Lastly add a Laser Vision Water Screen and a pirate or two, right in the center of the old building and you'd have a instant evening attraction. It could easily anchor the west end of the Bay Street entertainment districts night life.

[Adam W]

Hey Ock - that top picture is actually Christ Church Greyfriars in London. It's right around the corner from my office.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Church_Greyfriars

I remember the first time I visited the Prime Osborne convention center (probably in 1986) for a computer trade show. I thought it was the coolest place in the world. I met up with a few of my high school friends in the court yard area after getting dropped of by my parents.

[Ocklawaha]

Thanks for the heads-up, I corrected my post.

[thelakelander]

Jacksonville downtown authority urges city to prevent demolition of historic Bostwick Building

The nine-member authority approved a resolution calling on the city to acquire the Bostwick Building if necessary to ensure it’s not torn down.

Board member Don Shea said the city could stabilize the roof and then designate the authority as the agency in charge of finding a user for the long-vacant structure.

“If the DIA shirks away from this, we’re not doing our duty,” Shea said after the meeting. “We can certainly elevate the discussion.”

full article: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-10-30/story/jacksonville-downtown-authority-urges-city-prevent-demolition-historic

[Tacachale]

Awesome news.

[thelakelander]

Several DIA members also mentioned that they didn't want to see the benches, chairs, and tables removed from Hemming.

[sheclown]

Several DIA members also mentioned that they didn't want to see the benches, chairs, and tables removed from Hemming.

Hopefully they will speak up. 

And soon.

[ChriswUfGator]

If the city goes through with this, it will be the first time I have ever seen it act proactively to preserve a historic structure. I think we may finally be turning the corner, what a welcome step.

[Tacachale]

^The city has done similar things before, they bought the Snyder Memorial Church and the Laura Street Trio, and of course they adapted the St. James Building. The Trio is in bad shape, but they wouldn't be there at all if the city hadn't bought them. In fact, that would probably be the thing to do here: buy it, shore it up, and then sell it to someone who can put it to a use and finish the work.